Espresso & Matcha's Epicurean Quest - Melbourne Industry Beans Fitzroy

Ventured out to Fitzroy for breakfast, the trip was brief but the weather was pristine. Adam was really keen to eat at Industry Beans, and I gladly tagged along. The venue was quite large and seating was abundant. It was decked out with wooden palates to give it a very industrial wooden vibe.

As you would expect from a coffee specialty cafe, the drinks menu was by far more detailed and extensive than the food menu. It didn't take long for us to decide, and he made an order at the counter.

He had the cold brew whereas I had the gold mesh.

His cold brew of the day was an Ethiopian Blend called Wolichu Wachu. Cool and refreshing, it had the fruity tartness of guava, sweetness of cola and tang of lime. We both enjoyed it but found the price to be steep given that there was more ice than coffee in such a short glass.

Wanting something new, I tried another Ethiopian Blend, the Wonberta processed via Gold Mesh. In comparing with other forms of filtered coffee, the gold mesh is chemically neutral doesn't react with the coffee through means of oxidisation, which ensures that the flavour of coffee is uncompromised, pretty neat if you ask me. This blend was more floral than fruity, with hints of blueberry, cola and rosewater, and I really enjoyed it.

Food wise, he couldn't resist sweets for breakfast and had the cinnamon dusted brioche with tonka bean ice cream, maple roasted peanuts, blackberry coulis, manuka sherbet and coffee caviar. The two pieces of cinnamon brioche were definitely sweet and almost cake like in texture. Mixed with ice cream and manuka sherbet it was dessert on a plate and he really enjoyed it.

It was predictable, but I went for the eggs and relish served with sourdough, with my default additions of salmon and avocado. Eggs were cooked well and sourdough was nicely toasted. Salmon was cured and a nice change from the standard smoked and I would have liked a few more pieces. The avocado could have been a little softer though.

Not wanting to leave before trying the IB Bubble cup with cold brew, consoy, and coffee soaked tapioca pearls, Adam had it to takeaway. With its soy and tapioca elements, it reminded me almost of coconut sago desserts on caffeine. Tapioca was far softer and less chewier than bubble tea, and it was a nice change from the usual.

Price Range: $20 - $30pp

Taste: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Environment: 8/10