PURE Boutique Coffee-Bar – Glenelg, SA

Cnr Jetty Road & Durham Street, Glenelg, SA, 5045

This place has the potential to one day be printing money for its owner.  It is the ultimate expression of the burgeoning speciality coffee industry in South Australia, located in what is arguably the city’s premiere tourist strip, one street back from Moseley Square and the beach, in partnership with three of the best coffee roasters in the land – yet, on my first visit I was left with a nasty taste in my mouth (literally).

I ventured in on my wife’s birthday (with her blessing) and I said to her , “I would be – no longer than 30 minutes MAX” – and then would catch up with her.  I went in, and there was one couple ahead of me waiting for service.  We waited (there was four people behind the counter – one of whom was the barista – although it was not 100% clear who that was either) – and looked around at the dark decor, and read all the wonderful coffee ideals on the wall – and we waited – I checked in to Foursquare.  Eventually the couple in front of me were served – while a couple who were already seated approached the counter, and embarrassingly asked whether their order had been forgotten…I had a sinking feeling.  Finally it was my turn for service and I ordered my standard – a Latte and a Ristretto (always interesting to see what order they come in) – and waited to be asked what beans I would like (assuming that this would happen as they promote their various suppliers on their wall) – but nothing. Hmmmm.

Took a seat – and waited.  According to my check in, it was 20 mins until my Ristretto and Latte arrived – together.  I proceeded to ask what the beans were and where they from – and I was told they were 5 Senses from Perth.  I clarified my question, and was told that he thought they were from Costa Rica.  My sinking feeling continued…but now to the review.

Squisito italia Caffe Bar & Ristorante – Glenelg, SA

1 Moseley Square, Glenelg, SA, 5045

Located on the ground floor of the Town Hall Building, whilst also spilling out onto the boardwalk, Squisito has one of Adelaide’s most envious locales for wining, dining and lattéing (new word – go with it!).  After a morning in the car, we ended up there having heard so much about their Gluten Free Pizza – and with my mother-in-law having traveled from overseas to try one – there was no stopping us (although Glenelg parking did its best).  From what she said, Squisito make Australia’s (if not the world’s – as she did try one in Finland…) best Gluten Free Pizzas’ with a particular recommendation for the Sweet Chilli Chicken variety.  She also made particular mention of their Gluten/Dairy Free Soy Hot Chocolate.  Ambiance is wonderful, with unimpeded views of the jetty and azure blue of the gulf, and while the table service was not great – although this did improve greatly when a second hostess assumed duties (I assume from her happy attitude, that she was an owner) it is still worth a look.  But now for the all important coffee review:

Latte Quality – Bad – the coffee was burnt and basically undrinkable.  And while I was not in the mood to send it back, when the second hostess asked why the coffee wasn’t finished and was told, she happily refunded our money.

Cost – $4:00 for a regular, so a little pricey.

Coffee Supplier – Lavazza Coffee

Fair Trade – No indication in store, nor is there any mention by Lavazza on their website.

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat – During the week (not school holidays) definitely, particularly outside meal times – although lunch time today was quiet.
• Deep and Meaningful – again, Yes – see above – both inside and out – although in warmer weather the crowds, and therefore the noise levels are larger.
• Study and Reflection – no – too many noise/visual distractions – although there was wireless internet available if not there, then nearby.

Gloria Jean’s Coffee – Glenelg, SA

63 Jetty Road, Glenelg, SA, 5045

Yes – I know – another Gloria Jean’s – but I tell you, the quality of the coffee in these franchise places is largely dependent on the skills of the barista. Anyway, I was in the area for a retreat day, and not knowing what else was around, I stuck with what I knew (or so I thought).

Latte Quality – Passable – very little foam to speak of, which meant no ‘hang time’ on the sugar.  The coffee was exceeding hot though, which overall made for a less than satisfactory experience.

Cost – average to high –  $3.75

Coffee Supplier – Gloria Jean’s have their own brand.

Fair Trade – No although some variants have the ‘Rainforest Alliance’ tag on them.

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat – not really – a very busy store on a major thoroughfare.
• Deep and Meaningful – not really – I was there at lunch time, so it may be better during the quieter times – if such a store has them.
• Study and Reflection – Probably – if you are able to get a table, and tune out the noise probably not a bad place.  I do not think it has internet access – there was a guy there with his laptop, and he was using his mobile phone as a modem, so that would indicate a No.