If you love a good coffee as much as we do, you’ll know how important it is to get the good stuff even when you’re away from home. Check out our top 4 spots for when we’re cruising regional South Australia.
MAHALIA COFFEE, ROBE
Mahalia Layzell is a pioneer who sets the benchmark for locally roasted coffee. She and her husband Paul had a history operating fine restaurants in Melbourne before launching Mahalia Coffee at their premises at Robe, in South Australia’s south east.
Described as “a perfectionist epicurean roaster”, Mahalia Coffee is made by the profile roasting method. This intricate and detailed approach accentuates each type of bean’s taste characteristics.
With no room for compromise, their coffee has nothing artificial added, beans are chosen on flavour, not price and are sourced ethically from around the globe, including from Australian growers.
While Mahalia Coffee is a cult favourite around Australia, their Robe café is a ‘must visit’ for freshly-made espresso coffee and beautiful food that’s made with the same tender-loving care and skill as their beans.
DAWN PATROL COFFEE, KANGARILLA
Dom Ossa, Saffy Ossa and friend and collaborator Adam Darrie began a hair salon and café before noticing a lack of micro coffee roasters in Adelaide.
You can enjoy their brew at their SAD Café located in Ebenezer Place, Adelaide or head to the McLaren Vale where Dawn Patrol Coffee is served with coffee-friendly food at their rustic, picturesque cafe at their roaster located in Kangarilla. There you can talk to the roasters and do tastings of different beans, in the same manner as a wine tasting. So, why not plan a day of wine and coffee tasting?
BAROSSA COFFEE ROASTERS, SEPPELTSFIELD
Continuing the theme of wine and coffee, Paul and Janelle Amos planted a vineyard and before launching their wine label, started roasting coffee in very small batches.
Their coffee story began with their love of freshly roasted beans. Not finding a supplier in the Barossa, they purchased a roaster, converted a shed and began offering their beans through the Barossa Farmers Market.
In a short period, Barossa Coffee Roasters received remarkable recognition. Their success is attributed to an obsession for great produce, the attraction of the Barossa lifestyle, as well as a growing preference for locally-made food and drink that’s created using sustainable practices.
Next time you want to explore the lovely Barossa make time to meet Paul and Janelle on a Saturday morning at the Barossa Farmers Market. Taste their seasonal single origin coffee and ask them how you make the perfect cup.
RED CACAO, STIRLING
30 minutes out of Adelaide as you make your way to the Fleurieu Peninsula, nestled in the Adelaide Hills, lies the picturesque township of Stirling. Tucked behind the main street is a delight to the taste buds created by Marcus Booth-Remmers and his German partner Yvi.
Their passion is to present a delightful chocolate and coffee experience that draws on their training in Europe and a focus on single origin chocolate and coffee.
Red Cacao is first and foremost a chocolatier, making boutique, artisan chocolate on premises. A range of single origin coffee is sourced from local roasters to complement the exquisite flavours of their high quality produce.
The presentation is top-notch, the service excellent, their prices modest for what you get and the flavours worthy of your attention.
Food and Wine