THE VERTUE OF THE COFFEE DRINK
We all know coffee is a virtuous drink, obviously. We caught up with brand-new MICE2019 exhibitor, Mike Cracknell from Vertue Coffee Roasters, to talk coffee food pairings and why Melbourne is the perfect place for Australia’s coffee expo:
Q: How did Vertue first start out?
A: Vertue Coffee Roasters as an idea started to form in 2012. We signed the lease in Carlton, started to plan and formulate ideas. We then had the opportunity to take another adjoining site, to make our space a little bigger & more inviting! The build and a couple of issues took a little while to work through, and we eventually opened as a cafe, roastery, & kitchen in February 2015.
Since those days we’ve grown each area of our business, now supplying our signature blends to a number of cafes around Melbourne and interstate, exploring several more related business opportunities along the way. We focus on ensuring that both our wholesale partner businesses are pushing forward, as well as making sure our own cafes and businesses are consistently busy.
Q: Single or double shot, white or black coffee?
A: It depends! I enjoy coffee in lots of different forms, depending on how I feel, time of day, and how I’m drinking it. Usually it’ll be a 3/4 flat white, a batch brew, or a pourover. No way is the best way, it’s whatever you prefer to drink…
Q: Best food pairing with coffee?
A: Again, depends on the coffee. Anything from a sweet waffle dish, to a beef short rib, or simple dark chocolate will go well with coffee.
Q: Which city makes the best coffee in the world?
A: Melbourne! I think Australia as a whole, but particularly Melbourne is leading the charge in terms of coffee exploration, and what can be achieved in all facets; from behind the machine, the roaster, or exploring processing and varietals at origin.
Q: Favourite holiday destination when not busy with Roasting?
A: Perhaps somewhere warmer during the winter months, but personally I always have a soft spot for Paris.
Don’t miss Vertue Coffee Roasters at MICE2019 – they’ll be in Roasters Alley! Early bird tickets are now on sale so grab yours today to save.
