By JESSE GRAHAM
WITH the leaves changing colour and falling from their perches, the temperature begins to drop as autumn gathers pace and it becomes the perfect time to heat up the old-fashioned way – with a coffee.
Whether a fan of a straight-up espresso, a creamy cappuccino or a smooth latte, there are numerous cafes dotted along the main streets of local leafy suburbs which are ready to supply a caffeine hit.
While noted for its prowess in winemaking, the Yarra Ranges also provides a respectable trade in coffee with numerous local café blends and local coffee and tea companies.
Clara, the barista at Healesville’s Harvest Café, shared her tips when it comes to making a perfect cup of coffee.
She said that a great coffee blend, good extraction and perfectly textured milk all help when making a tasty drink.
She said that, in her 10 years of experience, she has found that coffee consumption is varied around the area – however, she noted that lattes always seem to be the most popular.
Clara remarked that, for those who can handle the taste, a shot of espresso is a great morning pick-me-up, while creamy coffees, such as lattes, are better for an afternoon wind-down.
With the great variance in cafes, coffee blends and sizes across the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs, price can differ greatly for a cup of coffee.
Prices generally range from $3-$4 for a regular cup, and about $1 extra for a mug and 50 cents extra for soy milk or a double shot, though each individual shop will have its own prices.
While price isn’t always indicative of quality, there aren’t many places to go wrong when it comes to a great coffee in the area, and there’s no better way of finding a café to suit a person’s individual style than adventuring by foot through the towns.
And the view of the falling, auburn-coloured leaves are just a bonus.
