Food- Espresso 3121

Espresso 3121

Walnut Street. Richmond

What is it with cafes being hard to find? I’m a big fan of guessing games, but it appears the new trend is placing cafes in the most peculiar of side streets known to mankind.

I did drive past this one. Twice. Arrrgh.

Espresso 3121 stands alone in this oh-so cutely named street amongst the hustle and bustle of Richmond’s business precinct (off Church Street). Upon approach you might see several bicycles parked outside and understand that not only does this café attract the loyal businessmen and women of Melbourne but those on the run including athletes who need their coffee fix.

From the outside this place looks pretty simple; there is an illuminated light box detailing the postcode name extending from the ‘brick box’ that this building is.

Inside is a big modern space with a large white share table that has been stencilled with the postcode and other symbols. Sitting here you can see all that goes on in the kitchen and watch the barista at work. Staff are prompt and friendly.

There is a large blackboard positioned on the sidewall, which proclaims the ‘lore of espresso coffee’. Basically the crew at Espresso 3121 are trying to educate their customers on the obsession that is the ‘café society.’ Fortnightly they post new lectures pertaining to coffee. On this occasion they were teaching/preaching about milk.

Sidenote: I love milk. I love it on its own and I drink it regularly. Hence I love that they love it as much as me.

What did I learn? Milk has naturally occurring sugars which when overheated are burnt out. So don’t order an extra hot coffee. It is useless; an insult to the coffee Gods and you will most definitely anger the barista.

Ps: Don’t order skinny milk and put sugar in your coffee. Hypercritical? Think about it.

Food wise Espresso 3121 does not serve eggs, which will disappoint some but for others is a rare opportunity to branch out and try new things. I went with a more safe option on this day, but the old favourite of avocado on rye with sea salt and cracked pepper has never seemed to disappoint. This was followed by a bit more excitement with an apple and rhubarb crumble muffin. God muffins are good, and this place is no exception.

Sometimes things are hidden for a reason, and Espresso 3121 is worth the hunt.

Date rate: on business hours
Coffee cure: no complaints
Hangover happy- no eggs. Boo.
Price- doesn’t hurt the wallet