Caffeine Hit: Twenty Three Cafe

Twenty Three Cafe on Mt Eden Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland. Photo / Steven McNicholl

At 23 Mt Eden Rd is the aptly named Twenty Three Cafe, from the same people who introduced The Corner Store next door.

It's a nice place to be, warm and modern with a hint of psychedelic thrown in with the bright lime barstools and pastel teapots on display (I find the environment always helps you appreciate the coffee more).

As per my new custom, I ordered a flat white and an espresso to get a full profile of what is going on in the coffee and as a measure of the barista's technique.

I have been impressed to see the detail in milk texturing presented in flat whites of late. We now understand the importance of smooth, velvety, well-textured milk in the bonding with espresso to provide us a harmonious, enjoyable cup.

This flat white was great, at a perfect temperature. The cup presented mild notes of dark chocolate subtly notable through the milk and a hint of pepper-spice through the palate, completed with a nutty, malt-like finish. The espresso offered similar notes through the consistent crema of this well-poured shot. A noticeable addition was a blackberry aroma that lingered in the mouth. Twenty Three provides a great coffee experience in very cool surroundings.

Twenty Three, 23 Mt Eden Road, ph (09) 354 4505, open Sat-Sun 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri 7am-5pm.

* Hans Pronk is a top Auckland barista who owns ME Coffee Boutique in Albert St and roasting company Merito Espresso.