St. Ali and the rise of Melbourne Coffee

What’s in a coffee?

As mere mortals when it comes to the fine art of coffee appreciation, a skill possessed only by the finest aficionados, its very easy to get caught in a trap when it comes to judging your cup. For a start, a latte (an italian word meaning with milk) is the poorest way to truly judge the coffee component of any modern day concoction. To truly appreciate the essence of any coffee, to taste the oils released from the coffee bean upon extraction and to compare the palette of a brew with known flavours of for example, caramel and chocolate, an Espresso (short black) is the way to go.  

The Extraction process is in fact very technical; in this sense it can be almost admired that the best coffee houses spend upwards of $20k on real coffee machines. Welcome: St. Ali. This specialty coffee house was the first of it’s kind in Melbourne and is best known in fact outside of its primary location with the majority of its roasted beans making their way to a number of boutique locations around melbourne. 

Their mission statement is quite simple:

“Way back in the early 15th Century, our friend St. Ali introduced coffee beans to Muslim mystics. These magical men of the Middle East praised the beans as a God-like substance for its helpful stimulation during long prayer ceremonies.

Today most people use it to get work done. Possibly as a reason to crawl out of bed. Either way, it’s our homage to the man who popularized coffee, and the reason we devote our lives to it today.”

It’s infact due to the Slayer Coffee machine that St. Ali and other specialty cafés such as Proud Mary, Sensory Lab and Liar Liar owe all their success. The Slayer Espresso machine has fastly become one of the industrys biggest attractions. It takes espresso to another level by enabling the barista to extract specific flavour profiles out of single orgin beans.

In short, to best experience what is more than just your daily cup of joe, head down to any specialty cafe or better yet, St. Ali where it all began. 

A Selection of Single Origin Brews to get your blood rushing…

Brazil - Ipanema Gourmet - $15/250g
Region: Minas Gerais 
Profile: This full natural, dried on african beds, coffee is low acid but high in brown sugar sweetness with notes of candied peanuts and vanilla, great for espresso.

Nicaragua - La Bendicion; Cup of Excellence Lot #13 - $24/250g
Region: Las Manos (1250m ASL)
Variety: Maragogype
Profile: Crisp green-apple acidity with a clean mouthfeel finishing with juicy peaches. This fully washed coffee is great for filter with its delicate sweetness and flavour.

Honduras - Pino de Oro; Cup of Excellence Lot #3 - $26/250g
Region: Santa Barbara (1550m ASL)
Variety: Catuai
Profile: Rich peach, cherry and mango aromas give way to a sweet deep black cherry flour with a cleansing lime finish. A decadent fully washed coffee that will linger on the palate, with a juicy yet creamy body.

Photo Credit: myachinghead @ flickr  

Pets Men Should Never Own.

There are certain things men should and shouldn’t do. Part of the stereotype which is attributed to males bestows upon them a duty of care to those loved ones around them. Men are allowed to pamper their women, they are allowed to look after their sisters and mothers, and to an extent, they can look after certain pets as well. There are however some pets men should never own, because if women see these creatures lurking around a man’s apartment…alarm bells will start ringing and she will be out of there sooner than you can say; “Why are you leaving, did my gerbil freak you out?”

Number 1: Gerbils.

If a man owns a pet gerbil, or any other rodents of the same family, this man is seeking a solemn refuge in his tiny, hairy friends and must not be disturbed. Not only are rodents used in sadomasochistic sexual acts, the smell that surrounds them is quite concerning and the mere fact that you have mice in your home should cause you to reevaluate your life goals. 

Number 2: Snakes.

Where on earth do you buy snakes anyway? People who own them are very rare, and usually owners of larger ones live in the outer-suburbs, as only certain snakes are allowed in the inner-city suburbs. Unless you are an adrenaline junkie, get thrills from watching your pet python eating your roommates gerbils for breakfast and you know how to handle them without being bitten, then by all means, have a tamed anaconda lying around in your living room. I’m sure the ladies won’t mind either…

Number 3: Sphynx Cats.

Sphynx Cats, aka the Canadian Hairless Cat, are the creepiest looking pets on the planet. There is absolutely no need to have this animal lurking around your humble abode. Who honestly likes the feeling of rough skin on an animal that is meant to be soft and cuddly instead? This alternative is for the ultimate cat lover, only. And most men wouldn’t dare find themselves in that category. 

In Short

Pets can be a great way to start topical conversation with people and provide a great source of entertainment and companionship. Entertainment can be a deciding factor however when purchasing the aforementioned pets, but the trade off results in having hardly any friends as a result - or a group of friends in particular that would rather spend their weekends at the circus. 

Photo credit: ErikTjernlund, Reuters

Gentlemanly Accessories.

One thing men need to note - and not take for granted - is the effect their accessories have on the people around them.

If you consider yourself a male who only focuses on making sure they smell a bit better than the guy next to them on the tram, and their hair looks like it is a nice mixture of sea water, sweat and fudge - then this article, and more importantly, this website will benefit you more than you think. Take some of our advice and the next time you are seen out in public, people will give you that second glance you have long deserved.

Step 1: Wallet

The word wallet usually refers to the leather thing that encases your money and your important cards - identification, beer coupons and a scrap piece of paper with a number from last saturday. 

Most men neglect the essence of carrying something of value, something that can separate you from the pack. Women do not understand the necessity of a wallet…they don’t own wallets, they own purses.

Unless you are a very important man - or if you like to think you are - then you would usually find yourself carrying a normal, mid-size wallet. You do not want your wallet to look like this:

So make sure you throw out your unnecessary receipts and only keep your vitals.

A hip, modern alternative could be:

To stand out even more, try something chic and elegant…try a card holder.

Step 2: Watch

A good watch is as important as a man’s cologne. If you are a hard working guy who likes to look after himself, and his women as well, then why not spoil yourself with a bit of bling (courtesy of Lil Wayne) on your wrists?

We are not going to explain why some watches cost thousands more than others, we are merely encouraging you to adopt a new look for yourself - plus most of our readers couldn’t dare afford some of the ludicrous watches on the market. Maybe we’ll comment on them in a future post: “10 Luxury watches you must try and own before you are 90.” But for now, we must stay true to the fact that people want to look good, and they want to be cheap. The internet has allowed us to be stingy in this regard, because so many good deals can be found online. 

Watches allow our friends, and in particular those of female genitalia, to admire and take note of our personality. Watches can be compared to cars - cars say a lot about who you are as a person, and so do watches. 

Step 3: Sunglasses

Many of us can relate to the days when the melbourne sun beams down gracefully on our skin. Some may think it’s an opportunity to flaunt their prior months slaving away in the gym, however it merely allows all walks of life to put on those magical tools that blocks the suns harmful rays and protects our vulnerable retinas. The sun coming out to play is a rarity in itself, but it does provide for some playful humiliation of unmorally judging those who are not aware of how idiotic their sunglasses make them look.

Tip: If unsure of what to purchase next season, and you are afraid of public scrutiny and possible humiliation, be sure to stick to the classic styles such as aviators, wayfarers, teashades (aka john lennon glasses) or the flip ups (popularized by David Wayne).

Step 4: Jewellery

Men may think that wearing jewelry may degrade their masculinity, but as time goes on and as males are becoming more acute with their feminine side (something we all try to hide), it is becoming more and more popular to accessorize for the occasion and add some bling when necessary. Be it during a casual lunch with a female friend, or at an important birthday party, nothing is wrong with wearing a few manly leather straps or even some butch rings to catch the eye of some sexy onlookers. Once again, it is important to dress for the occasion and not go over the top with this accessory, as it is highly inappropriate to be dripping in dog chains and beaded bracelets at a job interview or if you decide to crash a funeral.

Be cautious and be imaginative – the combinations and overall ‘look’ you can create is entirely up to you!

In Short

Accessories are something men are constantly experimenting with. Men find it difficult to step out of their comfort zone, especially when it comes to doing something different to try and impress women as a result. Accessorising shouldn’t be a chore nor a hassle - it should be part of the daily routine. It should become customary that men wake up in the morning, brush their teeth, comb their hair and then turn to their bedside tables where their tools of seduction should await them…

Image Sources: Mr Porter

Ne-Yo: Raising the Bar in Artistry.

Few people will know that Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. (stage name Ne-Yo) actually began as a songwriter; and quite the successful one at that. Writing chart topping tracks such as “Let Me Love You” for singer Mario, Rihanna’s “Unfaithful”, her number-one hit “Take a Bow”, Mario Vazquez’s “Gallery”, and Beyoncé Knowles’ Billboard Hot 100 number-one single “Irreplaceable”, Ne-Yo was a seriously successful songwriter long before he burst onto the scene with his own songs and albums.

After being signed by Jay-Z, the then CEO of Def Jam Records, Ne-Yo began writing, producing, and releasing the albums In My Own Words and Because of You, with singles such as “So Sick” and “Sexy Love”becoming instant classics. It was however, the “Year of the Gentleman” album that truly defined Ne-Yo as an all-round artist. With the release of the story-like album “Libra Scale”, Ne-Yo’s holistic approach to the industry shone through. 

His signature swagger which always includes one hand being permanently cemented in his pocket, has added another element of recognition to the already uber talented artist. Selling out concerts world wide is merely the norm and something which Ne-Yo takes in his stride. Developing himself and his image have been paramount to his success and when asked by http://www.bluesandsoul.com about how he describes the modern man he answered.. “And, in my personal opinion, the essence of the gentleman is absent right now. Everybody kinda looks the same, everybody’s kinda doing the same thing, everybody’s kinda rude and full of themselves. Whereas a gentleman is calm, courteous, kind, charming… So that title basically represents me trying to lead by example, and showing these cats what it is to be a gentleman in this business still.”

Amen to that!

Stay tuned in late 2011 for the latest album titled “Love and Passion”, and watch out for links to some of the songs that might feature in this album .

Laws You Didn’t Know Existed in the USA.

“It is illegal to pick seaweed up off of the beach.”

- New Hampshire, United States

“It is unlawful to change clothes in an automobile with the curtains drawn, except in case of fire.”

- Evanston, Illinois, United States

“It is illegal for any beautician to hum, whistle, or sing while working on a customer.”

  - Connecticut, United States, Waterbury

Source: criminaljustice.careeredublogs.com

Food that gets Your Libido Racing.

Aphrodisiacs are believed to arouse sexual desire and improve sexual performance. Interestingly, the word aphrodisiac derives from the name Aphrodite in Greek mythology. She is the Greek goddess of love who rose from the sea on an oyster and then gave birth to Eros.

Aphrodisiacs have been around for centuries. The Romans and Greeks used aphrodisiac foods to increase and stimulate sexual powers. Today, modern science is proving the nutritional validity of foods historically regarded as aphrodisiacs. 

• Avocado. With its sensuous pear shape, you should know why avocado is widely associated with sexuality. The Aztecs called the avocado ahuacuatl, or “testicle tree” because the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree looked like male testicles. Whether added to salads or dipped into balsamic vinegar, avocado is the perfect ingredient on your Valentine’s table.

• Bananas. Bananas are a feel-good fruit and considered to be aphrodisiac because of their phallic shape. Other than being rich in potassium and Vitamin B, bananas also contain chelating minerals and the bromeliad enzyme, which is said to enhance the male libido.

• Chilli Peppers. An invigorating spice that gets your heart racing and makes you sweat. This aphrodisiac food is also thought to trigger the release of endorphins, body chemicals that gives you a natural high that is conducive to love-making.

• Honey. This sticky, sweet nectar has been used in Egyptian times as a medicine for impotence and sterility.  A great source of boron, a trace mineral that helps the body use and metabolize estrogen, the female sex hormone. Studies have shown that boron may also enhance testosterone levels in the blood. Testosterone is responsible for promoting sex drive and orgasm in both men and women.

• Pine nuts. High in zinc, pine nuts are also considered aphrodisiacs because they are believed to stimulate your brain and your libido.

• Figs. The fig symbolizes sexuality and modesty. An open fig is believed to imitate the female sex organs and is traditionally considered to be a sexual stimulant. Some claimed that a man opening a fig and eating it in front of his lover can be an erotic and powerful aphrodisiac.

• Arugula. Arugula is also known as “rocket seed” and has been documented in history as an aphrodisiac food since the first century A.D.

• Oysters. Oysters are a hot favorite among aphrodisiac foods. Research shows that oysters are high in zinc, a mineral required for testosterone production. In addition to that, oysters also help produce quality sperm and look like the female genitalia.

• Coffee. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the mind and body. However, too much of coffee will have a reverse effect. So, go easy on this love food.

• Chocolate. This king of all aphrodisiac foods contains a stimulant called phenylethylamine (PEA), considered by some researchers as the “love chemical” as it gives you a feeling of euphoria, excitement and attraction that is very similar to the endorphins giving us a natural high. Cacao also contains tryptophan, a key component of the neurotransmitter serotonin, known to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.

No matter what the occasion or what mood you find yourself in, our list of natural love foods will sure put you in an intoxicating mood. You probably already have many of them in your kitchen, but make sure you decorate the dinner table with candles and have Boney James playing ever so softly to make the most of nature’s viagra.

Yours Truly,

Z Magazine Lifestyle Team

Z Magazine’s Quote of the Day:

“Your mind is like a parachute…It only works when it is open.”

- Z Magazine Team

Styled looks by Julian Ganio.

Hipster Trap New York.