My adventure with First Draft Coffee started last year during the Dublin Coffee and Tea Festival. It was possible thanks to the late Rashel Winn, a wonderful young barista who introduced me to Ger O’Donohoe. Ger had launched SCAE-certified courses and workshops for coffee newbies and pros alike.
In July, the gang took over the first floor of Filmbase, the iconic space known for supporting filmmaking talents. Ger took up the caffeinated baton from Roasted Brown‘s Ferg Brown. Don’t fret; you can still find Roasted Brown’s flavourful beans in such epic spots as Love Supreme, Fia, and Thru the Green. Also, make sure to visit Laine, My Love, their new project on Talbot Street.
Back to First Draft Coffee. After climbing the flight of stairs I step into a spacious, airy room. The place is very laid-back and perfect for a breather from the bustling streets of Dublin’s Temple Bar. Ginormous steel-framed windows let the shop bask in the natural light. Pendant lights hang casually from the ceiling above wooden tables and high chairs. I walk towards the armchairs hidden under the metal staircase that leads to the top floor. On my way, I pass the vintage arcade machine with Street Fighter II.
After a few minutes, I moved toward the barista’s station to place my order. The coffee house serves The Barn Coffee, Berlin’s roasted specialty coffee beans.
To tickle my taste buds, I ordered flat white powered by Kangunu AA from Kenya’s Embu district. With hints of apricots and blackberries, my cup was a fruity mixture, deliciously smooth and velvety to sip on. It was followed by a 3 Cup Chemex of fully washed Kenyan filter coffee. Though a bit too tangy in flavour for me, it did wake me up with its red currant and syrupy aroma.
Having satisfied my coffee cravings, I turned to Wildflour Bakery’s bakes. First, I dived into an oat cookie.
Crunchy on the outside, it had a moist and soft centre with honey, raisins, and poppy seeds. It was deliciously rich and re-energizing. The sweetness pleasantly lingered on the tongue, which kept my sweet tooth on a leash.
Next on my plate was a raspberry and dark chocolate cake. Like a hidden treasure, a raspberry was coated in lightly sweet dough. The top was splashed with dark chocolate that nicely contrasts against the sweetness of the fruit. Although tasty, the oat cookie remains my favourite.
The final stop: Pan Toasted Gubbeen Ham & Cheese. Served on Tartine white country bread, this savoury treat arrives on a wooden board. As it was grilled, I let this chewy-on-the-inside dish rest so that it could cool down a bit. I wanted to enjoy this cheesy nosh to its fullest. Finally, it was time! The sandwich was big enough to tame my appetite in no time. Melted cheese marries nicely with ham together with crusty slices of bread. What I really loved about this was the relish: chunky and peppery, which left that nice tingling feeling on the tongue, enhancing the sandwich, and giving the whole meal a spicy twist.
From sweet to sour, there is something for everyone at First Draft Coffee. It is safe to say your stomach is in good hands. So put your feet up, relax, and savour the moment.
First Draft Coffee,
1st Floor,
Filmbase,
2 Curved St,
Dublin 2
T: 086 860 4517
W: www.firstdraftcoffee.com
I’m Anna, the voice behind Dublin Drinks Coffee. My caffeinated adventure started a few years ago, when brewing and steaming in one of local coffee shops. Since then I’ve enjoyed a lot of great cups across Dublin and I share all my stories with on www.dublindrinkcoffee.com. Dublin is full of independent cafes and coffee houses that enrich our culinary scene every day. Browse through lists of unique and local cafes, events, books/movie recommendations and other caffeinated treats to enjoy!
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