Once again another recommendation from my brother Canadian Friend. Mercury Espresso Bar to him is what I am exactly looking for in an independent cafe. It is gritty, no frills or gimics, all coffee. It was funny because the guy in front of me ordered a dry cappuccino and was denied (I love it). People sometimes don't fully understand that when you market a product a certain way changing it can be detrimental to your business. So good on them for sticking to their guns.
However it is my turn and first thing I noticed how unhappy the Barista looks and how un inviting that can be. One would assume with the quality espresso bars Te Aro, Dark Horse) and cafes around that you would at least loose the bad mood or snobbery. I decided on a shot of espresso and to my delight it was roasted by none other than George Howell Coffee Roasters (Terroir). A legend in the coffee business and proponent of all things good about coffee. I asked for the shot short and was expecting a heavy duty amount of sweetness in the cup with tonnes of body. I did get a shot but a little over extracted as the sweetness (hints of vanilla) was lost to a more burnt carmel finish. I didn't get a chance to tap into their baked goods but I was a little disappointment in the treatment of such a great espresso. Seemed the Moody Barista was not paying attention to calibration this morning.
I gave it a 3 stars because the shop was great, they have a great selection of top notch coffee beans, but the skill was lacking or care for that matter. won't be back on this trip.