When he’s not roasting beans at his new warehouse café in North Melbourne, Director of Rosso Coffee Roastery Ramez Abdulnour is perfecting the coffee to booze ratio in the Black Geisha coffee liquor that’s made in-house.
This spacious warehouse café doubles as a roasting precinct for Abdulnour who has moved a portion of his business from Tullamarine to North Melbourne late last year, the former still operational. It’s also where you can learn to make the perfect coffee yourself – with professional baristas at the ready to help you nail a creamy espresso or filter coffee to your liking.
The menus sees chef Michael Bernerger Kevin add to the vibrancy of this modern space -he comes with a wealth of culinary experience having worked for Neil Perry.
Ramez Abdulnour spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I love Melbourne’s CBD, particularly the top end of Collins Street. It feels very European – a little Euro and a little New York vibe about it. I love spending time here, and in North Melbourne where our new cafe has opened.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
The lamb shoulder at Cumulus Inc. I love how it falls off-the-bone, the texture, it’s really balanced and so well done. It’s definitely my favourite restaurant.
FAVOURITE BAR MEMORY
After attending London Fashion Week many years ago, and we all went to Club Movida nightclub in Soho. We were taken straight into a VIP room and I danced with Jean Paul Gaultier. Actor Mickey Rourke was there and I bumped into rapper 50 Cent. We were drinking 20 pound cosmopolitans. It was a big night.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
On the couch watching TV with sparkling water, a burger and fries.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
I can’t go past Icebergs in Bondi; order a negroni and take in the view.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Six J’s Estate in the Yarra Valley. I enjoy their pinot gamay blend.
BEST NEWCOMER
I am really enjoying tequila at the moment – high recommend Casamigos. We do make a lovely coffee liqueur at Rosso which I recommend you try.
https://rossoroastingco.com.au/
https://rossoroastingco.com.au/pages/rosso-coffee-experience
