Finest Blend: How illy Has Cultivated Coffee Into an Art Form

 

An exquisite flavour palate, quality sourcing, and historical finesse—are we talking fine wine or curated coffee?

It’s hard to pinpoint when artisanal coffee and boutique blends came in vogue, beyond the popular vernacular thrown about by baristas the world over. We’ve now read so much about the sourcing and planting of the hitherto humble bean; somehow, the way sommeliers expound on vine and terroir has trickled into the morning java. But even among those fine blends, an illy is no average cuppa joe.

You can read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong. 

Coffee Coffee Coffee

Not that one needs more reasons to drink coffee but for those inclined, here's more good news. 

Ralph’s Coffee Hong Kong

Ralph Lauren opened Ralph’s Coffee in Asia, at Ocean Terminal, Hong Kong, adding to the designer’s vast lifestyle portfolio. Not just a conservative, effortlessly elegant clothing store brand, it epitomises refined Americana and non-Trump culture at its very best. 

The invitation lay bare on a desktop for ages - one of many the press gets to the new and happening in the 852. When the PRs personally rang to join them for a cuppa Joe at their signature store, any excuse to leave neon-lit office space and the tyranny of the blank page was good enough.

The store's lovely, the clothes are great... yadda yadda yadda (none of this is new information). What made the fine coffee a religious experience was of course this four-layered chocolate cake. It's the bane of Hong Kong that most pastries that look good on Instagram, taste like sugar-coated cardboard. Bear with me; I give you, the finest slice in the region. 

Now this delectable piece was served at the Central store during a private viewing with celebs and socialites, but when the team was accosted in the aisle - with empty threats worded, "Give me the address of where I can get more or I'll hurt your kittens"  - they lol'd and said, you can head to Ocean Terminal. 

Well, that's where you'll find me. Well-dressed (oh ok, dressed!) and obese. But, by George, happy. 

For the caffeine addicts, the selection of coffee includes Ralph’s special blends, Ralph’s Roast, Decaf, and Espresso, made with organically grown beans from Asia Pacific, South America, and Africa. There's a takeaway service (the little eatery cannot accommodate huge numbers) for which we are all grateful for. 

You know what they say, Once you go brown...