The Hellenic Museum talks to the couple behind the Greek model that’s giving Melbourne specialty espresso a run for its cash.
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It’s a fact universally acknowledged that Melbourne’s espresso requirements are among the many highest on the planet. Beginning a espresso model could be a grueling endeavor – not to mention a model primarily based in and named after a metropolis filled with world-renowned espresso critics!
However Thalia and George Dardamanis are onto a very good factor. Having launched Melvourni in 2022, the pair have already constructed a reputation for themselves with retailers throughout town and assist pouring in from the area people.
We lately spoke to Thalia and George about their journey to create the world’s solely Greek espresso that’s specialty high quality, natural and ethically sourced, regionally produced right here in Melbourne, and now out there within the Hellenic Museum store!
Inform us in regards to the story behind Melvourni. When did it begin?
We formally launched Melvourni in 2022, however the thought began means again in 2016.
We’re each Greek Australians. Thalia moved right here when she was fairly younger and has maintained a robust connection together with her roots in Siatista Kozani, whereas George’s household comes from Mytilini. We even have a very good place for Crete the place we vacation as a household!
It was the household that impressed the enterprise. Thalia was used to working lengthy hours as a lawyer, so when she took maternity go away for our first little one in 2016, she had extra time and area to be inventive. A brand new child additionally meant a number of guests – and Greek espresso! It was then that we realized we could not discover a Greek espresso to serve family and friends that matched the standard of espresso espresso we had been used to within the Melbourne espresso scene.
We began researching what was out there with no luck. On journeys to Greece we discovered a number of natural choices, however none made with top quality or specialty beans or ethically sourced. Virtually everyone seems to be conscious of the moral points surrounding espresso lately because the conversations and transparency round honest commerce have grown. So discovering an moral model was non-negotiable for us.
After we realized there was a spot available in the market, we began the method of discovering
ethically sourced, specialty high quality natural espresso beans from the very best areas round
world after which regionally roast these to our specs to develop our Greek espresso. It appeared like numerous packing containers to tick, however the extra analysis we did, the extra causes we discovered to pursue the venture and the extra passionate we turned. Melvourni was pushed by Thalia’s creativity, George’s 25 years of expertise within the resort trade and our shared ardour.
It has been fairly a journey, together with a pandemic and one other child! That is a part of the rationale Melvourni was one thing of a passion till comparatively lately. Issues began in earnest in 2022 and we now have a thriving enterprise and an awesome community of buddies, household, locals and sellers who deeply perceive and imagine in our mission. We will not wait to see the place it takes us!
Why ‘Melvourni’?
For individuals who could not know, ‘Melvourni’ is Greek for Melbourne. This stunning metropolis is constructed on a fusion of cultures and an intense love for espresso. We wished to honor that, in addition to the Greek tradition that thrives on this metropolis and thru the generations of our household – whereas additionally being a twist on custom! Our model is really Melbourne and uniquely Melvourni.
For the fans – what are you able to count on from a cup of Melvourni?
A wonderful espresso! However in all seriousness, the Melvourni vary contains Greek espresso in basic and decaffeinated (floor additional effective, utilizing conventional stone strategies) and Freddo in basic and decaffeinated (out there as entire beans or floor espresso). Your complete vary makes use of natural, ethically sourced, specialty Arabica beans roasted proper right here in Melbourne. All of the farms we work with are fully freed from chemical substances and pesticides.
Our signature basic Greek espresso makes use of single origin Arabica beans grown 1600m above sea degree on a farm in Brazil. When boiled it produces a wealthy kaïmaki that you just hope for and love from Greek espresso. On the tail finish, it is like sipping a specialty brew – easy and delicately candy with out the bitter aftertaste usually present in conventional Greek espresso.
A vital query – how do you each take your espresso!?
For Greek espresso, Thalia likes her diplo kai sketos (a double espresso with out sugar)
and George likes his metrios (a single espresso with a teaspoon of sugar).
For Freddo espresso (a chilly espresso espresso that’s drunk as an alternative choice to the moment espresso used
for Frappe), Thalia likes a Freddo cappuccino metrios (chilly foamed milk and two teaspoons
sugar) and George likes a Freddo espresso metrios (no milk and two teaspoons of sugar).
Now we do not usually permit drinks in our galleries, however! in a perfect world the place you can sit again in a quiet nook of the Hellenic Museum, soak up an exhibition and revel in a cup of espresso, which place would you select?
Since Greek espresso is usually drunk socially, and loved with household and buddies once they
go to, Thalia would select to sit down close to one of many marble statues within the museum’s lobby – a welcoming and social place that represents how Greek espresso ought to be loved. George
would select the Henson Gallery with its Greek espresso and a tavli (backgammon) arrange
play when you take within the exhibition.
What’s subsequent for Melvourni?
We’ve got so many concepts to launch. Collaboration and new merchandise are on the way in which.
In June we’re going to Athens to showcase our basic and decaffeinated Greek espresso at World
of Espresso 2023 commerce present by the Specialty Espresso Affiliation. We will not wait!