http://www.baroquebistro.com.au
http://www.nespresso.com
Coffee, flora & fragrance
With a fragrant bouquet of white flowers, jasmine and orange blossom, the in-cup flavours of Onirio have been layered with the sophistication of a fine French fragrance
Thanks to Krystyna from Weber Shandwick for inviting me to this special breakfast launch of the new Nespresso Limited Edition coffee ‘Onirio’. An 8 am start time is like a different world for me so the organised taxi pickup certainly helped getting me to Baroque at The Rocks. I’ve met two types of people who use Nespresso, those that love it and those who adore it. I’m not sure if it’s the ease of use, the taste or just thinking they’re one step closer to being with George Clooney that makes people so passionate, even fanatical about their Nespresso.
Arriving to a table setting fit for a Royal Wedding with window views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge guests were treated to an assortment of pastries and cakes prepared on site by Baroque. Being a non-caffeine addict I usually kick start my day with fruit juice so the orange juice was most welcomed before delving into a scrumptiously wicked (as in good) mini chocolate and pistachio roulade with excellent caramelisation and lightness of pastry that melted in your mouth. Followed shortly by delicate and airy mini ham & cheese croissants which I simply couldn’t stop at one. The cute mini mixed fruit tartlets and mini raspberry mousses toyed with the waistline and mini mixed Danishes were superbly fresh and delicious. As a special treat Baroque made some Nespresso Onirio Macarons which were well-balanced with a nice smooth taste of coffee — I think they should consider having these on the menu.
The fashionable and entertaining Clint Dowdell, Australian Fragrance Specialist, explained the fragrance notes associated with Onirio. As fragrances of Osmanthus, un parfum d'Ailleurs & Fleurs and Jasmin de Nuit were handed out along with all the surrounding white floral arrangements it wasn’t a far stretch to start thinking I was part of some private women’s high tea party. Nevertheless with my fellow male comrades in short supply, we joined the ladies in appreciating an espresso of Onirio. My preference for coffee is usually with sugar and milk so a following order of a cappuccino was more to my liking and palate. Not too strong, not too weak, as it sat on the Nespresso scale in the middle for strength. The Nespresso Pixie coffee machine ($399 RRP) was also being showcased in its three available colours. Quite a compact unit for those with little bench space but just as adept in punching out those cute little coffee pods synonymous with Nespresso.
The Onirio Grand Cru and accessories collection will be available from Nespresso Boutiques nationwide and online from 18 April 2011.
Other Nespresso events:
• 8 Sept 2011 - Nespresso Limited Edition 'Dhjana'
• 5 April 2011 - Nespresso Limited Edition 'Onirio'
SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: A mid strength coffee with floral notes that will suit most that are not die hard ristretto devotees, Nespresso machines are easy to use, clean and take up minimal bench space, Pods seem reasonably priced
CONS: Coffee can be addictive for some and a lifeline for those that have it regularly each morning
MUST TRY: Mini chocolate and pistachio roulade, Mini ham & cheese croissants
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Nespresso Onirio coffee — straight up
Nespresso Onirio cappuccino
Nespresso Pixie coffee machine ($399 RRP)
Mini chocolate and pistachio roulade
Mini ham & cheese croissants
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)
Mini mixed fruit tartlet, Mini raspberry mousse
Mini mixed fruit tartlet, Mini raspberry mousse
Mini mixed Danish
Nespresso Onirio macarons
Table setting
Place card — fragrant soap
Nespresso Onirio product display
Goodie Bag of Onirio Accessories Collection
Jean-Michel Raynaud, Chef and Production & Business Development Manager, preparing the macarons
Other enticing desserts from Baroque
