It All Comes From the Top
Marilyn December 4th, 2008
Lousy service has become the norm so I must tell you about a business that does good service the old fashioned way … Merlo Coffee in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley (also at Bowen Hills). If you are in the market for a home espresso machine, this is the place to go. Forget that they may charge a few dollars more than the big discount stores. What they give you is knowledgable service that goes way beyond your expectations. And this attitude comes from Dean Merlo. He teaches his staff to go the extra mile so when you bring back your espresso machine for service, they can often fix it on the spot (no charge!) — instead of simply sending it off to the service people, who usually take weeks to get it back to you. They’ll train you on how to make a good espresso, and shout you a free coffee whilst you’re there. And Merlo’s freshly coffee is the best.
Coffee Facts: Fresh is best so buy little and often and buy beans to grind as you go. Buy beans in foil bags with a one way valve ystem. This allows CO2 to escape without letting oxygen in, increasing the shelf life of the coffee. It will remain relatively fresh for up to 3 wks or a mth max. Store in airtight in a dry dark place — not the refrigerator.
Marilyn,
thanks for your tips onbuying a home expresso machine from Merlo’s.
Merlo’s is my favourite brand of coffee, and I think you’ve hit “the nail on the head”, the big difference between Merlo and other coffees is its wonderful freshness.
Cheers, Lynne
I agree entirely Marilyn- the staff are great. The Bowen Hills one is on my route home and recently when I was out of coffee beans, I stopped there just as they were about to close. Nevertheless, the girl offered and made me a free coffee, and asked if I wanted my beans ground. She confessed afterwards her relief that I hadn’t because she’d just finished cleaning the machine and would have had to do it all over again.
nat