Looking for the Blue Sign

Amanda has been part of the Merlo community for almost nine years. Interestingly, she does not have just one local store. “I don’t actually have a local Merlo,” she laughs. “I go to pretty much any Merlo. But I’ve been a Friend of Merlo since November 2016. So almost nine years now.”

For Amanda, finding a great coffee when she is out and about is simple. “I look for the blue sign. If I see the blue sign, I know I’m going to get a good coffee.” That consistency is a big part of what keeps her coming back. Wherever she is, she knows she can count on a quality cup.

But Merlo is not just something Amanda enjoys when she is out. It is also part of her routine at home. “I’m a subscriber to the Beans of the Month,” she says. “So I get a delivery of beans every month, which means my local Merlo is also at home.”

For Amanda, the subscription is all about variety. “That’s why I love it. I like trying different flavours and seeing which ones I like the most.” She does have a clear favourite though. “The Ethiopian ones are probably my favourite.”

More Than Just the Coffee

Amanda’s appreciation for coffee goes deeper than simply drinking it. At one point she completed a barista course, which opened her eyes to everything behind the cup.

“You learn the history of coffee, how to make it properly, the little intricacies that go into making a decent coffee,” she explains. “It’s all really fascinating.”

It also made her a little more particular about what she drinks. “I’ve definitely developed a taste for it. Now I’m a bit fussy.”

Of course, a great coffee shop is about more than the coffee itself. “The vibe is really important,” Amanda says. “You want to enjoy the coffee, but also the atmosphere.”

For her, the people behind the counter make a big difference. “The staff are always friendly and warm and really helpful. Before I had the subscription, I used to go into the stores to buy beans and they would help me find a blend that suited me.”

These days her order is simple. “A flat white is my staple,” she says. “Unless it is really hot, then I will get an iced latte.”

Since becoming a parent, her coffee rhythm has shifted slightly. “Since having my child, I usually have one, maybe two. Sometimes I have a little one after lunch.” There is one non negotiable part of her routine though. “I have to have a coffee before I sit down to work.”

The Coffee Memories That Stick

When asked about her favourite coffee memory, Amanda immediately thinks back to weekends with her dad. “We used to go to this little coffee shop every Saturday. It is not around anymore, but it was our thing.”

One visit in particular has stayed with her. After spending three days in hospital and drinking what she describes as “absolutely dreadful” hospital coffee, she was desperate for a proper cup.

“When I came out, Dad took me straight to that coffee shop.”

That first sip after three days without good coffee made quite the impression. “It was probably the best coffee I’ve ever had.”

At home, Amanda brews on a Breville semi automatic machine. Recently though, someone else has taken over the role of household barista. “My husband has become the barista of late,” she laughs. “He has been practising his latte art and he is actually getting pretty good.”

While she enjoys exploring new coffees through Beans of the Month, Amanda does have a few favourites. “Organico is really good,” she says. “But I tend to lean towards the single origins, especially the Ethiopian ones.”

There is also one coffee she still talks about. “My absolute favourite was the Mocca Matari. It was fruity and sweet and perfect for cold drip.” Then she adds with a smile, “You should bring it back.”

For Amanda, coffee is about more than the drink itself. It is the ritual, the experimentation at home, the friendly faces in store and the shared appreciation for a great cup of coffee.

“Merlo’s awesome,” she says simply. “I’ve really enjoyed the whole coffee experience. Getting Beans of the Month, trying them out and experimenting with them in the machine.”

After nearly nine years, she is still happily looking out for that blue sign. ☕