Page 12 - Port Douglas Magazine 39

ESPRESSO,

ORIGIN OF

LOVE

Origin Espresso shines like a beacon
to coffee lovers in the Far North,
writes Maura Mancini

The aroma of espresso was a familiar comfort back in his wife Lucy visited several places across Australia,
my home country Italy, but it wasn’t until I set foot in Port Douglas captured their hearts like no other. The
Australia’s Port Douglas that my coffee journey truly serenity of the place, the rustling coconut palms, and
began. It’s where I crossed paths with Neo, a barista with the sun-kissed beaches cast an irresistible spell, drawing
a passion that spills into every cup. That sip of coffee them to settle here. It was in Port Douglas that Neo
held more than just flavour; it held a piece of Neo’s heart encountered Glenn, the previous coffee master of
and the essence of what is also known in the coffee Origin Cafe, who introduced him to the Australian way
world as the “Gift From God”. of crafting coffee. At the onset of his barista journey in
Port Douglas, Neo encountered scepticism from many
In the picturesque town of Port Douglas, where the who doubted a young Korean like him could master the
tropical breeze carries the aroma of freshly brewed art of creating the perfect flat white - a quintessential
coffee, a unique coffee culture thrives. From the bustling Australian invention (sometimes credited to New
main street to the tranquil waterfront, cafes and Zealand). Amidst the hesitation, Neo’s dedication
coffee shops dot the landscape, each offering a unique shone.
experience for coffee enthusiasts. Among them, Café
Origin Espresso stands out not only for its exceptional
coffee but also for the passionate barista behind the THE ORIGIN OF ESPRESSO FROM CRAFTING
scene - Neo. COFFEE EXCELLENCE TO THE “GIFT OF GOD”
Neo learnt the Aussie way of crafting coffee, excelling WORDS
THE COFFEE JOURNEY THAT SPANS in perfecting the medium roast flat white, the most Maura Mancini
CONTINENTS TO REACH PORT DOUGLAS sought-after drink he serves. Unlike the darker Italian
roasts, Australia sets itself apart on the global stage PHOTOGRAPHY
At first a means of livelihood back in Korea more than by preferring a medium-roasted coffee, achieving a Michelle Lockwood
a decade ago, little did Neo know that his humble start harmonious blend of robustness without overwhelming Photography
in the coffee world would lead him to become one of bitterness.
Port Douglas’s most dedicated baristas. After Neo and

14 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner