Page 14 - Port Douglas Magazine 39

Lucy & Neo

allowing precision in bean selection for roasting of beans echoes the journey from raw to rich, making, his wife Lucy provides essential feedback
and blending. Neo embraces the nuance of coffee- creating a brew that awakens mornings and on quality and helps manage the business side.
making like an artist captivated by light on a sharpens senses. Together, they have formed a harmonious
canvas. The journey from bean to cup is indeed a partnership that has contributed to Origin
fascinating evolution! Espresso’s success.
But the story of coffee’s allure extends beyond Behind the captivating story of Neo and Origin
Neo’s artistry recipes. It stretches back through “NEO’S DEDICATION Espresso lies a profound commitment to ethical
time from the heights of Ethiopian mountains EXTENDS BEYOND sourcing and sustainability. Neo’s dedication
where a goat herder named Kaldi observed his extends beyond crafting the perfect cup; it
goats energetically munching on red berries from CRAFTING THE encompasses the well-being of those involved
a tree with shiny green leaves. Intrigued, Kaldi in the coffee journey. He ensures that the beans
tried the berries himself and felt a surge of vitality. PERFECT CUP; IT he sources are of the highest quality, favouring
Intrigued, he took some berries to a nearby ENCOMPASSES THE organic and fair trade options. By supporting
monastery. The monks were shocked by the ethical sourcing, Neo contributes to a chain that
berries’ effects and impulsively threw the ‘Devil’s WELL-BEING OF THOSE values environmentally sustainable practices and
Fruit’ into the fire, unintentionally roasting the the livelihood of farmers across the globe and
berries and filling the air with an enticing aroma. INVOLVED IN THE the challenge posed by global warming on coffee
The monks discovered that the roasted beans COFFEE JOURNEY.” growing, a concern that threatens the incomes of
could be turned into a fragrant ebony juice, which countless farmers. Neo’s commitment to sourcing
they used to stay awake during prayers. And thus, high-quality beans isn’t limited to global outreach;
from the ‘Devil’s Fruit,’ emerged the divine ‘Gift it also extends to the coffee growers right here in
from God.’ This unassuming berry quickly swiftly Australia, particularly in the nearby fertile lands
grew in worth, becoming a highly traded global Amidst this aroma filled-haven, Neo came of Tableland. Neo values the quality of locally
commodity. Coffee now ranks second position in to understand that coffee’s true essence goes cultivated beans, reflecting his commitment to
global trade, only behind crude oil. beyond simple beans and recipes: it’s about the ethical sourcing and his support for local farmers.
passion and care infused into each cup. Driven
AIMING FOR PERFECTION, ONE CUP AT A by this insight, Neo embarked on a mission to ORIGIN ESPRESSO HUB
TIME. master the art of a barista. With dedication, he
channels his heart and energy into crafting each Amidst the fierce competition in the coffee
In the heart of Port Douglas, Neo engages in a cup, and patrons of Origin Espresso like me can industry, Neo’s motivation remains rooted in
captivating weekly ritual - coffee roasting. With undoubtedly taste the difference. his pursuit of top-quality coffee. He consistently
meticulous precision he transforms raw beans seeks to refine his craft, catering to locals seeking
into aromatic wonders, filling the air with a A unique harmony of love and coffee adds familiarity and travellers yearning for new
symphony of flavours. The rhythmic crackling a distinct dimension to Neo’s life. While he experiences.
immerses himself in the creative aspect of coffee
16 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner