Morgan Daly, Coffee aficionado and community builder , Urban Grind
The time, money and humility to care and contribute to one's community ...
For Morgan Daly it all comes down to community. Every person that enters Urban Grind of a morning is greeted by name and asked if they would like ‘the usual’. Kids get special cups of thick hot chocolate while dads sip on their first espresso of the day. Man’s best friend even has a spot in the mix, with a ‘dog parking’ area off to the side and bowls of water set out for post-walk lapping. Offering more than just a great cup of specialty coffee, Urban Grind in Paddington’s Upper Latrobe revels in providing a space for people to come together and the wonderment that can stem from such an inviting setting. The Weekend Edition spoke to the man behind the espresso machine Morgan to see what small pleasures fuel his weekends.
How do you like to start your weekend?
I would like to say ‘with a little sleep in’ but, lately, a handful of vitamins and a deep breath has been good enough.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Coffee and conversation with good friends.
How do you like to unwind?
I can get very excited these days about sitting down and watching a couple of hours of sci-fi.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Quality outdoor time with my son, rock climbing or mountain biking.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Help out at the local bush-recovery project in my street.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Download a movie from iTunes and try to get an early night for the week ahead.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Taking my mother out to dinner for her birthday.
What are you reading at the moment?
Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson.
What inspires you?
My son. I am driven to make sure he is exposed to adventure that will surely feed his mind, body and soul.
What was your childhood dream?
I am pretty sure that I wanted to be the lead singer of a rock band. And in high school I was for about three months.
What has been your greatest achievement?
The communities that I have built with Urban Grind.
What is success to you?
The time, money and humility to care and contribute to one’s community and, if possible, the good of everyone on Planet Earth.
What are your words of wisdom?
Start exercising now and don’t ever stop.
Only a local would know … Sing’s Asian Kitchen in Rosalie is the best value Asian food in Brisbane.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Urban Grind, of course
Relax … On the front deck at home
Dine … Chiangrai Thai, Norman Park
Indulge … With a gelati from Gelateria Cremona in Rosalie
Shop … Apple
Catch-up … At the skate park with other dads while the kids skate
Be inspired … Binna Burra
