Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Pikolo Espresso




Subject: Pikolo Espresso Bar
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

When I travel, rarely do my overnight accommodations and coffeehouse aspirations line up near one another. Whether that's a reflection of my cheap lodging budget or a subliminal aversion to convenience, I usually end up driving out of my way to find quality coffee in distant lands. Yet ever so rarely, my fortunes prevail and I am blessed with a great cafe within a few hot steps of my front door.

Thursday, March 09, 2017

Nektar Cafeologue




Subject: Nektar Cafeologue
Location visited: Quebec City, QC (Rue Saint-Joseph Est)
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

There are precious few North American cities that have incorporated long stairways right into the urban landscape, yet if I had to pick one of my favorites, it would be Quebec City. During a visit when temperatures were mild and above freezing, I found each set of stairs unique and full of personality, though sometimes a few steps longer than my lungs would have liked.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Cup and Spoon




Subject: Cup and Spoon
Location: Chicago, IL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

A Chicago winter certainly demands plenty of cafes in which to warm up and enjoy a mug of well-brewed coffee. Fortunately on a recent trip to the windy city, I found such a place to sip and relax at a local haven called Cup and Spoon.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Différance




Subject: Cafe Différance
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

A coffeehouse with a line is usually a great sign. I say "usually" because there exist some cafes that will make questionably poor choices that cause customer waits, like a lone barista operation pouring exclusively pourover during the morning rush or the cue being held up by someone who ordered 15 creme brûlée lattes for the office. But when a hefty line forms despite four employees moving like a Swiss clock, I take solace in the fact that the wait is almost definitely worth it. 

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Passenger Coffee




Subject: Passenger Coffee
Location: Lancaster, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Lancaster continues to be a wondrous bastion of continuing bean progress. I recall some years ago hunting fruitlessly for a great cup of coffee and today, it's nearly impossible to not find a decent shop with walking distance.