Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts

Saturday, April 01, 2017

La p'tite Brulerie




Subject: La p'tite Brulerie
Location: Deschambault, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

While living in Montana and Syracuse, I really began to appreciate the offerings of small villages. Not only are they typically rich in history, but the retail establishments tend to be more authentic and unique. This trend held true along the St. Lawrence river, with numerous quaint settlements bordering the riverfront. One particular village of Deschambault yielded my favorite find of the lot, a coffee roaster called La p'tite Brulerie.

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.

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 08, 2017

Cafe Frida





Subject: Cafe Frida
Location: Trois-Rivières, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

While the pickings are often slimmer, I greatly love finding good coffeehouses outside the city limits of a major metropolitan area. Sure, most cafes of merit exist in the urban jungles of the world, but there's something extra special when I come across a reputable coffee bar in a small town or in the midst of suburbia.

Wednesday, February 01, 2017

Paquebot Cafe


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

Seeking out good coffee has the distinct benefit of exposing one to parts of a city that might not have been on the regular tourist route. More often than not, a good coffeeshop is like a songbird, singing an enticing song to beckon curious travelers to check out a neighborhood and its offerings.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Buck 15




Subject: Buck 15 Espresso Bar
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Husband and wife duos make some of the best businesses. True, some couples do best to keep their day jobs apart, but sometimes a business of great worth comes from the combined dreams of two people.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Saint-Henri Micro-Torréfacteur




Subject: Saint-Henri Micro-Torréfacteur
Location: Quebec City, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

For as long as I've been searching for coffee in Canada, there's always been a Saint-Henri enterprise on my radar. Back in 2008 I discovered Caffe in Gamba in Montreal, the cafe that began it all. From there, I've watched from afar as Saint-Henri grew into a serious roaster, set up other Montreal shops, and then expanded over to Quebec City. Finally on a gorgeous recent evening, I was able to make a trip to their cafe in the Saint-Roch neighborhood for a long overdue after-dinner coffee.

Wednesday, December 07, 2016

Cafe Humble Lion




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

Looking back on my love of reading, I have CS Lewis to thank for much of it. It was the seven books of the Chronicles of Narnia that first instilled not only literary enjoyment, but also further understanding in my young mind. Looking back at the many allegorical elements, Aslan easily tops my list as most impacting. Lewis' portrayal of this divine lion definitely helped round out my perspective on God as well as my understanding of humility, that the trait reflects a selfless focus on helping others, a quality that ousts a self-focused heart and gradually replaces it with a more loving, compassionate one.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Maelstrøm Saint-Roch




Subject: Maelstrøm Saint-Roch
Location Visted: Quebec City, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Many people have conveyed to me the beauty of Quebec City. Whether it's the old world charm of the old city, the beautiful Chateau Frontenac or the warm reception of locals, Quebec City holds a reputation as a very unique North American destination. Looking to get a little slice of Europe on the continent, I recently made a quick trip north for a brief French-Canadian respite.

Monday, October 03, 2016

Crew Collective and Cafe




Subject: Crew Collective and Cafe
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

If there's an item that woefully lacks in coffeehouses these days, it's unique atmosphere. Few shops seem to transcend the usual trends or really put their creativity to work when putting together their environment. My theory is that due to the crucial nature of atmosphere, most places either play it safe, sticking to tested convention versus more interesting ideas, or find themselves limited by time/money/laws/themselves. Whatever the reasons, unique digs definitely elude the average cafe.

Monday, September 12, 2016

September Surf Cafe




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

I never expected to find a surf-centered coffeehouse in Montreal, and yet there exists September Surf Cafe. Named for the peak surf conditions offered on the tail end of summer, September Surf offers excellent coffee along with their affinity for hanging ten.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Mugged: Reunion Island Coffee Roasters




Subject: Reunion Island Coffee Roasters
Coffees Mugged and Rating [see key]:
- Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza Brazil Obata 6+
- Finca Buenos Aires Colombia Gesha 6+

Great coffee rarely sticks around for a long time, especially microlots. Sure the name all but spells out "limited availability" but not all smaller offerings are created equal. Two that barely got to my door before selling out were two fantastic selections from Reunion Island Coffee Roasters.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

The Espro Press



Everyone remembers their first french press. For most of us, it was something we stumbled upon, a refreshing alternative to our drip coffee. The process was so much more hands on, so much more raw; no on/off switch, no need to bring electricity into the equation (remember, this was prior to the pourover craze, back when it was largely mechanized drip). And the coffee, oh the coffee, how it was so different with its oily mouth feel and heavy body.

But alas, the honeymoon only lasted a spell and the downsides began to rear their hydra heads. Sadly, the typical french press required a bit of disassembling and detailed cleaning to keep it working well. And there's the problem with sediment: grind too fine and you'll be sifting silt through your teeth (that is if you hadn't broken your press in pushing down the filter), whereas if you grind too course you end up with a weak cup. But even if you ground the coffee within microns of perfection, sediment was just a constant you had to deal with (i.e. never drink the last half ounce).

And then along came Espro Press, a Canadian-made, stainless steel french press with a sleek look and a promise of simple cleaning and greatly decreased sediment. I had the luxury of trying out their 8 ounce model back in 2011, to which I was greatly impressed. One of the only critical things I remember thinking was "...if only it was a bit bigger."

Fortunately they read minds in Vancouver, and they rolled out their 18 ounce model this year, which I recently had the pleasure of trying out. Like the earlier models, the Espro Press has microfilters which do a pretty great job of holding back the sediment. The coffee that comes out is cleaner then a typical french press, with only minor debris materializing on the bottom of the cup. The only downside to the microfilters is that they seem to hold back about 2 ounces of coffee in the initial pour, which can be released by a series of back-and-forth pouring motions.

Aside from the stellar filtering, the Esro Press is pretty easy to clean. I find that there was little need for more then a good rinsing with some soap to keep it fresh. My only warning would be to never accidentally leave the filter submerged in old coffee grounds for two months in the midst of moving and then try to clean out the many microbial entourages; you shall not get far (this was the fate of my 8 ounce press...).

And if all that wasn't cool enough, it also looks pretty spiffy and for those of you not liking skin burns, the press exterior remains fairly cool to the touch when filled with boiling water.

Thus, I continue my applause of the Espro Press, as it is one of the few means of pressing coffee that I find alluring. You can preorder yours here if you would like to get a crack at the first mass launch.


note: product was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Mugged: Kayanza Bwayi [Transcend Coffee]

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What does Mugged mean?



Subject: Transcend Coffee
Coffee Mugged: Kayanza Bwayi lot no. 6
Rating: 5+ [see key]





While traveling is limited for most people, obtaining an occasional food or drink from far away is sometimes the next best thing. One recent experience occurred when Transcend Coffee of Alberta, Canada sent me a pound of their Kayanza Bwayi to try out. This coffee from Burundi intrigued me from first waft, with lots of bright and floral aromas preceding.

I tested the coffee with the usual three brew methods of drip (filtered), siphon and french press.

The drip coffee rocketed out notes of blueberry, tame chocolate, oak barrel, mint, nuts, dandelion greens and buttery cracker. The brew was light to medium in body and held a delicious array of flavors with little drawback.

The french press held similar, with bright blueberry and nougat at first contact followed with subtleties of mint, cilantro, buttery cracker and yerba matte. Practically the same body and flavor potency as the drip.

The siphon held sweeter chocolate, blueberry, oak barrel, mint, buttered cracker and dandelion greens amidst a heavier, medium body.

Though I've never been to Edmonton, Alberta (it's on my list of places to hit), this quality of coffee could get me there; Transcend's Kayanza Bwayi did a nice job of bringing a quality, (western) Canadian-roasted coffee experience to my kitchen. Give this Burundian a whirl if you're looking for a flavorful African coffee.

note: coffee was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Product Review: Espro Press

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Company:
Espro

Product:
Espro Press
Rating:
5+ (translates to "great")




It might just be me, but there seems like there are thousands of different french press-type apparatuses on the market. Personally, I've reviewed traditional glass ones and disposable ones, not to mention a few bodums I've gone through over the years. All operate off the basic concept of a metal mesh plunger trapping the coffee grounds at the bottom of the vessel, letting only the coffee escape into the mug, yet most french press designs never seem to trap the finer, silty grinds which make the final sips of coffee more akin to the reverse of a whale sieving plankton through baleen.

Fortunately, the folks at Espro seem to have found an end to filter failure. The Espro Press, a french press at first glance, sets to improve on the design by changing the metal filter to a super fine double micro-filter with a plastic seal that altogether is supposed to keep all sediment out of the final pour.

The kind folks at Espro sent me out one to field test and after a few infusions, I found their claims to be true. Each cup, brewed 3 minutes (with a brief stirring in the middle) and then gently pressed, produced a remarkably clean cup with no noticeable sediment in consumption or left in the cup at the conclusion (even when I let the press drain extensively). The metal design also kept the coffee insulated while brewing and all of the pieces proved very easy to clean. My only criticism was that it only produced an 8 oz cup of coffee, which works for only one person but would prove inconvenient with guests.

Therefore, if you are on the hunt for a new french press, I would give the Espro Press strong consideration, especially if you're tired of sediment in your cup.


note: product was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback

Sunday, March 14, 2010

CC: Neat Coffee Shop

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What's does "CC" mean? Location visited: Burnstown, ON
Free WiFi ? : no

Rating:
4+ [
see key]



Aside from Canada's many cities, I can't say I've seen a whole lot of our neighbor to the north. Granted I've passed through lots of interesting-looking towns (especially in the Thousand Islands) but it wasn't until a coffee destination turned up a little off my beaten path in Burnstown that I got a chance to take a nice detour on some back roads.

Said coffee destination is called Neat Coffee Shop, a cafe nestled in an old schoolhouse at the main intersection of town. The exterior consists of two buildings, with the most of the cafe in the blue portion (I have no idea really what they do in the brick section). The interior held a nice open space, with some wood furniture, local art and a big Apple desktop for customers.

Neat roasts their coffee in-house, though per their website they also claim to carry 49th Parallel and Fire Roasted Coffee (49th Parallel's Epic Espresso is their espresso blend). They do have a Clover but it was down for repairs, so I ordered a french press of their Ethiopian. The coffee was really bright with notes of raspberry and caramel, as well as some strong dark notes. The espresso, pulled short and served in a shot glass, had a milkshake-ish head followed by a slap of dark bitterness, plus some flavors of cocoa, lemon and a bit of pepper. While I failed to ask if the espresso that day was 49th's Epic, it seemed that the pull was more of the concern then the espresso blend. Their tea was free leaf.

I can't say that Neat was completely worth the detour but it seems that the place has a lot of potential with a few tweaks (they seem to really like their darker roasts). If you're nearby, give Neat a stop.

Monday, February 22, 2010

CC: Bridgehead Coffeehouse

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What's does "CC" mean? [109 and 366 Bank St locations]
Location visited:
Ottawa, ON
Free WiFi ? : yes

Rating:
4+ [
see key]


Going north in the winter seems tremendously unnatural but occasionally, one has to strap on a thick scarf, don some mittens and drive to Canada. Fortunately, this trip had promise of a nice relaxing stay and a little exploration of never-before-visited Ottawa.

Upon arrival, one of my first destinations was local coffeehouse operation Bridgehead Coffeehouse. According to a few locals, Bridgehead is one of the only places to grab good espresso in town, thus given its close proximity to my hotel, it was an easy respite after the long drive.

After checking in at Hotel Indigo (turned out to be a swell stay by the way), I made my way to one of their four Bank Street (366 Bank St) locations. The exterior of this and most Bridgeheads is mostly window save a snazzy, dark wood sign. Inside, this cafe radiated a warm, chic feel with an exposed brick wall, a bustling counter and an orange, cream and gray color scheme.

Bridgehead produces their own line of coffee, seeming to err closer to dark roasts. I ordered a cup of their Peruvian, a medium roast that actually acted more like a dark roast, as the brew held a peppery and bitter flavor throughout, some sugared grapefruit up front and a touch of nutmeg in the middle. A fair cup that I really thought too dark to be medium, so to give Bridgehead's medium roasts a second try, I went to another Bank St location (109) the next day to try my fortune. Oddly, they also had the Peruvian on tap and at the very least, I credit Bridgehead with consistency, as my second cup of Peruvian was practically identical to my first.

But their espresso is what initially drew me and their espresso is what ended up winning my admiration. The espresso blend, a coffee that looked like a light/medium roast in the grinder, was pulled by skilled hands to produce a beautiful, short doubleshot that held a nice crema and harnessed the powers of lemon, soft pretzel and chocolate truffle. The tea was free leaf.

While I wasn't floored with the darker Peruvian experience, I suppose it is quite possible I simply had misfortune with one of their coffees and that the others will blow me away (experience tells me otherwise, but only further sampling of their coffees could settle that). In the end, the conundrum of a coffeehouse that produces quality espresso but only pumps out lackluster drip is new to my list of unique experiences.

All in all, if you happen to be in Ottawa, try out Bridgehead.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

CC: 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters

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What's does "CC" mean?

Location visited: Vancouver, BC
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]



In my travels, Vancouver has thus far been my favorite Canadian city. The beautiful mountains shadowing the large metropolis really brings the best of the city to the prisitine wonder of the wild. From also what I understand, the weather also rarely gets too unbearable (it was relatively beautiful when I visited) and the culture has all sorts of facets to it.

But for me, the best part of Vancouver was the coffee (shocker!). As Seattle's Canadian neighbor, the city has in many ways distinguished itself quite noticeably in the coffee and espresso scene. Of the many places I wished to visit, the one at the top of my list was 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters' showcase cafe on W 4th Avenue. I had the fortune of imbibing their coffee in a couple other locations, all of which proved lovely, so to visit the mother ship gave me something to really look forward to.

Walking down the street on a lovely early spring day, I first beheld the cafe after I had nearly stumbled over it (the shops were close and much of the neighboring signage was quite loud). Stepping past their nice metal outside seating and retractable awning, I walked into their beautifully decorated shop with its vaulted ceilings plus their trademark blue and brown color scheme. I also want to note that this was probably the first cafe that I've seen more than a few employees working at the same time (I remember it numbering over 6!).

Getting straight to the coffee, I ordered 49th's Costa Rica via their Clover. The brew turned out wonderful, with an even-balanced, bright cup with hints of currants. The espresso also came out blissfully well, with a nice balance of sweetness and even a touch of saltiness, overshadowed with a wave of chocolate. The tea is free leaf of their own.

Given my lofty impressions of 49th Parallel Coffee and of Vancouver, I definitely left with an utter satisfaction of a good experience. If you're ever in town, definitely pop by 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters.

Saturday, November 08, 2008

CC: Balzac's Coffee

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What's does "CC" mean?

Subject: Balzac's Coffee
Location visited: Toronto, ON
(Distillery District location)
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 3+ [see key]


Naming a business after a historic figure seems like a gamble. Obviously, there can be disputes of trademark and copyright but do historical figures have constituents to watch out for that kind of stuff? For example, what if you decide to name a seedy bar Harriet Tubman's Bungalow? Or a big & tall store Napolean Bonaparte? And even if people complain, does anyone really have the right to legally dispute?

What conjured up this thinking was the simple fact that I've been to a number of places named after founding fathers, Greek philosophers and the like. Some good experiences and other leaving much to be desired. My most recent example is a place called Balzac's Coffee, named after the French novelist, playwright and coffee nut Honore' de Balzac. Granted, their website shows that it has some decent popularity amidst the publications of Toronto but much of the praise did little to show the actual quality of the coffee.

Naturally, a visit to the location in the Distillery District (a neat historical spot, though a bit overrated for all the hype)
helped clarify. The cafe sits in an rejuvenated warehouse-ish building, beautifully restored on the outside with a lovely open stone patio. Inside, the cafe relays stunning decor, with a huge chandelier and a loft behind the coffee counter complete with a small balcony overlooking the lower level (where you can sit!).

Balzac roasts their own coffee, having a fair selection of blends and single origins. I had a Peruvian single origin that proved smooth yet a bit charred, and as it had been definitely sitting, proved pretty stale. I found the espresso pulled long, sweet with hints of chocolate but also a tad cardboardy; not horrible or wonderful. The tea is of the bagged variety, though I did not note the brand.

In my reflections back, I would have to say that it would be a toss up of whether Balzac would appreciate his name used for this cafe. On one hand, Balzac was known more for his excessive coffee consumption (the man practically lived on it) so therefore, I would think he would care more of the hours of the cafes versus the quality of the beans. But then again, Balzac lived in a different age; had he lived today I think he would demand a higher quality for his name.

However you look at it, I think that Balzac's Coffee has a lot of the right groundwork laid and has but a few quality tweakings to be made in order to best honor the old Frenchman. If you're a fan of Balzac or you happen to be sequestered to the Distillery District, give Balzac's Coffee a whirl.


Friday, October 17, 2008

CC: Bulldog Coffee

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What's does "CC" mean?


Subject: Bulldog Coffee
Location visited: Toronto, ON
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]


F
or one reason or another, I have never noticed how much people love to eat outside until a couple years ago. Maybe it was because growing up, my family never really had AC and a trip to a restaurant with AC meant we were sitting inside, no questions asked.

Despite the past, I now greatly enjoy the prospect of sitting outside, especially on secluded patios full of beautiful plants. Oddly enough, some of the nicer patios I've found have been in winter-heavy Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal (seems they really know how to enjoy the nice weather when they have it), even extending to normally non-patio establishments such as coffeehouses.

One patio in particular that came as a surprise was at a place called Bulldog Coffee, a small cafe on a side street in Toronto. The place proved a little difficult to get to (weird one way streets) but after a little tenacity and a convenient parking spot, we found it. Upon first sight, I thought the place charming and well-placed as it sat handsomely on what seemed to be a residential street, complete with a nice patio area. Strolling through the doors, the coffeehouse is constructed wide; tables and chairs along the large front windows and the large counter along the back monochromatic wall.

Bulldog Coffee only serves espresso-based beverages, espresso that comes from a local roaster that roasts only for Bulldog and has no name. The shots were well-pulled, had a sweet fruity flavor, and provided a nice hang. My americano was ok; a little bland but my guess is that adding the water before the shots was the issue. The tea per their website comes in five varieties.

After finishing up my espresso on their vibrant patio, I meandered away with my americano content with my Bulldog experience. If you're in Toronto and up for a small hunt for a decent coffeehouse with a nice patio for a fair weather day, set your course for Bulldog Coffee.