Saint-Henri Micro-Torréfacteur

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

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.

Cafe Humble Lion

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

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.

Scout and Co.

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Scout and Co.
Location Visted: Scout O.N.E in Burlington, VT
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While I tend to shy away from rankings (mainly due to their subjective nature that gets passed off as empirical data), I must put Burlington as one of my favorite locations in the USA. I have been to many centers of population, and none combine the majesty of local nature so well with the amenities of a slightly urban area. I can say with utter surety that there are few things that rival a sumptuous cup of coffee sipped along the shores of Lake Champlain. 

Mugged: Reunion Island Coffee Roasters

Subject: Reunion Island Coffee Roasters
Coffees Mugged: Kenya Miiri Nyera District

Rating [see key]: 6+

Having not set foot in Toronto for some years now, it puts a twinkle in my eye to see good things progressing with their coffee scene. New coffeehouses grow my list of potential coffee visits, and Toronto roasters keep on pushing out great beans. One such roaster that persists in doing great things is Reunion Island, especially with their recent batch of Kenya Miiri Nyera District.

Function Coffee Labs

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Function Coffee Labs
Location: Philadelphia, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Nine years ago, I visited a vibrant cafe in the Bella Vista section of Philly that resulted in an experience that provided little to no fanfare. Due to the mediocre experience, I soon forgot about the shop and can honestly say that despite driving the area frequently, I never really gave that location a second glance, letting it fall into relative obscurity.

Hodgepodge

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Hodgepodge
Location: Atlanta, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While air travel wears me out, there is no suppressing my child-like, adventurous anticipation when arriving in a distant land. Usually my routine after making it out of the airport is to make a beeline for cup of quality coffee. Thus, upon touching down in Atlanta one sunny afternoon my bearings bore me to a giant coffee venue called Hodgepodge.

Cafe Myriade

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Cafe Myriade
Location Visited: Golden Square Mile (Rue Mackay),
Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While my trips to Montreal are not nearly as frequent as I would like, fortunately shops in the area seem to have a sturdy shelf life. Cafe Myriade is one operation that opened after a trip circa 2007 and over the years I've watched them make great coffee from afar. Finally, nearly ten years later I finally had an opportunity to visit their original Mackay St location for an experience long in the making.

Seeds Coffee Company

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Seeds Coffee Company
Location Visted: Birmingham, AL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

It might be coincidental, but whenever I'm in the South I find more coffee establishments open late versus anywhere else (save maybe the Northwest). Maybe it's because the alcohol laws are more relaxed or that their patrons just get up at later hours, but when I was driving through Alabama, I had plenty of places to pick for a cup of coffee after supper.

Maelstrøm Saint-Roch

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

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.

Condesa Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Condesa Coffee
Location Visted: Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

For as much as I love the crisp air of winter and snow-covered mountain peaks, I definitely more enjoy sitting outside in a tshirt while sipping on a great cup of coffee. The warmth of Atlanta provides plenty of days for such activity, and coffeehouses like Condesa's O4W (Old Fourth Ward) location have tremendous patios for their agoraphilic patrons like myself.