Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Sub Rosa Bakery


Subject: Sub Rosa Bakery
Location: Richmond, VA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While most bakeries supply coffee, relatively few do it well. Sure, I understand that coffee is not usually a bakery's bread and butter (*rimshot*), but a baker that makes a great cup of coffee (not to mention latte) will definitely extend his/her appeal.

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.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Scout and Co.



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. 

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

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.