Food for thought: Corner House

Corner House
Address: 134 Davenport Rd.
Neighbourhood: Upper Annex

Having a great meal at restaurants in Toronto - is not easy, but there are plentiful locations to appease the most high-nosed customer. During my tenure in Toronto, there is a striking commonality amongst fine dining experiences - the coffee isn't really good. Either it's been brewed in an urn since the start of service, OR it's overextracted to the point where my face puckers up and I stop after 2 sips. Unsure whether the first sip was me, but then confirmed like someone striking me in the head with a dodge ball.

Case in Point: Corner House.
Amazing French food, with care and excellent execution. From their apps, mains and even their desserts - quite lush.

Coffee: 
Machine: Faema E16
Beans: Segafredo
Verdict: le sigh.
How can this change?
Proper training of baristas, and a great coffee program.
Amazingly crafted food, prepared with care should translate to how they finish off their meal - with excellence.
Is it really hard for the food industry to give a little bit more attention to this area. I'm quick to NOT order coffee after a meal, because 9 out of 10 times the coffee is so bad, I rather not spoil my fine dining experience with a bitter cup.
If restaurants are to serve coffee, please serve some better tasting, better prepared drinks. I'm really not asking for too much - but maybe a little more effort.

I can only name a handful of locations which I would get an after meal coffee...(more to come) but this shouldn't have to be a decision to deter patrons away from desserts and coffee.

Here's a push for better coffee programs/ and coffee preparation.

Hump day questions: Do you drink coffee after a great meal?

4: Sam James Coffee Bar

Sam James Coffee Bar
Address: 297 Harbord Street
Neighbourhood: Annex
647 341 2572 email 
(website)

Brainchild and namesake: Sam James , renowed barista, has opened up this community favourite for all to visit. Having first heard about the location a year ago and visiting it's establishment often the location is a definitely a mecca of espresso love. If you've followed the career of the famed Sam James, you know that his training proceeds his celebirty stardom. Having his beginning at Cherry Bomb then Hank's, and later on at Manic and Dark Horse, it's only due time that he developed his own place. Parked in Pantalone's mortatorium it was nice to see how this small storefront has transformed into an great espresso bar. The white and black tiles, and artwork just make it such a lovely place to visit. GUSH - it reminds me of some of the european cafe bars that I've visited.

Sadly, I've never taken the moment to capture my double espresso, and am left with only Cappucino photos. (note: that is my next fav drink)

Machine: La Marzocco Linea (2 Group)
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: Heavy Traffic
Beans: Toi et Moi Cafe Espressone (Montreal)
Music Chill
Disloyalty Card: YES 
 Counter space is nicely set-up, and if you can take the 10 minutes to enjoy your drink -- have it "for here".


Verdict: Balanced body of dark chocolate, berry notes, and light acidity round out this roast. 
The set-up at the bar is optimal for the tight space and the barista's that James has hired are top notch. Careful preparation of the shot from the grinding, to the consistent tamping and attention to cup temperature makes it an easy choice for local espresso lovers to trek over here. The clientele that come in, appreciate their love for espresso, and it shows in the constant flow.