First Experience: Coffee Tree

Address: 2412 Bloor Street West

              (Jane and Bloor)
Neighbourhood: BloorWestVillage
(416) 767-1077; website

Let's talk about the oldest Toronto Artisan Roastery: Coffee Tree. They've been roasting and procuring beans since 1988. With their very own on-site micro roaster, and a daily roasting schedule, it'd only make sense that they would source from the coffee producing belt.

First Experience: Red Bean Espresso + Market

Red Bean Espresso + Market
Address: 2118 Bloor St. W.
Neighbourhood: Bloor West Village

Tel: 647-352-2326

Located in between Runneymede and High Park subway stations, in the high populated hood of BWV is a relative newcomer. Taking up the space of the former Vespa shop, the high ceilings and clean walls create a canvas of new designs for owner Iris. Creating a family friendly hub is what Iris wants to establish, and that is what she's done.
Food brings people together, that's why half of the back space is dedicated to their in-house kitchen. Proud to have all their goodies prepared in-house the list includes pastries, gourmet sandwiches and soups, but it's that attention to detail that caught my eye.
A huge 4 panel stained glass frame hangs from the ceiling reminds me of the coffee houses in Germany. The amazing Simonelli Aurelia used at WBC, and highly in tune to industry needs, Iris can't go wrong here. Quality.

Opening Soon: Coffee Pocket

Sam James Coffee Pocket
Address: 688a Bloor Street West (Bloor W/ Clinton)
Neighbourhood: Koreatown, Christie Pits
(website , @ 297Harbord)

Sam James is opening a second location!
This Saturday at 9am he will open the door to another "hole in the wall" walk-in, walk-out location. This time focusing on mainly espresso type drinks.
The cafe "deprived" strip on Bloor West will be a welcome edition, and with their main focus becoming take-out drinks, this will be exciting for Sam James and his crew. Foot traffic, Good Eats, and well-crafted espresso means that the locals will now be torn as to which location to visit.
Keep it posted for interior photos.

Yes... Sexy Bikes, Painted murals on street planters and Coffee Pocket means more cold rides into the winter months.