2014 - Year in Review

Happy New Year Readers.

I've been dormant and just lazy to write on the Blog.
As mentioned I'm active on Instagram   or Twitter.

Here are my top picks for Toronto cafe (in no particular order)

EAST END
Mercury Espresso
Te Aro
Bud's Espresso

CENTRAL / Queen West
SJCB (Harbord Location)
Manic *Best Muffins ever*
Early Bird
Dark Horse (Queen West)

CENTRAL - UPTOWN *North of Bloor*
Boxcar Social
De Mello

WEST END
Propeller (Roastery and Cafe)
Capital Espresso
Lit (Roncy)
Good Neighbour

______________________________________________________________

What else happened in 2014?

Tried coffee from over 40 different roasteries
(Most memorable outside of GTA: Koppi, George Howell, Tim Wendelboe, Sightglass and Transcend)
(Memorable Toronto roaster:  Propeller - YirgZ, Pilot (Mercedes Geisha). Cut Coffee (Kenyan)

Current GO-TO brew device: Aeropress

Worked on my own interpretation of Blue Bottle NOLA-Style Cold Brew Coffee for CityGourmet.ca

Reached 1k followers on Instagram, then quickly lost it.

Didn't buy any new brewing equipment, which surprised me... but 2015 looks to be exciting
______________________________________________________________

I'll try and write more, but let's see how my schedule plays out.
Thanks for continuing to follow my journey thru coffee.
Hopefully I'll put more energy into revamping the site (REAL SOON).

xo
Espresso Adventures

1: Mercury Espresso

Mercury Espresso Bar
Address: 915 Queen Street East
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
website

Congratulation are in order for Mercury Espresso Bar; topping this list for the second year in a row.

2012 marks the 6th year of this local charm, not only did they lose key members of the mercury team, sad to see Matt leave, but success in a different format - Manual Labour has been great.

They also started to make big changes.Switching out Madcap for Victoria charm BowsXArrows (run by former Mercury alum Amber Fox), keeping more Canadian content. Still pull Howell though.
To being the most consistent shop, serving drinks with passion, giving us different roasters, being the perennial shop in Toronto, I give Mercury the nod for top cafe.


They've also started to accept debit cards -- What a change!!

Thank you for reading, I swear to be better about posting in 2013!

Keep exploring and happy Espresso Adventures!

Featured Espresso: Burundi

Spotted: Mercury Espresso
Address: 915 Queen Street East
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
@mercuryespresso

Espresso: Sogestal Mumira
Origin: Burundi
Roaster: George Howell Coffee / Terroir
Located: Acton, MA

My Thoughts: Thank you! I really enjoyed the mouthfeel and the juicy - mouth watering action, and LARGE body.

From the notebook of GH:

Creamy Orange | Caramelized Peaches | Cinnamon

Suggested extraction instructions:
Group head temperature: 197 F (91.7 C)
Espresso dose: 20 grams (We suggest a VST 20 gram basket.)
Pulling time: 25 - 28 seconds
Finished espresso: 28 liquid grams

Featured Espresso: Gacokwe Burundi

Spotted: Mercury Espresso

Verdict: Orange zest explosion. Really juicy enough to punch your tongue awake.

From MADCAP
Tasting Notes: Big flavor, orange and juicy 
Produced by Gacokwe Washing Station/Cooperative
Region: Kayanza
Varietals: Bourbon, Jackson, Mibirzi
Altitude: 1,650 masl
Processing: Washed and sun dried in raised beds
Harvested: May-August 2011

2012 marks our 3rd straight year buying from the Kayanza Region of Burundi.  Burundi is a small country located in the heart of Africa just south of Rwanda.  Coffee is the main export out of Burundi and sales of specialty grade coffee have skyrocketed over the past 5 years as a lot of efforts to produce better coffee have been put into the country and have helped change the face of the country.  

The Gacokwe Cooperative works with 1700 small farmers offering incentives paid to the farmer for producing higher quality coffee.  The fermentation of this coffee combines elements of wet and dry fermentation with the use of clean mountain water.  The total fermentation can last up to 2 ½ days before being dried on raised patios.  We have fallen in love with the cup profile that we find in coffees from this area boasting a big flavor, full of aromatics, juicy, yet with spicy complexity.

(from MadCap Coffee website_)


SEASONAL!!! GET IT NOW.




(ppssssttt.... don't forget my other fav in the neighbourhood is having an event Mar 31st)

Features espresso: el roble, Santander, Colombia

Spotted: Mercury Espresso
Country: Colombia
Farm: El Roble
Farm Size: 740 Acres
Altitude: 5,000 ft
Varietals: Caturra
Harvest: 2011
Roaster: Terroir Coffee (GH Howell)

Tasting Notes: Honey, almond-butter, bittersweet chocolate, lively acidity North Italian Espresso Roast

 Suggested extraction instructions:
Group head temperature: 197 F (91.7 C)
Espresso: 19 grams in a double basket
Pulling time: 28 seconds
Finished espresso: 28 liquid grams

Verdict: Sweet almond-cocoa bark. Smoothness from beginning to end.
As it cools; the bite gets stronger and the acidity livens up to a full fledge smack.


Thank you Mercury for allowing Toronto community to indulge in the world of GHHowell
Coffee.


information taken from: here
*Contributor: K.Zyganiuk*

Featured Espresso; Konga

Coffice Time!

Decided that with December rolling in, I should get back into the Featured Espresso Posts. You'll be seeing more frequent posts...let's keep my accountable.


Spotted: Mercury Espresso
Farm: Konga Co-op
Origin: Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia
Roaster: Terrior Coffee/ George Howell
Located: Mass (close enough to BOS)
Verdict: blast of bright berry, with pleasant tartness of raspberry, hints of tea/floral sense
Will I be back: definitely mate!


Breaking: Will we see the end to co-op coffee in Ethiopia?? (sprudge)

*Contributed by: K. Zyganiuk*

Matalapa Love

Spotted: Mercury Espresso Bar
Roasters: Terrior/George Howell Coffee
Farm: Matalapa
Origin: La Libertad, El Salvador
Altitude: 4100 feet
Varietals: Pacas and Bourbon Peaberry (70/30)
Method: Washed

Winning the CoE in 2003, Matalapa keeps impressing us. Terroir (George Howell) has great partnerships with amazing farmers - and this is no exception to the rule.

Verdict: Licking your lips sweetness of tropical guava with buttery smoothness as it lingers on your tongue just makes EA go CRAZY!!!!

Gosh Mercury, you make Espresso Adventures want more!!
Plus, visit the shop for their amazing Movember 'stache...(photo tmr)

Features Bean: Kenyan Kangunu

LIMITED... might even be GONE, but get there QUICK

Spotted: Mercury Espresso Bar
Roasters: George Howell/ Terrior

Details for Terrior: (here)

Country: Kenya

Farm: Kangunu Mill

Altitude: 5600 ft

Varietals: Bourbon SL 28 and SL 34

Harvest: 2009

Rainfall: Low to moderate

Production Method: WashedBittersweet Chocolate | Raisins | Blackberry | Black Currant | Plums

Featured Espresso: El Roble Espresso (Terrior)

Spotted: Mercury Espresso Bar
Address: 943 Queen Street East
Neighbourhood: Leslieville

Siphon @ Mercury

Slow-brew, hand pour, pour overs, siphons the tread for 2011?
Spotted: Mercury Espresso Bar
Method: Siphon
Price Tag: $5.75 Sm (enough for 2 cups)
Crafted preparation for a specifically brewed cup of coffee is what I admire. I can do this at home, but the cafe experience with their industrial grinders, and freshly rotated beans adds that "magic" factor.I'll wait that 5-10 minutes for a well-made coffee.
But is it worth the price tag? I say so: 2 small cups, making it about $3 per cup seems reasonable for the time and effort that the barista attends to the brewing. So why'd I try the Siphon?

Main reason - I dont own a Siphon - plus I also don't have a storage room filled with Geogre Howell's Coffee.... with that said:
Last week I made the trip over to the Mercury and had Nolan fire up the Siphon...

Mercury Photos

 

 Happy Birthday! Five Years in Leslieville.
Creating the scene for Local Independent Cafes -
Mercruy Espresso Bar opened theirs doors on March 20, 2006 - it's been growing ever since.

Major Barista Jam on Saturday night filled the 400 sq ft. location to the brim, with local barista from the GTA. We had Detour, Social, Capital, LIT, TeAro, Crema, SJCB/CP, Terrior all in representation last night.
A great turn-out for the neighbourhood, and a great scene for Toronto to thrive off.
As a coffee geek, it was just a lot of love going around.
Great to see so many familar faces.
(more photos and details after the jump)

Birthdays all weekend.

Friday:

Crema on Bloor (located inside of the Freshii is turning One.

$2 Sumatra Blue Batak Clovers all day + Cake from Circles and Squares.

 

Verdict: Sweet lemon essence, with a resounding earthy mouthfeel signature of sumatran coffee. But the finish becomes this smoky smooth sweet tobacco taste that coats your mouth and leaves an amazing after-taste.

Great way to celebrate their first anniversary.

Saturday/Sunday: MUTHAF@#%KIN’ FIVE YEARS at Mercury Espresso

Mercury's 5th Birthday Bash

This upcoming weekend will mark one of my fav local coffee shops, Mercury Espresso Bar, 5th birthday.
The Weather looks like it'll cooperate! Hopefully no rain.
Address: 915 Queen St. East
Neighbourhood: Leslieville

MUTHAF@#%KIN’ FIVE YEARS!

SATURDAY MARCH 19TH - starting at 7pm

• Olde-fashioned Barista showdown. (Latte Art)
• Beer courtesy of  Mill Street 
• Food from George Brown's Culinary School. 
• Terroir/George Howell Coffee Co. donating amazing coffee.
• BEST of all Toronto's first Manual Brew-Off!  

Local baristas will be bringing the coffee, the method and skills.

"Bring your friends as well.  Baristas or not.  We need to get as many people to see what an amazing community we have.  Great coffee is not just for us." - Matt and Doug  

There will be a silent auction throughout the night, as well as a donation jar set up for Coffee Kids.
Mercury will be raising money for this great organization throughout the entire weekend. 

So to recap, Beer, Coffee, Food, Coffee, Beer, Beer. Food, etc....

SUNDAY MARCH 20TH (Our ACTUAL birthday)
Free *Daily Brew in 12oz and 8oz sizes. *limit one per person* - GHHowell's Alchemy Blend
Local bands from staff, former staffs and addicts of MercuryHere's the line up(check the blog for more details)

12:00pm-12:30:Edison’s Torpedo,
12:30-1:00: Silver Speakers
1:00-1:30: Nolan, Ken & Aerin
1:30-2:00: The Bait & Switch
2:00-2:30: Stiff Toys,
2:30-3:00:  Suitcase Sam and His Spectacular Two-Man Band,
3:00-3:30: Black Walls,
3:30-4:00: Soup Kitchen Line Up,
4:00-4:30: Annelise Noronha,
4:30-5:00: Gay
5:00-5:30: The Bitters.

There will be cake, coffee and bands all day. 

I'll be popping in - so should you! Plus it's an excuse to explore Leslieville.

Featured: Addis Ketema

Mixed bag of weather (snow, slush, freezin rain, hail, flash cold, rain) these last couple of days has pushed me to get out earlier, and why not visit some local stomping grounds.

Spotted at Mercury Espresso Bar
Espresso: Addis Ketema
Region: Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia
Roasters: George Howell

Verdict: Smooth brightness and a clean distinction of root/ginger spice pronounced on my tongue shining through the mellow pre-ripe peach (think texture as mouth feel)
Very different from when Mercury first received this roast.
Pleasantly, and unexpectedly had Matt pull the shots this AM.

Featured Bean: Addis Ketema

Spotted @ Mercury Espresso
Beans: Addis Ketema (North Italian Roast)
Region: Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia
Roasters: Terroir Coffee
Located: Mass.
@ghowellcoffee

Verdict: Sweetness hits the tip of the tongue, and explodes with more smooth tones as it reaches the back. Huge permisson with subtle lemon-cherry-ade (sweeten drink) accents

After consuming the double espresso, there was a smooth "campy" finish with a lingering campfire smoke caramelized toffee. Now that's how to do a pleasurable after-taste.

Price: $2.50
Disloyalty Card: Supported/Stamped!

From Mercury:
Lemon citrus, Sweet strawberry

From Terroir:
Certified Organic ~ North Italian Espresso Roast!
The Addis Ketema Cooperative has over 2000 farms averaging 3.4 acres each. This fine lot produces a very smooth espresso. It is infused with whispers of candy lemon, ripe apricot and mellow traces of ginger. Mellow acidity with medium body.

Get this fresh new seasonal blend before Mercury runs out.

Featured Espresso: Cerrado

Spotted at Mercury Espresso Bar
Beans: Single-Origin from Brazil
Farm/Coop: Daterra, Cerrado
Roasters: Terroir
Located: Mass. USA

Tasting Notes: Smooth enjoyable profile for all palettes. Minor citrus qualities at the end of your sips, but memorable. Clean medium body, with tastes that remind you of aromatic fudge being made on the spot! Best of both worlds: chocolate but with the surprise of sweetness that lingers in rich fudge. Not the fudge that kills your teeth. Yummy for the soul

Special Feature: One of my favourite baristas - Josh - was on bar today and pulled the shots on Synesco on this lazy Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy this while you can! A couple of bags left- but limited! Afterwards they're going back to the much loved Mamuto.

In addition: goes really well in the Cortado!

From the mouth of GHH:

This is a wonderfully mellow coffee but with delicate clean fruit sweetness, giving a refined Beaujolais-like character to this coffee. Elusive hints of roses in the aroma. Very soft creamy notes of pecan. Medium body without any tang.

It was harvested from deep-rooted, low yield, very carefully hand-harvested Yellow Bourbon variety of Arabica. The owner of Daterra, Luis Pascoal, is a key coffee visionary in the quality coffee movement who never tires of tweaking everything he does one notch up every year for the quality of the coffee and for his social and environmental policies.

Featured Espresso: Alchemy

New Espresso Blend?
Beans: Alchemy Espresso Blend
Regions: El Salvador, Brazil, Costa Rica

Roasters: Geogre Howell's Terrior Coffee
Where to find: Mercury Espresso Bar
                        (915 Queen Street East)
(DEC 10, 2010 - hopefully still there)

Technical: Pulled for 27 seconds at 197F

New Blend that GH/Terrior has come up with. The greatest piece of information they provide are the specifications that will optimize the shot. Geogre has a plethora of knowledge and is constantly improving the craft.!

Verdict: Smooth Chocolate Body! with hints of fresh Cirtus once it hits your tongue. Sweet aftertaste.

Look who else I spotted: Josh, (New member of Mercury team, ex-Crema)

Featured Espresso: Mamuto North Italian Roast

Spotted: Mercury Espresso Bar (915 Queen Street East)
Hours: M-F 6:30 am - 8pm
           Sat 7:30am - 8pm
           Sun 8am - 8pm
Featured: Mamuto North Italian Style Espresso Roast
                (Single Origin -Mamuto, Kirinyaga, Kenya)
Roaster: George Howell's Terroir Coffee
Located: Acton, Mass.

Pulling until they run out, than they'll showcase the Matalapa

Verdict: Rich brightness, with delicious fruitiness that coats your entire tongue. Sweet citrus notes (juicy) to round out the acidity. Flavours develop as you continue with your double espresso.

STRAIGHT from TERROIR COFFEE
We've opted to offer the new crop of Mamuto as an espresso roast!

Tasting Notes:
Bright blackberry and sweet citrus notes embedded in caramel.

Long a favorite of our customers and staff, Mamuto has held a heralded place in our hearts here at GHCC. When we first cupped this farm, in 2005, we were simply blown away by the sumptuous body, blackberry and black currant aromatics, with a hint of sweet tomato.

Taking inspiration from their family, Walter Paul Mathagu, the farm's owner, explained to me, he and his wife named the farm by combining the first two letters from three words: his name, Mathagu, as the father; Muthoni, his wife's maiden name, as mother; and toto, meaning child or children in Swahili: thus Mamuto. Mr. and Mrs. Mathagu have six children - three boys, three girls
Farmer: Walter Paul and Muthoni Mathagu
Region: Kirinyaga
Altitude: 5,000 ft.
Rainfall: Low to moderate+
Soil: Volcanic loam
Arabica variety: Bourbon Sl 28 and SL 34
Size of Farm: 21 acres total; 13 acres of coffee
Roast: Full Flavor

3: Mercury Espresso

Mercury Espresso Bar

Address: 915 Queen Street East

Neighbourhood: Leslieville
Contact: 647 435 4779 email

(website)

Having open in the spring of 2006, they made this corner shine with their precise attention to details. It took a while to get used to the new layout having spent a long time with the huge mural of Toronto streets, corner couches and tables these recent renovations opens up the floor to a bigger space for this hip-east side hot spot. 

Currently there are more windows, a revamped espresso bar, and more small tables to conduct business meetings. There is a large art installation hung from the ceiling and a tribute to the old - with their old white sign hanging on the side wall. New coats of paints, and this new set-up gives it more of a professional look, than the old hangout joint.
The baristas and owners really try to connect with their customers, by knowing their roasters, products and machine. This relationship manifests itself into how they pull their shots.

They usually have Intelligenstia Black Cat Classic and a feature espresso on this visit it was Intelligenstia single origin Kenya Gichathanini


Machine:Synesso's flagship model, the Cyncra
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: Heavy Traffic
Beans: Intelligenstia Black Cat Espresso; 
Feature:Kenya Gichathaini - Single Origin
Music: indie hip, rock, and blues
Disloyalty Card: YES

Owners Matt and Doug strive to find quality beans while bringing new coffees, roasters and flavours that they find fascinating.
On this trip I had an opportunity to chat with Nolan about how he liked the amazing Synesso machine.
Individual temperature control of the 3 heads, means that the Synesso machine can handle three different beans. Nolan noted that the featured beans use 201 degrees while the other ones typically are pulled at 196/197 degrees.


Nice that they take care in keeping the temperature gauges monitored for the optimal temperature to create the best shot.

Verdict: Well balanced, citrus acidity, notes mandarin orange & grapefruit, spicy lingering finish.This brings me back to SF's Ritual Coffees' Sweet tooth (August edition). yum yum!
Great vibe for a cafe, but the love of espresso oozes once you step thru the curtains, and explore what they have in store.