First Experience: The Mascot

The Mascot
Address: 1267 Queen West
Neighbourhood: Parkdale
website, @WeAreTheMascot

Part cafe / part art gallery - this Large storefront fits right into the burgeoning Parkdale scene. Already turning 1 year old , it's a new pup in the cafe scene.
What makes this space work?
The first part of the space is dedicated to the "cafe" with a sparse collection of wooden tables and nicely accompanying chairs that fits right into the gallery space. As you step into the back with a collection of gallery pieces and  antique chairs lying around.

Machine: Victoria Ardunio 3 lever manual espresso machine
Beans: Bullet Espresso
           Brazilian, Ethiopian, Sumatran
Roasters: Reunion Island
Located: Oakville, ON

Verdict: Not hating on the Manual Machines - as I know they can be good (ideal in Kensington), but this espresso on this machine with the barista pulling for 11 seconds - tasted like ASH. I had one sip, and I put it back down, Crema was a dark brown composition. Seeing as the barista pulled the single I'm certain that all that was in my cup was the Heart of the espresso - and no body.
Nevertheless, I'm not sure I want to return back here.
I also believe that I'm not a huge Reunion Island fan = as I didn't like Red Rocket x 2, and Noir locations.....

To each their own.

Final note: Get inside for the modern/contemporary art pieces located within the cafe - but don't expect too much from the espresso. Take a photo outside with their friendly Mascot cutout sign = great for kids and adults alike. Be sure to ham it up for the camera Ossington and Ronsce crowd.
But I'll PASS on the coffee!

First Experience: Capital Espresso and Pastries's

Capital Espresso and Pastries's

(formerly operating out of Blondies' across the street)
Address: 1349 Queen St. W. (corner of Dunn Ave.)

Neighbourhood: Parkdale

contact: (Facebook, Twitter: @capitalspro)

CAPITAL Espresso doesn't really need an introduction if you're a local. It's just Blondie's Espresso crew moving further west and across the street. Co-owners, Alex, Damian and Maggie did reno's, put in new furniture, and slapped on a carefully selected logo. They've taken over the former space of VICE magazines office, and they've done well with their initial set-up, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The wooden floors and big comfy coaches remind me of visiting my friends' livingroom/space down the street on Cowan Ave. With full backed benches and small tables it creates space for multi-purpose workstations. Along with a long bar ideal for cuppings, but the added bonus are the hooks located under the bar. Keeps your bag dry and off of the ground. This is a huge plus, during the slushy winter months.


On my visit earlier this week I was greeted by some familiar faces from Mercury Espresso. Having to do a double-take, it was friendly to see some east-enders travelling to take in the new digs - shout outs were made on twitter - but who uses that....

With the large windows all around the store front, I really hope they've insulated themselves well for the upcoming winter months, as we all know those hydro bills are off the charts. My concern was quickly negated as the number of bodies in the cafe made up for warmth as virtually ever seat was taken except the back table. Parking ourselves back there, close to the wooden wall, I noticed their photo tribute to fixed gear bikes, and the many hooks for hanging out their roadies during their time at the cafe. I'd put up a photo of my sexy bike, and definitely bring it inside for warmth if this was my cafe. Respect on that! Is it me... or is there a growing trend of baristas and fixed/SS.

Machine: La Marzocco Linea
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: Unknown - constant on this visit
Beans: Origins Coffee (5 Origin Blend)
           (From Vancouver's Gransville Island)
Music: indie rock! (almost CBC R3 like)
Disloyalty Card: YES (if they count as Blondie's)

Verdict: nice golden taste, with smooth body, and a hint of citrusy/acidity to linger on the tongue.
Cocoa, but not dark chocolate.
(didn't enjoy the barista rushing me to drink the shot, it sat for the duration of my trip to the back table.)