M4: Fashion and Coffee

M4:

Fashions of Queen Street - Taken from Toronto Life (article)

Hump Day Love

Short post celebrating Hump Day.
Easter Long weekend ahead.

Here are some photos wishing that you were at Te Aro this morning to celebrate the mid-week!

Going to make a trek to Oakville to visit Gabriel at Carvahlo Coffee Roasters

Red Rocket Coffee

Red Rocket Coffee
Address: 1402 Queen Street East
Neighbourhood: Queen East /Leslieville
website, @redrocketcoffee Tel: 416-406-0880
Open daily 7AM - 6PM

Operating on the outskirts of Leslieville is the appropriately named cafe that faces the TTC streetcar yard. Conveniently located at the corner of Queen and Vancouver (insert West coast chuckles)... houses the brick facade building that is also home to Queen Marghertia Pizza. The former Chinese noodle factory has turned into an urban lifestyle centre. They've also built a gorgeous outdoor patio, that is actually great to lounge on during weather appropriate months (Spring-Fall). Red Rocket Coffee was named after the iconic "Toronto people-mover" slings out some decent concoctions using only Fair-trade organic coffees provided from other local roaster Reunion Island. 

First Experience: F'Coffee

F'Coffee
Address: 641 Queen Street East
Neighbourhood: Riverside

Nestled on the edge of the Eas/West divide, just before you hit the bridge to cross the Don, is where you'll find F'Coffee. It's the way of F'life

Locals popping in for their daily dose, or just neighbourhoodies lounging and doing their works... Usually find a mixed crowd of quiet folks plus the ones that get-together to catch up.
It's a great location to take a break from the dredges of the Queen Streetcar.

 The interior is lit up by the large windows that face Queen East - currently home to the next "loft/condo" expansion slated for that area. But be weary of their hours - as sometimes you think they'll be open... Guess again. I've tried multiple times to visit the shop at odd hours - and no dice. On this lovely Saturday morning I was able to luck out and sample what they had.

Machine: Saeco Aroma Se 200

Grinder: Unknown

Beans: Own Blend

Roasters: Unknown

Indie Coffee Passport:YES
Verdict: Seems like they have a decent machine, with decent beans, and decent staff. The shot just didnt have any character. Strong aromatic arabaca beans - but taste wise it was flat. My tongue/palette wasn't excited. After it cooled the acidic tones started to shine right thru. Not my cup of tea.

 If you notice the photo - it produces a rich dark caramel crema, but still - no character at all.

They do have great panini sandwiches, and pastries... but again - with their early closures - you better get in bright and early.

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)

8: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar 

Address: 682 Queen Street East

Neighbourhood: Riverside

(website)

This east-end favourite has now expanded over the bridge to the west (on Spadina in the Robertson Building), bringing the best from this location and leaving the Queen West Crowd jealous for the authentic deal.
In the centre of the Cafe is a large wooden communal with shivel chairs that seems to do a great job inviting passer-bys who peer through the large glass windows. Seats at the bar allow those that are more inclined to have a chat with the baristas, about bean selection, daily musings and even the occassional rant. Exposed brick walls and columns, with airvents and a great metallic large tiled ceiling sets the mood of the cafe; Comfy, Colourful, and Cunning. There seems to be a rotating selection of artwork, but the main draw is the Cityscape etched into the espresso bar (photo above) imprinted with Dark Horses' logo.

What's on tap:

Machine: Mirage Triplette Classic
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: High foot-track
Beans: Detour Customs roast - single origin (Brasil)
Music: spot on
Indie Coffee Passport: YES
Disloyality Program: YES

*They also occasionally feature other beans for their press, but keep it the same with Detour's custom blend. Detour operates out of Dundas, ON (outside of Hamilton), with the close partnership that has developed between Cafe and Roaster, it would not be surprising that they created a unique blend of espresso for Momiji during her trials to be crowned Eastern Barista Champion. It would seems that it fits, and both parties have benefitted from the exposure, only great things to come for both companies.

Verdict: Hints of Citrus, medium body with heavy tones of chocolate for a smooth drink.

They offer a wide selection of drinks and baked goods. But really... it's all about the espresso, the beautiful Mirage machine and an actual espresso bar to chat with the ever so busy barista.

Recommended: Trek-worthy of those that will travel for a great double espresso shot.



I leave you with something to ponder about....

People Watching to kill time.