Alice in a Haze: Wunderland

Wunderland Art Gallery and Espresso
Address: 1905 Queen Street West
Neighbourhood: The Beaches (or officially "The Beach")
website, 416-698-4634

Summer is here, and it's a lot easier to motivate yourself to go out in the early brisk mornings for the jog around the block. Since the spring months, I noticed the newly painted house near Woodbine and Queen, but never gave it more than a quick glance.
"Wunderland".... with the Cheshire Cat eyes - seemed magical, with cobble front courtyard. It seemed like a new store front/ art gallery for the beaches.
On an evening run recently I noticed it was actually an espresso bar, but how could I just stop in for an espresso and continue the run - well, I could have but that just seemed - cafe faux-pas.
(read after the jump of my non-sweaty experience)

First Experience: b Espresso Bar

b Espresso Bar
Address: 65 Dundas Street East
              Located within the BOND Hotel
Neighbourhood: Downtown (Central)
website

b espresso bar has three location within the confines of Toronto. Starting their first shop next to George Restaurant on Queen St. East (near Church), it's customer base has really grown. Opening up two other locations - inside Bond Hotel, and RCM lobby seems like a good idea to change my outlook on automated hotel coffee.

b espresso bar - where the "b" stands for barsita, makes me wonder whether it's serving another purpose...filling a void in venues where traditionally coffee isn't prepared by a dedicated barista and flavours are quite lacking.

Downtown hotels - cater to visitors/tourists that have come to explore the city. What better way than to showcase classic Italian-style roasted coffees from local Classic Gourmet. Allowing guests to curb the big chain annoyance within hotels.

The Basics:
Machine: Faema E61
Grinder: Maikong
Beans: Custom Blend
Roasters: Rufino Espresso
Located: Concord, ON

Veridct: Smooth shot - with nice rounded body. Hints of chicory and a smokey taste. Chocolate throughout, and not high on the acidity level.

Pretty good for downtown Toronto. Should you visit the location on Queen - it's a different feel from the bond hotel lobby.
Plus you get to see inside of George's Restaurant... I always want to spend that extra little time to peer into their kitchen...

HAPPY ESPRESSO ADVENTURES

First Experience: Broadview Espresso

Broadview Espresso
Address: 817 Broadview Avenue
Neighbourhood: Danforth (north)
website

Former location of an Adult Video and Mags store - it's transformed into a more subdued local hangout that you do not have to hide your face in fear of oschertization. Upon entering the location it's renovation were so stark and transformative. You wouldn't have imagined that the windows that allow in the bright sun were once papered up - and could turn into a cafe within this cozy neighbourhood.
How's the neighbourhood handling the influx of cafe/ hangout/ meeting spots.... Quite well I, given that Crema will be opening it's doors on The Danforth in a couple of days -- Broadview Espresso holds it's own.
Seriving coffees from Concord, ON - Classic Gourmet and Rufino line - keeps them on their toes, while creating a homey feel.

The cafe has great bar-window action, that wraps around the front, and scattered with small tables - great idea to pop in on a sunday afternoon.

The Basics:
Machine: 2 group Elektra Classic
Grinder: Mazzar
Beans: Rufino Espresso
Composition: Serveral Countries
Roasted: Rufino
Loacted: Concord, Ontario


Verdict: This double shot was pulled longer than my taste preference - not as tight as Domestique. Body was there but tasted almost ashy and surprisingly brighter than I remember. Almost served like a very small americano, quite possibly extraction time was longer than nomal.

This spaces is greater purpose as a neighbourhood joint, where runners or bikers in their spandex can cap off a workout with a couple of 'spro and enjoy it at one of the two outdoor "patio" tables.
Is it worth the walk north of Broadview ... I'll let you decide.