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

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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
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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

3: Sam James Empire

Sam James (Coffee Bar/Coffee Pocket)
Address: 297 Harbour Street, 688a Bloor St. West 150 King W (PATH)
website

Sam James opened up shop #3 in the extremely busy labyrinth of the PATH (Toronto's underground network). He's a game changer, taking on Timmie's and other "FAST" coffee chains. Yet, the suits have embraced his cups of espresso with vigour. Even accepting his Cash Only policy (to which I agree, but given our cashless society - pushes a fraction away)

Always a great place to sip on espresso in their iconic thick walled cups. Th holding the nectar of sweet, sweet espresso. Super impressed with no nonsense attitude of providing the best drink possible.

Enjoy your shot at any of these locations.
Cheers

Snowy Saturday; SJCB, Dark Horse

This past Saturday, Toronto got hit with some lovely snowy weather. Snow storm with winds in the mix make for lovely photos!

In the midst of the snowstorm, we were still able to conduct our first Espresso Adventure of 2011.

The morning starting with treking 3 blocks to start the Annex/Queen W adventure. New EA meant that we had to go to some favs and big names from the scene.
First off we lounged inside of Sam James Coffee Bar where Sam James himself was on the La Marzocco GB5 himself.
Pulling an elegant double espresso, in a fashionanle manner is not easy, but the finese that he intellectuall feels is an intuition that may never occur.

Verdict: Buttery smooth with infusion of half melted chocolate. Random spurts of citrus and tea to round out the flavour porfile of Toi, Mot et Cafe. Balanced acidity helped to start the day off right.... in addition a lovely Cranberry/Vanilla Scone added enough to combat the blistering cold winds....

 Lunch Break!!

Well, not my lunch break - but I wish it was my lunch break.

Next stop: b espresso (Dundas/Church) - no photo... will need to return with adequate time to take in the environment.

Last stop: the new Dark Horse Espresso Bar (Queen and Euclid).

Brillance in a nutshell.

Proper review to come in the next couple of days.

First Experience: Sam James Coffee Pocket

 Sam James Coffee Pocket

Address: 688a Bloor Street West

Neighbourhood: Koreatown/Christie Pits

(website, @297Harbord)

It's here! Sam James opened the doors to Coffee Pocket on Saturday to a good crowd of people that helped to celebrate the launch of the second location for famed barista. Located on Bloor Street West and Clinton Street, it's in  good company with Tacos, and Korean Food joints. Not too far from the original location, it's still great to find a no-nonsense to the point espresso bar.
They do not serve DECAF, so be forewarned, but they have teas.
Pulling only a limited menu selection of traditional drinks, it's easy to see how this shop can be 1-person operational machine.

On this chilly Sunday morning, as you open the door the sudden warmth instantly makes you feel at home. You're greeted by plants and hanging light bulbs as you take two more steps, and a massive art installation of a VOID cheque hanging on the western wall. The attention to detail is something that was not missed as the prepared for the opening weekend. Installing new machines and the single grinder, it's no surprise that this used to be a store front for a cellular shop, the old sign is currently still up, and gives it that charm and evidence of what could have operated here. Beige wooden panels and white walls stare as you contemplate a double espresso or Cappuccino.

Machine: La Marzocco GB5 (2 Group)
Grinder-Doser: Mazzer Robuar
Turnover: Unknown (but will be popular)
Beans: Espressone Toi Moi et Cafe (MTL)
Description:  roasted north Italian style, heavy body and long on the palate, pleasant acidity, sweet and chocolaty aftertaste.
Music: N/A
Seating: Standing room only! Fits ~7
NOTE: Only Espresso for here, everything else is in take-out cups.



Sam James will be here more often, to suss out the situation of Bloor West and say hi to the new faces.

Verdict: Pleasant palette experience of balanced acidity and sweetness. Pronounced cherry hints, with the typical chocolate smoothness.Same beans they use at the Coffee Bar, but definitely tasted sweeter.

Having a brief discussion with James, he attributes this to 2 things, NEW Machine, and fresh burrs (Grinder).

Love the concept, love the space.
Another winner for Toronto's Indie Coffee Scene

4: Sam James Coffee Bar

Sam James Coffee Bar
Address: 297 Harbord Street
Neighbourhood: Annex
647 341 2572 email 
(website)

Brainchild and namesake: Sam James , renowed barista, has opened up this community favourite for all to visit. Having first heard about the location a year ago and visiting it's establishment often the location is a definitely a mecca of espresso love. If you've followed the career of the famed Sam James, you know that his training proceeds his celebirty stardom. Having his beginning at Cherry Bomb then Hank's, and later on at Manic and Dark Horse, it's only due time that he developed his own place. Parked in Pantalone's mortatorium it was nice to see how this small storefront has transformed into an great espresso bar. The white and black tiles, and artwork just make it such a lovely place to visit. GUSH - it reminds me of some of the european cafe bars that I've visited.

Sadly, I've never taken the moment to capture my double espresso, and am left with only Cappucino photos. (note: that is my next fav drink)

Machine: La Marzocco Linea (2 Group)
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: Heavy Traffic
Beans: Toi et Moi Cafe Espressone (Montreal)
Music Chill
Disloyalty Card: YES 
 Counter space is nicely set-up, and if you can take the 10 minutes to enjoy your drink -- have it "for here".


Verdict: Balanced body of dark chocolate, berry notes, and light acidity round out this roast. 
The set-up at the bar is optimal for the tight space and the barista's that James has hired are top notch. Careful preparation of the shot from the grinding, to the consistent tamping and attention to cup temperature makes it an easy choice for local espresso lovers to trek over here. The clientele that come in, appreciate their love for espresso, and it shows in the constant flow.