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
______________________________________________________________

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

Great news for Pilot Coffee

Finally offically announced:

Pilot Coffee (sharing space within their Te Aro Coffee location) have secured their own space around the corner.

Kudos on the amazing developments.

What does this mean for the new open space?
- More seating?
-More kitchen space
-More retail
-Sensory lab?

Skies the limit.

Congratulations Pilot Cofee

News Alert: Te Aro to become Pilot

Hello Toronto Lovelies.

Much adored Te Aro Coffee Roasters located in Leslieville will now be named Pilot Coffee Roasters

Rebranding?
New Chapter?
FB, Twitter @pilotcoffee.

Update: Looks to be a brand separation of Coffee Roaster and Cafe.

Catching-up// weekend edition

Weekends are a great way to enjoy coffee if you feel tied up during the week.
Headed down to Te Aro, and just enjoyed the bustling scene.

Cheers.
Enjoy the weekend!
Watch Big Central Barista competition, enjoy the hockey season beginning and love life.

Happy Espresso Adventures

2: Te Aro

Te Aro Roasted
Address: 983 Queen Street West
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
website

Te Aro has had a really successful year.
Establishing and securing new direct trade relationships, trips to origin, roasting coffee for new accounts, we can sum it up as a great year.

Kicking things off was their showcase // espro-down of the top European coffee roasters they could get a hand on.
I've hand many memorable shots of espresso here, and I believe I will continue to do so. Their dedication to roasting and understanding their market just makes them a no-brainer among this list.

With the new Dietrich they've had more clarity in their roasts, able to handle all of their new accounts, and really keeps the cafe nice and warm. It was a struggle between the top 5 places on the list, but proximity, coffee availability and hours of operations played a bigger role.

Thank you for continuing to hold your Thursday public cuppings/Brew Methods, for being active in the coffee community, and just generally being a great place to have coffee.

Cheers
Espresso Adventures

Battle Royale: Coffee Cup

Looks like there is some Fall time battles happening soon. Last weekend I watched my first full UFC event, boy
Am I late to this event, but I can see why the sport is so loved. I'll stick to watching swimming.

Come watch Barista go head to head.
Date: Thursday Nov 8th, 7-11pm
where: Te Aro (983 queen st east)
Tickets: 12 at door, (10 in advance + free drink)
Hosted by: Reunion Island and Te Aro.

A kin to the #TNT, proceeds going to Cup to education.
Follow the chatter @coffeecupto for more information about where to buy tickets and find out who's showing their faces.....

You will see one face there: me.

The Diner Mug

Spotted: Te Aro Roasted
Drink: Americano
Beans: Elevens Espresso Blend.
Blend:(Seasonal) fully natural processed Brazilian with a combination of two very fine fully washed coffees from two different regions of Ethiopia.

Verdict: Citrus burst of Love.

What I loved best about this visit was sitting at the bar, taking in the hustle and flow, as we watched the barista do their magic (aka love for coffee)

*contributed: K.Zygnaiuk*

Fun Friday: Brew Guide

Looks like Wundercafe: TeAro have been busy busy busy.

Here's the latest Brew guide that they've put up.

Really enjoying the visuals and typeface of these prints...

Go straight to their site for more guides and to order some really great coffee. (here)

Fun Friday: Reusable Jars

As most of the Loyal readers know, I'm a huge fan of Te Aro Roasted.
Love that they re-purposed jars with handles to hold their cold drinks.
Re-purpose Coffee Sacks for donations to the local school (Morse Street P.S)
Re-Purpose old wood to serve as their high top table.
Re-purpose the old garage into Te Aro....

You get the picture...
So my fun friday/weekend project will be to take photos of items that were re-purposed, recycled, and throwing it back into our ecosystem and not for waste.


Why don't you join me and post a link to your image in the comments?
HAPPY ESPRESSO ADVENTURES weekend.

Seven Grams

Seven Grams Espresso Bar
Address: 131 Avenue Road
Neighbourhood: Yorkville
website, @twitter, 647-351-1317

Watching the Yorkville area transform into a cafe cultured location seems unwarranted. This is definitely an area where you'd love the clientele if you could attract them to stay. Seven Gram has re-designed the space on Avenue into a coffee haven, mobile office space, and third-party meeting hub (consisting of a plethora of tables in the lower level).
Using the entire building, the high ceilings create a spacious surrounding as you enter into the shop. Beautiful designed decor would be an understatement. They have clearly put a lot of thought into the details, not sparing anything from the logo to clean aesthetics.  it's everything that Yorkville embraces. Details, details, details - especially coffee.

Featured Espresso: Diablo

Spotted: Fahrenheit Coffee
Address: 248 The Esplanade
Neighbourhood: The Esplanade
website, @FahrenheitTO

Leading up to the CCBC made we think of some compeitiors from last year. First person that popped into my head was Sameer. Had a pleasant ride to his shop, and was seriously hoping to get some Diablo action. To my luck; Diablo was in the hopper; score!

Beans: Diablo
          Brazil Farenda Delariasse, Columbia Huila Finca La Triuna
Also:  Kenya Kandara and Ethiopian Sidamo
Roasted: Te Aro
Located: Leslieville, Toronto, ON

Fahrenheit Coffee

Fahrenheit Coffee
Address: 248 The Esplanade
Neighbourhood: The Esplanade
website, @FarenheitTO

Opening the new space on May 1st - Sameer Mohammed and the COAG team use this space as a forefront to Toronto's indie coffee scene. If you're not familiar with Sameer's work, look no further than the early months of Sense Appeal, and last years Central Canadiain Regional Barista Championships (finishing 2nd) and moving onto the Canadian Barista Champs last fall.
His craftsmanship and attention is at the forefront of this shop.
Having noticed that his presence was lost from Sense Appeal - I went a knocking to see what he was up to, and I soon found out about the new space and the next project: Fahrenheit Coffee.

First Experience: Ocho Hotel

OCHO Hotel
Address: 194 Spadina Avenue
Neighbourhood: Chinatown (West)
website

New boutique hotel ALERT!!!
If you've also noticed the green grass on Spadina, you're not the only one. After 18 months of construction, Louise and team are ready to launch this spot for competitive accommodations within the walks of downtown. Looking at a June launch, they've been running their reception area/lounge/lobby since March. A full service 24-hrs concierge desk acts as bar/and espresso spot for hotel goers and locals alike.
The Loft style, open raft space with exposed ventilation pipes makes the space work in the design conscious area. Let's not forget about all the architecture/design firms located on Spadina.. Along with the savvy Robertson Building just a couple steps north.
Can this lobby compete with Dark Horse 2?
Not really - it's just different.
They cater towards different crowd, with a more lounge hangout spot, as opposed to full suite cafe work centre at DH2.
You won't really see too many people on their macbook pros typing and designing away in this spot. You're more likely to see groups of friends gathering for a mid-day drink, or after-hours gathering.
Equipped with a full continental menu you might find something to noosh on.




Machine: 3 GroupWega (Straight from Itlay)
Grinder: Wega
Beans: Big Bro
Composition: Sumatra - bass notes
                       Brazil - low- to mid-range; 
                       Nicaragua - high end crispness.
Roasters: Te Aro Roasted
Located: Queen East
Cost: $16/lbs





Suggested espresso brewing specs:

    Dry dose: 18g

    Brew temp: 201F

    Brew time: 25-30sec

    Shot mass: 34-36g liquid

Verdict: Attention to details such as a shot of sparkling water, is definitely a great touch - they must be trained from the boys at TeAro. Sadly, this shot was weak - watery, and no syrupy body. Having had a lot of Big Bro - I'll have to say that this shot does not live up to the potential that I know it can be.

Will they improve? Maybe 

Beans are great - if factors can be controlled, and dedicated baristas start to stay - but for now - get yourself a stiff drink.

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

Bean Talk: Panama Rio Serreno

Beans: Panama Rio Serreno
Spotted: Te Aro Roasted
No longer brewing as a SO (Single Origin), but you can find it in Te Aro's new espresso blend: Elevens.

Why are we so excited about these beans? Micro-lots pop up around the coffee belt, and it's not unique to just the Panama region. But if you scroll to the photo of the dried beans below you will see something unique about their processes.

Go to Te Aro's blog to read up on Andy and Chris recent adventure to Guatemala Origin trip and discussing processes... from cherry to dried coffee bean.

Wait, don't the beans on the LEFT look a little odd, they're more red than the normal green beans.

Honey Process my friend.

The mucilage (a thick, gluey substance filled with proteins and sugar) that covers the bean is left on during the washing phase. As the beans go through the drying phase the remaining mucilage produces the red glowing tinge. It's said to generate an amazing, sweeter taste compared to a fully washed bean.

Farmers have traditionally chosen the coffee cherries during the middle of harvest season, as they've found the cherrys to be naturally packed with more sugars and oozes with "honey" sweetness.

Featured Espresso: Mecca Espresso (AUS)

Want a piece of AUS, you might be too late...

Featured Espresso Mecca Blend (Seasonal)
Spotted @ Te Aro Roasted
Roasters: Mecca Espresso
Located: Sydney, AUS
@Mecca_Espresso; URL

Mecca blend is an Ethiopian boldgrain, Ethiopian Sidama, and Costa Rica Sin Limites.  

Te Aro was the host for "Down Under Event" showcasing many roasters from NZ and AUS. The event was quite the success, consisting mainly of local baristas, roasters and coffee enthusiasts,, it was great to see the scene saturated in one place. Sadly I was unable to attend... but leave it to Te Aro to be blessed with the bags upon bags of espresso. Might as well offer it to the public and run it on their espresso menu.
High Five goes to Coffeestork; and proceeds from the event went to Coffeekids.

Mecca might be gone, but if you were lucky enough to taste some of these beans, you were in for a treat.

Machine: La Marzocco GB/5
Grinder: Mahlkoenig K30 Twin Espresso Grinder
Temp: 197 / Pulled for 25s

Verdict: Crisp woody, smooth nut feel. Highlighting the sweet tip of the tongue. Predominately cocoa/choco base with apricot-berry undertone. Reminiscent of the Dark chocolate with apricot and blackberry found at speciality stores.
Simply delicious.

Thanks Tyler for pulling the amazing shot!

Don't forget about Te Aro's Public Coffee Cupping on Fridays @ 12:30pm.
Around Leslieville? Join them. I wish I could!
Why not? Learn About coffee, sample new crops, enjoy life.
Make time for the pleasures.
Simplicity.

Promise I'll get those NYC posts up real soon.

Bean Talk: Te Aro Roasted's Elevens

ELEVENS
Straight from Te Aro

"The idea behind Elevens was to create a new espresso blend, that will change seasonally Elevens is brighter, and has fruity tones, the aroma is orange and floral.
The current Elevens is a post roast blend of a very sweet Panama Rio Serreno bean, and a bright orange taste from the Ethiopian Sidama.  The washed Sidama has a lot of apricot which was so unique.
We describe it as orange cream soda, with a refined acidity and white chocolate."

Saturday Rituals

Run ala Boardwalk.
Winter friends, or arctic bliss?
Scenic Views
Pumping Jams from Robyn, DeadMau5, and Avicii.
Finished off with some post-run eats and essential post-run hydration!

Afternoon spro w/ amazing friend.
Great Convos at the communal table.
Browsing through "Walls and Pieces" by Banksy


Rooster Coffee House 
Taking in the fun times of citizens going down Riverdale Park's enormous hills.
Loved discovering that they had the new espro blend

Machine: Elektra K-2S
Grinder: Mazzer Robur
Turnover: Medium (with Peak hours)

Featured Espro: "Elevens" by Te Aro Roasted 

Verdict: Sweetness the whole way through.but not in the overly sweet way that you get from those Valentine Candy hearts that contain messages. Just enough sweet to satisfy that sugar craving.
Described as "Orange cream soda", I think it's more fizzy goodness with orange essence. 
Thumbs Up!

Love the weekend.

Q: How do you celebrate the weekend?

V60 + Te Aro Love

Sometimes I bring my coffee on the go.
Not the best set-up, but it's sports a new home, when it needs to.

Working on some exciting posts.

If you are interested in joining some NZ good times at Te Aro.
They are hosting an espresso tasting. (Down under style!)
Friday Feb 11th - 6:30pm - 9pm

Details here

Maybe I'll see you there.

First Experience: La Boheme

La Bohème Café Patisserie

Address: 2481 Yonge Street

Neighbourhood: Yonge & Eglington/ Uptown

labohemecafe.ca

Uptown has the boutique charm and the vibrant sass of the core downtown. What has always been a void in this 'hood, is the quintessential independent cafe. You'll find a lot of big brand name coffee shops, but it's lacking that local feel.