1: Te Aro

Te Aro Roasted
Address: 983 Queen St East,
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
(website)

Using a the space of a former autobody repair shop, Kiwi import Andy does the on-site Small batch air roasting in their machine early in the mornings - 4am to be precise. YES I've seen it happen, and yes I was up that early, for those that know me well - know why. In the ever so saturated Leslieville espresso scene - with the likes of Mercury, Dark Horse, Tango Palace... it seems that Te Aro has done something unique and right. Roasting and brewing their own beans means that they have always have freshly roasted, carefully blended beans in stock, and with high demand to boot. It's also not surprising that this "roasters and cafe" have quickly made a name for itself within the cafe and resto scene signing up (Rooster).

In the photo to the left is the La Marzocco Linea, acting as a stand-in as they recently got something new and shiny to pull their shots with
Machine: La Marzocco GB5
Doser:
Turnover: Heavy Traffic
Beans: Big Bro (Own Roast)
Music: typical
Indie Coffee Passport: YES







Again, just like CRAFTED - their second location in the west-end, they take espresso seriously. This means allowing the drinker to enjoy their espresso in one of the warm brown Italian hand-crafted cups and always served with a glass of sparkling water. This gesture always makes my heart smile, and gives me that comfort to appreciate their skills in developing the best double shot of espresso.

Even on separate occasions with different baristas, it's always the same high quality. Thumbs up! They also were awarded Krups Kup of Excellence for Toronto.

Along side the espresso - they serve a very mean Flat White, one of the best in Toronto with a very extensive list of espresso based drinks, along with daily brews, it's only fitting that Te Aro is making a name for itself in the neighbourhood, and attracting other Torontians to come and experience what the east end has to offer.

On their shelves they carry big names such as: Bodum, Hario (Japanese makers of coffee equipment) and their line-up of beans. Cups, equipment, beans - everything you need for being a home barista superstar.

Verdict: The Big Bro blend is very smooth, with hints of sweetness and equal parts acidity to round out the taste. Sip it, savour it, pound it back (watch out, it might be hot), all will satisfy the delectable experience that your taste receptors will scream for MORE!

Thank you Te Aro for opening my eyes to the potential of what an amazing shot of espresso can do to ones life. Inspiration to go on the quest for greatness.

 

Pick up your Indie Coffee Passport soon - $25 and access to one drink $5 at 24 locations.

Pure Brillance!

2: Crema Coffee

Crema Coffee Co.
Address: 3079 Dundas St W
Neighbourhood: The Junction
Tel: (416) 767-3131
(website)

After 2 years in the Junction, they decided to open a second shop in the core of downtown - SMART move as the Yonge/Bloor area really lacks good espresso. Let us focus on the main cafe, with many small tables for the chatty people of the West (High Park, Runneymede, Junction crew etc...) The cafe takes over the former space of a bank with a renovated inside containing wooden floors, and bright walls. In the cafe there are books, coffee equipment new and old (French Press, Aeropress) and official Crema's & 49th Parallel cup ware . Along with a  vast array of beans in Crema packaging! GOLD!
Trekking out to the Junction is definitely a must - they take their coffee seriously. By this I mean the literature available in the space all points to coffee lovers, professional barista books and anyone in the know will appreciate that they pull Vancouver roaster 49th Parallel - Epic Espresso.

In their other grinders are different roasts to compliment milk based drinks, this is what I call "attention to the individual coffee drinker". Along different roasts to compliment Caps, Lattes, or Americanos.. and another roast specifically for espresso is refreshing.



Machine:Synesso's flagship model, the Cyncra 
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: Heavy Traffic
Beans: 49th Parallel - Epic Espresso

Music: indie hip, rock, and blues
Indie Coffee Passport: YES

Disloyalty Card: YES
 On this day as I was watching the barista - they were clearly trained to produce well crafted shots. He would have the same stance each and every time that he went to tamp the bottomless baskets - the best way to enjoy my double espresso. His technique didn't vary too much, which is the consistency that is needed at a heavy traffic espresso location. If it varies from barista to barista, then one will start to avoid it at certain hours if the barista on the bar is less skilled. But this is definitely not the case with Crema, they do coffee right. The training that is being passed on, is something I respect as an espresso lover. Being over in the junction is a rare sight - but the times I've gone over the last month, have created that sweet taste of Epic Espresso that I've come to enjoy Kudos.

Verdict: Sweetness rings thru this blend from 49th combining Honduras and the ever so popular  Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. The current iteration of Epic, makes me smile when I can taste the sweet, juicy fruit tones dance on my tongue. While having that nice cocoa-ness that rings thru coffee beans.

Special Shout out to the Bloor St. E location with the amazing Mirage Triplet Idrocompresso.

MANUAL Machine for the win to watch it in action (click here)

3: Mercury Espresso

Mercury Espresso Bar

Address: 915 Queen Street East

Neighbourhood: Leslieville
Contact: 647 435 4779 email

(website)

Having open in the spring of 2006, they made this corner shine with their precise attention to details. It took a while to get used to the new layout having spent a long time with the huge mural of Toronto streets, corner couches and tables these recent renovations opens up the floor to a bigger space for this hip-east side hot spot. 

Currently there are more windows, a revamped espresso bar, and more small tables to conduct business meetings. There is a large art installation hung from the ceiling and a tribute to the old - with their old white sign hanging on the side wall. New coats of paints, and this new set-up gives it more of a professional look, than the old hangout joint.
The baristas and owners really try to connect with their customers, by knowing their roasters, products and machine. This relationship manifests itself into how they pull their shots.

They usually have Intelligenstia Black Cat Classic and a feature espresso on this visit it was Intelligenstia single origin Kenya Gichathanini


Machine:Synesso's flagship model, the Cyncra
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: Heavy Traffic
Beans: Intelligenstia Black Cat Espresso; 
Feature:Kenya Gichathaini - Single Origin
Music: indie hip, rock, and blues
Disloyalty Card: YES

Owners Matt and Doug strive to find quality beans while bringing new coffees, roasters and flavours that they find fascinating.
On this trip I had an opportunity to chat with Nolan about how he liked the amazing Synesso machine.
Individual temperature control of the 3 heads, means that the Synesso machine can handle three different beans. Nolan noted that the featured beans use 201 degrees while the other ones typically are pulled at 196/197 degrees.


Nice that they take care in keeping the temperature gauges monitored for the optimal temperature to create the best shot.

Verdict: Well balanced, citrus acidity, notes mandarin orange & grapefruit, spicy lingering finish.This brings me back to SF's Ritual Coffees' Sweet tooth (August edition). yum yum!
Great vibe for a cafe, but the love of espresso oozes once you step thru the curtains, and explore what they have in store. 

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.

5: Manic Coffee

  Manic Coffee 

Address: 426 College Street

Neighbourhood: College/Bathurst

tel: (416) 966-3888

  (website)

Popping up in 2007, at the beginnings of the Third Wave of great independent cafes, they found their niche on College street.. Sparking this was the consistency that Manic Coffee brought to the neighbourhood. During the early years they only served espresso and espresso based drinks, with tea as variety. They later expanded their line (or caved to demands) to include the Cover Machine and brewed coffee.

If you've never experienced the Cover Machine you definitely need to try out this amazing technology. (in a future post). They are also one of the most prominent cafes to serve Chicago's very own Intelligenstia Black Cat Espresso. They've done right by the Black Cat, but sometimes mix it up with newcomers Social Coffee and Tea Company - who's created their own blend for Matt and the gang.

Most of the barista are quite passionate about proper espresso offerings and can suggest drinks that you might like if you are wavering. This is a plus in their books.

Often at times I'm the only non-Apple laptop user, surrounded by many macbooks, or macbook pros... it's a little scary for me. Yet it's still filled with stereotypical young creative people writing, typing, reading and just enjoy the cafe. The ambiance is conducive to productive office sessions, and the cafe buzz normally drowns out any conversation. The high ceilings with exposed vents, spot lighting, and amazing smells from the back kitchen, make you want to linger about and just appreciate the coffee culture.

 Machine: La Marzocco Linea
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: Heavy Traffic
Beans: Intelligenstia Black Cat Espresso; 
Social Coffee (alternating)
Music:indie hip - but really depends on the barista
Indie Coffee Passport: YES
Disloyalty Card: YES

 Verdict: Here's my bias: I enjoy Black Cat Espresso - smooth body and balanced acidity/citrus that has that much wanted crema for a syrupy sweet taste. I look forward to this drink when I venture into one of my staples. Yet, when they mix it up and place Social on the doser, I can instantly taste the difference. This is why one of my favourite cafes/ mobile office only breaks the top 5.
(Even their Berry muffins can not convince me to increase their rankings.)
You will often find me in here working on my projects.

6: Crafted by Te Aro

CRAFTED by Te Aro
135 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON, M6J 2Z6
Neighbourhood: Lower Ossington Strip
(website)

The "new" kid on the block is a friendly favourite from the east moving to the west. Just like Dark Horse, a second location has emerged on the new hot spot - Ossington. Tucked between the art galleries, and boutique shops, CRAFTED has become the it place to get your espresso. Spotted last time was Metric band members: Jimmy Shaw and Joules... just stopping in to get Latte.
Not that I'm plugging all the hipster stars, but CRAFTED does espresso right.

Machine: La Marzocco
Doser: Malkonig K30 Twin and Sing
Turnover: Consistent
Beans: Te Aro Roasted - Big Bro
Music:indie hip
Indie Coffee Passport: YES

Let's not forget the back patio.

 

Verdict:  Rich, Balanced flavour, all typical of the Big Bro Roast. 

THANK YOU for serving sparkling water with each espresso. This is exactly how they serve it in Europe and other nations (NZ). The Sparkling water is used to cleanse the palette to taste the espresso, and afterwards to clean the palette. The attention to details is exquisite. This is exactly what attracted me to remember this location, as it invites the drinker to NOT be rushed and to sit down and have that coffee culture that Europe knows well. this invitation means more people sitting at the medium sized wooden table at the front and sit and ponder about life. 

7: Rooster Coffee House

Rooster Coffee House

Address: 479 Broadview Avenue
Neighbourhood: Riverdale
(website)

Le sigh!  Rooster Coffee is definitely a great gathering spot in Riverdale for those looking for get-away from the home office, or those that need to park and work for several hours. The Storefront is made of windows which allows the morning sun to shine through to get us through the beginning of these day light saving hours.... Also doubles as a great view of Toronto's landscape - Riverdale Park, Downtown Toronto and all of the greenry that it faces.


 Machine: Elektra K-2S
Doser: Malkonig K30 Twin and Sing
Turnover: Medium (with Peak hours)
Beans: Te Aro Roasted - Big Bro
Featured : Te Aro Roasted - Atomic Rooster
Music:minimal, soothing
Indie Coffee Passport: YES

* Treats are prepared within the neighbourhood, and they have support from their roasters which are convienently located down the street on Queen (Te Aro). The owners Shawn and

On this day I was tempted to taste Atomic Rooster - as I've been well acquinted with Te Aro's Big Bro, and the description of the beans definitely perked my interest to discover other beans in the city. With the high traffic on Saturday Morning, it's plain to see that the conveyor belt tag team baristas on the Elektra have it down to a science. One Barista will grind and tamp, while the other one will set the timer and place the handle into the machine for heavenly extraction.


Verdict: FULL bodied, dark cocoa taste. Hints of "wood" with a smooth acidity level. It's a strong profile for this espresso. Quite different from Big Bro, as the strong kick gives it that taste that you yearn for in Italian espresso. Crema was thick, and the attention to glassware caps it off.
Only wished they served sparkling water and a chocolate to accompany the drink -- Sigh, one only hopes....

I still remember when this was a variety store in my youth. The owners/artists were sculpting a large bear from a tree. Biking up and down the hill was get exercise, and the progress made on the bear made passing this corner ever more pleasent. I still remember the times were we'd run in and get our freezies before running back to a baseball or soccer practice in the valley of Riverdale Park. But I'm glad that it was able to transform into this amazing space, where it acts as the local community centre. Sit down, read a magazine or bust out some of the games in the back.

 Again, the theme of these cafes are LARGE communal tables - where one can put their pile of books and turn it into one of those "library" feels. Constant clicking on laptops and chatter fill in the gaps, while the music in the background is on a constant "low". With big comfy couches, and window seats at the counter, it's just an inviting atmosphere.
When the weather is fine, the small tables on the front patio, allows you to escape for a bit and gaze out onto the fields of the park.

It just feels like you walked into your Aunt's house, and you are welcomed and invited to sit down, enjoy the espresso and just relax.

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.

9: ideal coffee

ideal Coffee
Address: 84 Nassau St.
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
Contact: 1-800-762-3067 or 416-364-7700
(Website)

Well situation in the heart of Kensington, it is quite easy to walk past this cafe onwards to Bathurst Street, but the aroma that wafts thru the streets makes you want to discover and peer around the corner for what surprises are in store. ideal Coffee has three locations in Ontario (2 in Toronto, 1 in Ottawa) that promote sustatinable fair-trade organic beans.
The on-site micro drum roaster is used every couple of days for batch roasting. The drawing point is the nice patio, the kensington bohemian feel and the Manual machine that is the centrepeice of this location.

 Machine: Manual
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: Medium- High
Beans: Own Blend of espresso beans from three continents, south-east asia, central, south america and african beans.

Music: great indie flares with emphasis on female singers (Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins) 
Indie Coffee Passport: YES
 Promotion: Free Coffee with purchase of beans. 

 

 Verdict: Hints of Citrus/Berry tones with cocoa to round out the back of this shot. 

Exceptionally pulled shot from an experienced Barista (not pictured). She was very honest and told us with this manual machine it's very hard to control the pressure if someone were to use the washroom. Seems like a minor glitch...., but takes skills and experience to overcome that flucuation in pressure within the machine. Kudos to the barista, she was very inviting.

Don't forget about the front patio area with the LARGE tree trunks now acting as tables for customers to bask in the sun, on the long benches or eccletic chairs.

Inside seating is limited to booth style but in the back-back there is an ancient realic... an old Pac Man video console that no longer is in use, but doubles as a table for your lovely drinks.

Depends on the barista that is pulling the shot, but 9/10 times it'll be quality. These guys/girls know what they are doing in Kensington.

10: the TAMPERed Press

First up on the TOP 10 of Toronto

the TAMPERed Press.
Address: 256 Crawford Street, Unit B

Neighbourhood:  Trinity-Bellwoods Park
(follow them on twitter @TamperedPress)
416-534-9739

This is very much a community orientated cafe with a large window facing Trinity Bellwoods Park. A Perfect location that screams for people watching. When the weather is nice, and no construction is present, you can ponder your thoughts away while looking at the lush green grass, and the traffic that zooms along Dundas West..

There sits a large wooden communial table in the centre of the shop that makes it inviting to the local creative minds. There are several smaller sized tables but they too fill up quickly on this occassion there were many that stopped by  to work for hours on end.

It took them a long while to get the cafe opened, but it's finally here and the neighbourhood is embracing the burst of new cafes on Dundas West. They serve Classic Gourmet (Rufino) espresso. Rufino, a recently re-branding of Classic's signature espresso blends hails from Concord, Ontario. Just north of the Toronto limits, tucked between Thornhill and Woodbridge.

Machine: Elektra Classic "Barlume" Series
Doser: Mazzer
Turnover: Medium
Beans: Rufino Espresso - Darker Blend (Origins undisclosed)
*They also have other Beans for milk based drinks*
Music: approved variety to please all in the neighbourhood.
Indie Coffee Passport: YES

 
Verdict: 
Golden to light brown Crema, full bodied with dark chocolate from start to finish. Will please the traditional enthusiast that like that stronger shots from Europe.

On this day there was a bit of over-extraction, as the shots were on the more acidic side. Presentation was great in this 3oz. shot glass.

 

Come and sit for a bit

Top 10 Cafes in Toronto

Recently one of the weekly free magazines did a write up of their top 10 favourite indie locations within the city. They narrowed done their list from 60 to a manageable 10. A great write-up and feature piece that was able to showcase the impact of quality espresso in Toronto.

Although I respect EYE as a local mag, I couldn’t help but create my own list using the following criteria: 

Drink:  Only double espresso!

Quality: The flavour, colour and texture were analyzed. Was it tasty? Palette approved

Barista Knowledge: How passionate were the staff, and were they willing to share that knowledge with the customer. Friendly?

                Atmosphere: Music, customer base, and furniture were a huge impact for this list.
                (Note: Wifi, store size and funky washrooms were NOT taken into account)

The location and feel of the café are a huge drawing attraction as a customer, but in the end it is all about the beans used. Within my top 10 there are the big name roasters: Chicago’s Intelligenstia and Vancouver’s 49^th Parallel, along with local roasters.

My palette prefers tasting dark chocolate espresso that gives off an aroma of rich, strong flavours. The lingering that tickles the noise and perks your interest to discover what’s brewing is what draws me into a cafe. These sensory notes heighten the tasting of such a “simple” drink into an experience that highlights berry, nut and even wood.  Such complexity of these espresso blends or defined single-origins allow me to discover familiar taste (Black Cat) to the more adventurous limited edition beans.

Over the next couple of days you will find my most recent reviews of the Top 10 list. Along with backlogging some from earlier this year. Check back daily over the next 10 days to find out my top 10.