Pourover

The low tech method of brewing coffee is getting a huge surge within the coffee circles of Toronto.
Personally I've been experimenting with Hario V60s, and Chemex. There will not be a deviation from espresso, just another method of brewing to be explored.

Mercury, Crafted, LIT are just some of the cafes to offer V60/ Chemex or some variation of the kind.

In the meantime, I happened to have stumbled upon this lovely video created in Japan.
Enjoy the rest of the year, and be excited about 2011.
Wrapping up New York Trip, and constant search and exploration of different roasters, machines and more.



Until the NEW YEAR; keep it caffeinated

Bean Talk: Stumptown - Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Tumticha

Let's have a little chat about the beans I picked up today!


Roasters: Stumptown Coffee Roasters (Brooklyn, NY)
Roast Date: December 6th, 2010
Beans: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Tutimcha
Varietal: Ethiopian Heirloom
Location: Gedeo, Yirgacheffe
Region: Africa
Elevation: 1900-2300 metres

TO Connection: LIT Espresso Bar (639 Queen Street West)
Price: $14 for 3/4lb - 12oz - 340g

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)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Opening Soon: Dark Horse 3

Spotted on Queen West at Euclid! 

The Rumours are true!

684 Queen Street West will become the Third location for household darling Dark Horse!
Launch date: Sooner than you think! Jan 2011

The will be in heavy competition with LIT, Quaff, White Squirrel, Niche.

Queen West is now a mecca for coffee houses/ Espresso Bar.

Fashion + Caffeine = good combo

They will still be serving Detour Coffee!

First Experience: LIT Espresso (Queen W)

LIT Espresso Bar 
Address: 639 Queen Street West
                Main Floor of the Burroughes Building
Neighbourhood: Queen West/ Fashion District
(website) @litespressobar

LIT Espresso became the first of the BIG household Toronto names to open their third location. Having successfully launched in early December, it was great to see these guys move into the iconic Burroughes Building and bring charm back to the quickly developing 'hood.

The historic Burroughes Building (est. 1907) acted as a flagship store for King Sol and became the current incarnation after extensive renovations in 2006. Don't be fooled by the ample amounts of furniture that are on display for Design Republic , these guys have taken partnerships to a new level.

The New Cafes in Toronto for 2010

Haven't even touched 13 out of the 33 locations..... Espresso Adventures?

Coffee Cupping at LIT (College)

LIT Espresso Bar (College Location)
Address: 810 College Street
Neighbourhood: College Street, Little Portugal
(website, @litespressobar)

At LIT Espresso Bar on College there's an opportunity to discover the tastes and aromas of coffee through their informal coffee cupping sessions. Typically used for quality assurance, Alex (barista), was able to run through 4 different types of beans from renowned US-roasters Stumptown. Lit is the only cafe in Toronto to have a partnership with Stumptown, so it's an exclusive deal. A Good thing for sure.