Extra Reading: NYT

NYT gives an insight into the world of coffee, or more specifically coffee preparation.

The journalistic discoveries of those questions you've always wanted to ask the barista behind the bar, but were too scared to ask.

Happy Reading. (link)

Top 2012 (continues on Monday)

6: Capital Espresso

Capital Espresso
http://www.capitalspro.com/
1349 Queen Street West
Neighbourhood: Parkdale

Thank you for keeping me coming out to the West end. As you know by now, I'm situated on the east, but that doesn't stop me from trying to squeeze another espresso shot from their newly installed Strada.

Excuse me, did we mention that their storefront is filled with large windows.... natural sunlight - come on in.

Consistency keeps me coming back.
Warmth of the shop helps me to sit and relax.
The no-nonsense embrace pulls my heartstrings to the West.

Capital - you rock!

7: Dark Horse (Queen West)

Dark Horse 3: Queen West
Addy: 684 Queen West
Neighbourhood: Queen West.

Huge fan of Dark Horse, who celebrated their 6th year at the Broadview shop, opened up one more  shop this year. Taking over a former Oyster bar on John Street, they transformed the theatre district into a place where you can get away during the day.

Winning a battle to place a outdoor patio on the DH3, and continuing to pull Detour Coffee only seems appropriate to have DH within this list.

Unique design elements with their signature communal table, and you have a recipe for success....
Will we see a DH5? who knows, but if they can continue to replicate consistently pulled espresso, I think Toronto is ready to embrace.

8: Manic Coffee

Manic Coffee
426 College Street
Neighbourhood: College Street.
(website)

Manic is my go-to shop when I'm around the area. Not only did they continue their gelato program, but finished their redesign to be more efficient. Swinging the bar from the front to the side definitely made the endless lines-up more bareable.
Mind you, there is more seating, or is this my own illusion... 

They continue to pull the best Intelligenstia in Toronto, and their no wifi policy makes it a great spot to stay just for the coffee. Not only do they showcase artwork on the walls, their logo is kick-ass

Couple of staff changes, and the pending installation of the Clover, signals that Matt and his team continue to excel in the Toronto scene.

9: LIT (College Street)

LIT Espresso Bar (College Street)
website
2 Locations: 221 Roncesvales Ave,
                      810 College St

Having been the only cafe to carry PDX's Stumptown in the early portion of the year, they've switched to new kids on the block (Pig Iron Coffee Roasters). Brother Sister duo continue to push us to taste, and taste we will.

The Family business is doing quite well, having recovered from closing up their in-house coffee bar within the Burroughes, their more focused then ever.

Different than hairbender, but with more attention to how their coffee is being roasted. It's this relationship between farm to cup that we should be proud that they took the plunge and started to roast for themselves.

Here's to continued success!
Top 10 (2012): Nine; 2011; Four (-5)

10: Pamenar (Patio friendly)

 Cafe Pamenar
Address: 307 Augusta Ave
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
Phone 647-352-3627

Since opening in early 2011, Pamenar has
been great about serving great coffee from great roasters.

At first they served up Victoria, BC roasters Discovery Coffee. This was a delight given that they had something different from Toronto roast houses. They progressed to Social Coffee.

Great place to catch a quiet moment in their back patio, or soak up inspiration from their well designed narrow shop.

Welcome to Espresso Adventures 2012 list.

Top 10 (2012): #TEN;
2011: ---- 

Happy New Year (2013)

Happy New Year!

It's been a busy year, and it's reflected in the frequencies of my posts, for that I apologize.
Figuring out priorities will be my goal for 2013.

I've had the pleasure working with some of Toronto's finest coffee roasters as well as being able to visit coffee friendly cities. More posts for these trips will show up, with more reviews of coffee.
Let's continue this for the new year.

This week, you'll finally see the list of Top 10 (2012) published (probably two a day) with more insights into the Toronto coffee culture. I'd admit there hasn't been many cafe reviews, but that will change as I get to posting new opinions and experiences.


We'll continue:
/Featured Coffee/Roaster (available at a shop)
/Cafe insights
/Source for coffee events
/Fun Fridays.

New to the line-up:
Quick brew tips
Equipment reviews
Potentially an interactive map.

As the title suggests I enjoy espresso, but I'm finding that I turn to other methods of late (drip, press, chemex)... I'm going to push my palate and experiences.

Thanks for your continued support.
Spread the word, and let's continue doing more Espresso Adventures together (virtually or in person)