Old Crow Coffee

Picture yourself in an episode of the Walking Dead. The day is drawing to an end. You and your team are trudging along the desolate road. hoping for a familiar & calming sight. The frail looking train track accompanies you on your trek. You turn to your left and there it is. A coffee shop by the name of Old Crow Coffee.

Now instead of being on the episode of the Walking Dead, you're in the heart of New Westminster. New Westminster is being known as a city full of heritage buildings and bridal shops. Unlike East Vancouver and Gastown, New Westminster is not established as city known for its variety of coffee shops. However, with the addition of Old Coffee Crow, that is slowly about to change.

Old Crow Coffee is located at 655 Front Street in New Westminster. It's brand new. Literally. It just opened today (March 9th 2015). Old Crow Coffee is located just minutes away from New West and Colombia station. As someone who relies on transit to get around, that is great news. Very accessible. As someone who was born & currently resides in East Vancouver, I tend to frequent local cafes scattered amongst Commercial Drive and Main Street. However, upon hearing the opening of Cold Crow Coffee, I decided to venture out into New Westminster and shake up my routine by trying something new.

Old Crow Coffee is very aesthetically pleasing. If you are expecting one of those minimal, simple
cafes full of people glued to the screens of their mac book, think again. Now, I'm not the best at describing the interiors of businesses but Old Crow Coffee gave me a gothic, castle like vibe. Old Crow Coffee is one of those rare cafes that invite you to sit down & socialize with friends and family instead of isolating yourself with a laptop or book. Instead of going down the hipster route and blasting Simon and Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac (no disrespect, they're my favourite band) or Bon Iver, Old Crow Coffee pumps out tunes from Bon Jovi, Janis Joplin and more.

Since Old Crow Coffee is new, I did not have high expectations for their coffee. After  going to many new cafes and being disappointed by the quality of their espresso shots, I decided to go in without any hopes. Old Crow Coffee gets their beans from Bows and Arrows coffee, a small business run in Victoria, British Columbia. A lot of coffee shops in Vancouver take pride in serving up variety on their espresso menu by using beans from roasters across the world so it is refreshing to find a coffee shop that goes local. As for their tea, they serve loose leaf tea from Granville Island Tea Company. They have an extensive food menu. Since it was sunny out, I decided to have an iced latte. I was pleasantly surprised by it. They added the perfect amount of ice. Some cafes are guilty are scooping up too much ice, thus watering down the latte after a while. The beans were well roasted and grinded. No burnt or acidic after taste and no ruminants of beans that were poorly grinded. For a cafe on their opening day, Old Crow Coffee has the craft of grade A espresso down quite well.

When my friend and I went to Old Crow Coffee, it was very busy so I did not have the opportunity to gather an opinion of the service. However, shortly after my friend and I sat down, everyone cleared out, leaving my friend and I as the only customers in the cafe. Shortly after, more people came in and the person who I assumed was the owner warmly greeted everyone who entered. I know people who work in the food and service industry have to be nice by nature but the person who acknowledged everyone seemed legitimately genuine. Most people think good coffee shops is 100% good coffee but to me, a good coffee shop is 75% solid espresso and 25% polite service and Old Crow Coffee exceeds that.

Will I return to Old Crow Coffee? Absolutely. Despite Old Crow Coffee not being a part of my East Vancouver cafe staple, I will go out of my way to become a regular while trying their food menu. While it may take a long time for New Westminster to be as established as parts of Vancouver when it comes to the coffee scene, it does not hurt to support a cafe that is trying to make itself known in an area not known for their espresso. So instead of relaxing at the Starbucks a few blocks up or settling at the Waves a short walk away, give Old Crow Coffee a try.

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Location: 655 Front Street, New Westminster
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Phone Number: 778-960-8790
Hours: 7:00 A.M-6:00 PM
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Matchstick Coffee

Matchstick Coffee is a cafe located on 639 East 15th Avenue, between Fraser and Kingsway. After a few recommendations, I decided to check it out & after my dissapointment with the last cafe I visited, I was hoping for the best.

As I entered the cafe, I was in immediate awe of what I saw. It was extremely spacious and accommodating. While larger cafes tend to lack the intimate feeling of smaller ones, this cafe still had it. It felt cozy and welcoming. The interior decor and detail was very precise, paying attention to detail. It was simple, yet modern. It felt like I walked into a large cabin. It looks like whoever chose the design for the cafe really knew it was doing. They have something going on that other cafes don't.

The service was prompt and efficient. Even though the barista was busy was another customer, he still managed to greet me. Watching the barista making my latte was like watching a painting being painted. Many people don't realize that making a coffee is like a form or art. My barista was efficient and precise, moving through each step flawlessly, like he was making coffee all his life. He left zero room for error. I was impressed by how professional he was.

The latte was perfect. The bold flavour of the espresso and the soft taste of milk settled softly on my tastebuds. There was no harsh aftertaste, no flavour of burnt beans. One of the easiest ways to spoil a really good coffee are beans that are over roasted or burned and shots of espresso that are not made with precise timing. To some, having a timer by the bar may seem silly but if it helps barista's make the perfect shot, I'm all for it.

Would I recommend Matchstick Coffee? Absolutely. It's everything one would want in a cafe. Cozy location, plenty of seating room, efficient service, art like coffee making and a smooth late. Go there today.

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Phone Number:  604 558 0639
Hours: 7am-9pm (every day of the week)

Innocent Cafe

It was a wet, dreary, bleak winter afternoon. Not wanting to be held captive in my own house, I decided to head out into the city with my best friend in tow. Wanting to burst out from my routine, I decided to go to a new cafe and my choice was Innocent Cafe.

Innocent Cafe is located on 1340 West 4th Avenue, just seconds away from Kitsilano and the famed tourist destination, Granville Island. It's one of those tucked away cafes so unless you're paying close attention to your surroundings, you might be miss it. To the untrained eye, it might appear to be just another building. It's located within a strip, surrounded by other businesses. Multiple windows decorated a square, block like tan coloured building. On the building a large white banner said "Innocent Cafe" in big black bold letters.

The interior of the cafe was very quaint and tiny. It felt like I was stepping into somebody else's kitchen. The seating was very selective and even more limited. It felt more like a grab and go compared to sit and stay. There were stairs that led to a second level. I never ventured up there, so I have no idea what was up there. The decor was minimal and abstract, not extravagant or over the top.

The service was awkward and standoffish. No words were spoken, no greetings was said. Instead, a pair of eyes looked through me, as if to say, why are you are. Maybe I caught the barista had a off day but I felt not welcomed and slightly uncomfortable.After a bout of silence, my friend and I proceeded to order our lattes. At most cafes, you move over to the bar after placing your order at the till. In this case, you stand in the same spot, patiently waiting for my latte to be ready. Soon enough, our lattes were ready. We thanked our barista, only to be greeted with a semi smile.

The latte was decent. I wasn't sure which beans they used by I was not wowed by the flavour of the espresso. I was impressed that I could taste the espresso though, as I've had lattes elsewhere that taste like steamed milk. With most lattes, I could pick up the flavour in the espresso be it chocolate, almonds or something fruity. This time, that wasn't the case.

Would I return to the cafe? Probably not. I live in east Vancouver, so Innocent Cafe is out of the way for me. Plus, I could get better coffee and service elsewhere. After reading the mostly positive reviews on yelp and similar sites, I was disappointed that my experience did not live off to the other ones. It seems like Commercial Drive and Main Street offer the best coffee in the city.

Last Crumb Bakery and Cafe

Earlier today, I was at my grandparent's house. They live a block off Main Street, so I decided to take advantage of the warm, sunny weather and go for a walk to get a coffee. I originally decided on Kafka's and as I made my way down there, I passed by Last Crumb Bakery and Cafe and the place immediately caught my eye. Since I had a habit of checking out new cafes, I decided to stop there after coming back from Kafka's. If you know me, you know that I need more than one cappuccino a day to function.

Last Crumb Bakery and Cafe is located on 3080 Main Street, between 14th and 15th. The cafe itself is super new, just opening earlier this month. In fact, when I last walked by the location, the place was yet to open and that itself was recently.

If you're a food network junkie like myself, you've probably seen numerous shows that feature cafes that are based in the upper East Side in New York. Well, that's what this place reminded of. While I've never been to New York myself, I felt like I was transported to a sophisticated, modern cafe. It looked very becoming and hip. There was tons of floor space and plenty of seating room. It almost reminded me of the cafeteria at my old college, Langara but much nicer and more appealing. The amount of pastries, baked good and other food items was amazing. If you're health conscious or have special dietary needs, you're in luck. The place has tons of vegan and gluten free items, all which look absolutely delicious. Yes, vegan and gluten free food items can be good for you and they can taste good too. If I had not eaten at my grandparents house before I left, I certainly would have bought something but in this case, I was content with admiring everything. However, as I was waiting in line, a woman walking there walked around, offering customers a sample of curry chicken salad on a piece of bread. I love curry and samples, so I gladly took her up on her offer. I was glad I did, because it was absolutely delicious. I promised myself that I would get the bigger version next time I was in. The menu was perfectly placed and easy to read. There's nothing worse than a menu being out of sight or too small. Even though I knew what I wanted already (a cappuccino) it was comforting to know that I had an easy to read menu there for me.

I was immediately helped. Most cafes only take your order at the til but in this case, I was approached in line by a worker who was kind, efficient and helpful. So efficient that by the time I got to the til, all I had to do was pay instead of reminding the person what I ordered. Talk about fast, effective service! The only thing I had to wait for was my cappuccino.

I'll admit that because the cafe was fairly new, I didn't have high expectations. I've been to a couple new cafes where I was let down because my cappuccino was either burnt, too bitter etc. I was hoping for this place to be the exception & my hopes were granted. The cappuccino was phenomenal! A lot of the cafes I frequent use the same beans from the same roasters so eventually, all cappuccino's end up tasting similar. Luckily, that wasn't the case here. It was smooth, creamy with body but in its own,unique way. Needless to say, I was pleased that the cappuccino wasn't horrible and that I actually enjoyed it.

Would I recommend this place? Absolutely! It's like a taste of New York in Vancouver, with amazing service, coffee and food choices that appeal to everyone. Next time I go, I plan to bring a friend so we can sit at one of the marvelous tables and soak the ambiance and main street vibe in. For a new cafe, it seems like it's being run by professionals who have been in the cafe and baking business for years & that is something I gladly welcome. I cannot wait to become a regular here.

Caffe Cittadella

Ever envision having your own personal cafe located inside your home? Caffe Cittadella is like that. Located at 2310 Ash Street, Caffe Cittadella is seconds away from the Cambie Street Bridge and Canada Line. The cafe itself is fairly young, having just celebrated its second year anniversary just this past August.

I'll admit it. I nearly got lost trying to find this place. However, it was because I kept trying to locate a building that looked like a cafe. Well, imagine my surprise when I found out that Caffe Cittadella was located in what looked like a two story house! The outdoor seating arrangement was plenty, with lots of outdoor room as well. It nearly looked like a country club or a European style outdoor coffee shop or even your own patio. The indoor of the cafe was just as gorgeous. There was plenty of indoor seating too. The cafe had a warm, inviting, homely intimate vibe. It was cozy and comfortable. The ambiance made it feel like you were at home with your own personal coffee bar and barista. Whether you were a student on your laptop or someone catching up with a friend over a cup of cappuccino, this place is for you. Some cafes make you feel like you should leave as soon as you have your drink but this cafe told you to stay. It was spacious, not tight and compact. Space is key. On the other hand, the space between the bar and the area where the server takes your order can be an issue too. I know this one cafe where you place your order at the same place where they make your coffee so that when the line gets long, it can become a nuisance to be able to order your coffee and than move it over to the till without bumping into someone. However, that wasn't the case here. The bar was two steps over from the till.

I was immediately served. The server was fast and efficient. Another nuisance is when you stand at the till, waiting forever for someone to take your order while the cafe is dead and the server is unable to be located. That was not the issue there. It was organized well enough so that the only thing you'd wait for was your coffee. As I stood at the bar, waiting in excitement for my cappuccino, I took in a deeper look of the cafe. The lids for the beverages were located inside an adorable mini cabinet. The set up of the sugars and other coffee essentials reminded me of my own kitchen. I didn't really take a good look at the pastries but from what I hear, they're quite good.  There was even stairs.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that my cappuccino had foam. Cappuccino's are actually supposed to have foam but usually when I order a cappuccino to go, I get latte art instead. When I placed the lid on, nothing spilled or ran over, indicating that the amount of foam was perfect. I took a sip and my tastebuds were greeted with a smooth, creamy rich body and flavour. It felt like there was a nutty aftertaste too. I hope to one day pick up on undertones of the espresso used, such as caramel, orange peel etc. The ratio of foam, milk and espresso was perfect. There is nothing worse than when a cappuccino tastes like a latte because of the milk or when a cappuccino tastes like an espresso because the espresso was too strong. In this case, the milk complimented the flavour of the espresso. It was not flat, but it was not overpowering. It was perfect.

I highly recommend checking out Caffe Cittadella. Lots of cafes claim to be a home away from home but this place is literally like that. Don't rush. Allow yourself to be be awed by the ambiance, service and coffee. If you're not good with directions like myself, keep your eyes peeled for a sign that reads Caffe Cittadella. And if you get lost like I did don't worry because the cappuccino will be worth the mini adventure.

49th Parallel Coffee

Before I begin my review, I want to say hello & welcome back to all my lovely readers. I apologize for neglecting my blog & ultimately you but I hope that did not stop you all for visiting the cafes I recommended while checking out other ones. If you have any cafes that you would like me to review, people let me know & I will check it out for you :).

During the time between my last blog post & now, something wonderful happened to the Vancouver coffee scene, particularly the one along the famed Main Street in Vancouver. 49th Parallel Coffee, which is known for their coffee beans & west 4th location in Kitsilano, opened up a location on Main Street. Nestled on the southeast corner of 13th & Main at 2902 Main Street, 49th Parallel took over the space where Pinky's Drycleaners once existed. The news of the cafe opening was released early last month & didn't take too long to open.

Some people go to restaurants on opening day. Others check out the grand opening of nightclubs and lounges. I, however, enjoy going to coffee shops and cafes on the first official day of business. I was especially excited about this one, as I've been a long time fan of 49th Parallel Coffee & also, having to shorten my travel time was a bonus as well.

As soon as I entered the cafe, I was left in complete and utter awe. Never have I seen such beautiful architecture and design. It was extremely spacious, with lots of generous seating scattered around the cafe. It was a welcome change compared to the tiny location on west 4th & also, other tiny cafes where you are forced to take your coffee to go instead of being able to sit down to enjoy it. Lots of cafes place importance on their coffee but lots of space is important too. Towards the back, a cute little booth was tucked in. If you're looking to take someone on a date, I highly recommend taking the person to the booth. Sitting there gives off a different ambiance. However, no matter where you sit, you are guaranteed to enjoy your experience. The ambiance felt very welcoming. I have been to cafes where it felt like I was not welcomed, like I had to just order my coffee and go. That was not the case for here. In fact, it felt strange to not have your coffee here. I felt invited, like I was having coffee at a friends house.  However, it might be able before you get to finishing your coffee as you'll likely be taken away by the breath-taking layout, design and overall architecture of the cafe. The washrooms were just as stunning as the interior. Most people just see a cafe washroom as a place to go after drinking too much coffee but it's importantly that a washroom is clean & looks inviting. Nobody wants to go to a washroom where used paper towels decorate the floor was water is splashed all over the mirror, floor & sink.

These days, most cafes are seem to be overrun by baristas who would rather give you attitude instead of good coffee. However, that was not the case here. The servers smile was as warm as a summer evening in July. They were welcoming & friendly without being overbearing. They made sure all my inquires were met with an answer & also, that my order was taking smoothly. The barista making my latte was just as friendly. They made eye contact, made small talk & served my latte with a smile. That attitude was surely welcomed, as I have gotten use to baristas giving me my coffee with a side of attitude topped off with a snarl. Customer service is key & to me, if a barista just throws your coffee onto the bar without a word escaping their lips, it seems that they are not satisfied with the coffee they just made for you. If you truly like something you just made, you would be proud to share it instead of being sulky and sullen. I was extremely pleased with the treatment I received with, starting with the person who took my order to the person who gave my order to me. Sometimes, you can get a feel of the personality of the person who is making you your coffee just by watching them make it. A mouth talks, but so does body language. I don't expect baristas to treat me like we're best buddies but eye contact & a simple smile goes a long way.

Normally, I review cappuccino's but this time, I ordered an iced latte with a shot of vanilla syrup. And wow, was I ever glad I did. As soon as I took the first sip, I could feel my taste-buds do a happy dance. They were just as pleased as I was. It was full of flavour & coffee awesomeness. Sometimes, when you order flavoured coffee, the taste of the added syrup overwhelms the taste of coffee & all your taste-buds are left with are the remnants of sugar ladden, artificial syrup. That was not the case with my iced vanilla latte. The mixture of vanilla syrup & iced latte blended perfectly in my mouth, like a margarita on a sultry, sweaty summer evening. It was like a firework full of flavour explored all over my taste-buds. The sweet vanilla syrup was the perfect compliment to the iced latte. It was like a match made in coffee heaven. It was perfection in the form of iced latte.

As you can tell, I highly, highly recommend the main street location of 49th Parallel Coffee. It was just was the Vancouver coffee scene, especially main street, needed. Come for the ambiance and service & stay for the top class coffee. Oh, and if you happen to enjoy donuts with your coffee, than make sure to pick one up from Lucky's Donuts, which is located in the cafe. Always fresh & always delicious, different varieties of donuts, such as apple bacon fritter, peanut butter & jam, salted caramel & many more are made in the back, ready for you to enjoy. You can get a coffee and donut for $4, which is great if you're looking to expand your food risings. And with the arrival of summer, sunshine and warmth, I can guarantee that this will be the cafe to be.

Coco Et Olive

This past Saturday, a couple friends and I went to the Vancouver Farmer's Market. After picking up our cheese's, bread's etc, we decided to go for coffee on Main Street since we were in the area. We decided on Coco Et Olive, which was perfect for me as I had the opportunity to go to a new cafe to check out and review.

Coco Et Olive is located on 3707 Main Street, just on 21st and Main Street.

The decor of the cafe was absolutely spectacular. It looked like a cafe that you would discover somewhere in France. It was very chic and European yet simple at the same time. It felt very Sex and The City like, meaning a place where you can go to to discuss your weekend. My friend's & I lives aren't as crazy as the women of SATC (I'm totally Samantha) but if you want to catch up over coffee instead of brunch, bring the girls here. The good majority of the people were well dressed as well. There was a cute bench towards the back as well, but my friends and I chose to occupy a table. The layout of the place was nice as well. Their pastries looked absolutely tempting and I certainly would have bought one but I decided to stick to the cranberry loaf and berry cream cheese spread that I purchased earlier at the farmer's market. They offered a lot of beverages as well so if you don't enjoy the taste and feeling of coffee, you can try something else.

The service was lagging but it picked up. When it was my turn to order, the server looked at me, waiting for me to speak up. Usually, the server will say something and than ask for your order, so I found this a bit odd. However, she became friendlier once I ordered my cappuccino. The barista was nice as well. He thanked me, which is something rare amongst barista's. Usually, I'm the one doing the thanking so I appreciated this.

Their cappuccino was excellent! It was the third best cappuccino I've ever had, right after Kafka's and Prado. The amount of foam was perfect and it lasted to the final sip. It really complimented the espresso, which was not overbearing, but it was not strong either. My only regret was the fact that I did not get the larger size, as I wish I had more cappuccino to enjoy. My friend ordered a caramel macchiato, and they served her drink in what looked a soup cup. I wish I took a photo, as it was adorable and so well presented.

I highly, highly recommend Coco Et Olive. If you ever want a good cappuccino and you find yourself on Main Street, solo or with friends, dressed in your loveliest clothing, than come on down to Coco Et Olive. Soon enough, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to Paris. All you need is a cute Parisian boy or girl to have coffee with.

Thierry

After a delicious, filling meal at Steamworks, my friend and I ventured from Gastown into downtown to go to Thierry. Thierry is located on 1059 Alberni Street, minutes away from Burrard station and seconds away from the iconic tourist attraction Robson street. I've been to Thierry before, but I've only had their hot chocolate (best hot chocolate ever!) but this time, I was settled on trying their cappuccino.

Thierry was packed. My friend and I scanned the area, looking for an empty table where we can occupy ourselves. Luckily, thanks to my friends awesome vision, we found a free spot in the matter of seconds. I instantly felt like I was back in Europe. Everything from the pastry display to the tables looked very Austrian. It suddenly felt like a warm, summer evening in Vienna. It was a very chic, classic and modern looking cafe. It was also extremely loud. Maybe it was because the tables were placed so closely together but I could hear every conversation happening around me. Having a pounding head due to a bellini that I enjoyed earlier didn't help either. That sadly interfered with the ambiance, which was unfortunate.

The service was friendly, efficient and courteous. They made eye contact, smiled and were extremely helpful and kind. They even brought my friends and I beverages and dessert to our table so we wouldn't have to linger around at the counter. That right there is authentic European service, as the same occurred in Europe at the various cafes that I visited. That really impressed me and I was grateful for the extra assistance and extra effort. It was a nice, welcome change from having a barista hollering that your beverage was ready.

Their cappuccino was strong. Very, very strong. I was unable to fall asleep till 5 AM, 8 hours after I finished the cappuccino. Maybe it's because I handle my caffeine like my alcohol (not so good) but was I ever wired. My body was begging for sleep but my mind told it "no frigging way" & boy, did I ever pay the price. However, I woke up at 8, three hours later, feeling refreshed. I do wish there was a bit more milk and a bit less espresso to balance out the gut punching strength of the espresso. If you like caffeine (& how it makes you feel) and don't care much for sleep, I highly recommend ordering their cappuccino. If you want something more sweet and less subtle, stick to their world class hot chocolate. Best hot chocolate ever!

I highly recommend Thierry. It's a nice change from all the Starbucks that occupy pretty much street corner downtown. It's a taste of Europe located in downtown Vancouver. If you go to a proper hour where the noise doesn't drown you out, you'll get to fully experience the ambiance. Just make sure your stomach is strong enough to handle their cappuccino.

Gene Coffee Bar

My next java craving led me to Gene Coffee Bar. Located on 2404 Main Street, Gene is located on 2404 Main Street, in the heart of main street and mount pleasant district, where main street and kingsway divide.

The decor of Gene was very simple, very minimal. It wasn't an eyesore, it wasn't overbearing but it wasn't bare.It looked like a studio loft, which is fitting as most of the people there were artists and writers. There were people sketching on their art pads and writers writing away on their mac books. It felt like a creativity class that happened to be serving coffee and treats, instead of a coffee shop that was invaded by art and writing students. It makes sense, as I believe coffee is the spark that lights the creative flame. After all, I do get all my writing done in a coffee shop.

The service was mediocre. The servers were a bit standoffish. They made minimal eye contact and small talk, almost like they were bored. I don't expect them to stare me straight in the eyes as we have a full on conversation but regardless, it felt awkward. Still, I've had worse service.

It ordered their cappuccino. While it didn't taste like pure espresso, it was still quite powerful. It felt like a right hook to my tastebuds and an uppercut to my brain, instantly sending a jolt of energy down and around my body. The taste of espresso was eventually replaced by the taste of milk. I'll admit that I like to experience the flavour of the milk right away with the espresso so overall, this cappuccino fared on the stronger side.

If you like your coffee strong but don't care for service, check out Gene's Coffee Bar. If you're an arts student, that I highly recommend going to Gene while getting your work done. I would not be surprised if a regular at Gene turned out to be a future artist, writer or fashion designer. The chic, modern decor encourages, not distracts. Otherwise, there are other coffee shops in the area that value good coffee and good service. Just don't forget your mac book and sketch pad!

Coffeebar

Coffeebar is located on 10 Water Street, right in the heart of Gastown and minutes away from the iconic tourist attraction, the steam clock. I discovered Coffeebar by luck. It was during a walking haunted Vancouver tour back in October that I found this place. I'll admit, a cafe named Coffeebar intrigued me. After all, it told the people what they were selling.

I decided to venture into Coffeebar one wintery Vancouver evening before I had to trek back to downtown for a meeting. If you know me, you know that I will my house extra early just so I can get my java fix before a meeting or work and this day was no different.

My vision took an immediate liking to the decor. It was very modern, very spacious, very hip, and very Gastown. It suited the area just fine, making it the perfect location. The seating arrangements very generous, offering space to everyone from students to friends to people like myself who want to escape the world and leave it out the door, go to a cafe and get some writing done. It's essentially a place for everyone who likes coffee. The setup of the bar and food selection was really lovely as well. The layouts of the sweets looked professional and European, as well as tempting and inviting. However, the only thing that my wallet (and waist) agreed to was their cappuccino.

The service was quick, friendly and efficient.  The server wasn't overbearing, but she wasn't nonchalant either. The barista was friendly and approachable as well. It was obvious that they were familiar with the basic etiquette's of service. In fact, out of all the cafes I went to in Gastown, Coffeebar had the best service.

Now, on to the cappuccino. I'm assuming the beans came from 49th parallel coffee, as the cups read forty parallel coffee on them (see the photo that I included). A lot of the cafes that I frequent use 49th parallel coffee beans so I was excited. The cappuccino had a unique taste to it, almost nutty. Now, I'm no expert on undertones (or is it overtones) in cappuccino, but I certainly liked it. This cappuccino had more of an espresso taste to it, at least for the first few sips. Afterwards, I could taste hints of milk on my tongue complete with the espresso. Compared to other cappuccino's, this one was on the stronger side.

Overall, I was pleased with this place. I would return and I would recommend it as well. And now that I'm starting to exercise regularly again, I might just treat myself to one of their desserts. Well, maybe. 

Review

It's been nearly two months since I started this blog, so I figure I'd review my old posts and than pick the best overall coffee, best overall service and best overall ambiance. Let's start with the most important one, best coffee...

Best coffee: My pick for best coffee/cafe is Prado. Prado is located on 1938 Commercial Drive, just on the corner of 6th. At the end of December 2011, Sammy Piccolo, who started Caffe Artigiano, took over Prado and revamped it. Before he took it over, I was a casual fan of Prado and only stopped when I was in the area. Their coffee was average to me and nothing stood out. However, that all changed when Sammy made me my cappuccino. It was love at first taste. The smooth, clean taste was thoroughly enjoyed by my taste buds. It was the perfect matrimony of milk and espresso. With the exception of Kafka's, I find that most cafes make a cappuccino that are too strong (too much espresso) or too subtle (the taste of milk overpowers) but Prado has the perfect blend. I'm also a fan of their Americano Misto's, Mocha's, Espresso Macchiato and Latte's. And don't get me started on their raspberry crumble bar. It's like biting into a taste of heaven. The fresh raspberry taste is the perfect compliment to the crumble texture. And best of all, their raspberry crumble bar is made there. Talk about local. It's nice knowing that the pastries I buy are made in store and not shipped in frozen from some random American bakery or store. I highly recommend pairing the cappuccino with their raspberry crumble bar. Your tastebuds will thank me and thank you.

Best Service: I didn't have to review my old posts to figure this one out. The best service title goes to Kafka's Coffee and Tea. Located on 2525 Main Street, Kafka's is on east Broadway and Main. Kafka's is fairly new, just over a year and half old. Whenever I need somewhere to go to get some writing done, I go to Kafka's and after the first sip of their cappuccino, the spark that gets my inspiration going lights up. It feels like a home away from home, a place where my imagination is born. I also give huge credit to the barista's for making me feel welcome. I must give a shout out to a barista there by the name of  Genevieve. She is the sweetest, most kindest person that I have ever encountered recently in the service industry. She serves each coffee with a smile and makes the effort to get the names of the regulars. Her small talk is welcoming, not annoying or overbearing. If you ever go to Kafka's, I hope you're lucky enough to have her as your barista because not only is she really kind, but she makes great coffee as well. The rest of the barista's are kind as well. Nothing is worse than barista's who make you feel like you're intruding on their time. That certainly is not the case for Kafka's. It's impossible to get a bad coffee or bad service there.

Best Ambiance: The best ambiance title belongs to Caffe Artigiano. Located on 4539 Hastings Street, this is the only Burnaby location. As soon as you enter this Caffe Artigiano, you feel like you stepped into a cafe in Rome, Italy. Seeing how Caffe Artigiano was started by Italian-American Sammy Piccolo (yes, the new owner of Prado) it seems fitting that the cafe has a European feel to it. The decor was atheistically pleasing, a real pleasure to the eyes. The cafe is very spacious, with lots of lovely lighting. Your eyes cannot help but fall upon the floor and tables. Instead of cheap seating arrangements that you may find at other cafes, you'll find a classy, upscale decor. However, it's not over the top or overbearing but it certainly is a welcome change. It has a warm, inviting vibe that makes you sit down to enjoy every sip of your beverage instead of taking it to go. Having the barista's dress all in black gave the cafe a professional edge too, which shows that management care not just about the coffee they make, but the people who serve it.

So if you ever find yourself in North Burnaby or East Vancouver, be sure to go to Caffe Artigiano, Prado and Kafka's. And make sure to go those cafes when you have time because really, how can you enjoy the best coffee, service and ambiance when you're on the run?

Prado Cafe Raspberry Bar

Guys, I'm not the most religious person, but I'm pretty sure I experienced a taste of heaven earlier. I decided to return to Prado Cafe (1938 Commercial Drive, just on the corner on 4th) for their Americano Misto. However, upon reading online reviews of the cafe, I noticed that everyone raved about the raspberry bars, and how they're the best thing ever. My sweet tooth was acting up, so I decided to try the raspberry bar as.

Well, I'm certainly glad I did! After taking the first bite, I felt instant ecstasy. The fruity raspberry taste did a happy dance on my taste buds as it lingered. The crumble bit was the perfect compliment, giving it a nice texture. It tasted fresh, not like it was laden with chemicals or preservatives. And even better, it's baked by someone who works at Prado, instead of it being shipped in frozen. If you support local food, than show it by ordering it. I wanted to take a photo of the entire thing but unfortunately, I succumbed to the delicious flavour. I will, however, post the remnants of it. I do highly recommend you try it when you're on the drive. Make sure to pair it with their world class cappuccino. In fact, I can confidently say that Prado makes the best cappuccino in town. Oh, and their Americano Misto is pretty damn good too. I'll have to try it again but next time, I'm going to pair it with their latte.

So next time you find yourself on Commercial Drive, (particularly on the corner of 4th), come in and order their raspberry bar and cappuccino. Your taste buds will thank you.

Americano Misto

Hello fellow java junkies!

I hope your 2012 so far has been as fabulous as you, my reader. You're pretty damn awesome!

I have a new favourite beverage. Yes, I no longer devote myself to cappuccino's anymore. Instead, I have given my love to the Americano Misto. The Americano Misto is similar to a latte, with the differences being (this is according to a google search) similar to a latte without the foam (a Foamless), except that steamed milk and hot water are added half-and-half (rather than just steamed milk). I personally do not enjoy milk (blech) so having less steamed milk balanced with hot water was something that I appreciated. The taste was a little less sweet and subtle and a bit more strong, which is great as you can taste more of the espresso.

I only had the privilege of trying the Americano Misto from two locations. One was Kafka's Coffee and Tea (2525 Main Street & second photo) and Continental Coffee (1806 Commercial Drive & first photo). Both were different in their own ways and taste but I recommend ordering an American Misto from both. The one from Continental Coffee was a bit more stronger in taste.


So stick around, as my next few blogs will consist of me reviewing Americano Misto's. Have a great weekend!

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Bump N Grind Cafe

After taking into account recommendations from family and friends, I decided to check out Bump N Grind Cafe. Located on 916 Commercial Drive, Bump N Grind Cafe is found way at the end of the stretch of the drive, right by Venables Street. However, it turned out to be a lovely evening, so the trek along Commercial Drive turned out to be a nice one, despite the crazy people who would accustom me at every odd block.

Bump N Grind Cafe is a small, quaint cafe. Its tiny layout is a welcome change for those who want the comfy, cozy feeling of being at home. It had an intimate vibe, perfect for catching up or getting to know someone. It is also the ideal space if you're a student, as there's plenty of space to study or do your assignments. The peaceful, quiet environment won't interrupt or distract you. Its simple, minimal decor felt very welcoming and inviting. Also, they had the nicest bathroom that I've ever seen in any cafe. It looks like a washroom you find in a trendy house. It was very clean and atheistically pleasing.

The server and barista were super friendly. Compared to the last cafe I went to, which was Milano Espresso Lounge Gastown, this was a welcome and needed change. Their smiles were just as warm as the weather outside (yes, warm weather exists during winter in Vancouver). It was all genuine, nothing fake. Their customer service treatment was spot on. I appreciated being treated kindly, instead of being ignored.

Naturally, I ordered a cappuccino. I didn't get the opportunity to watch the barista make it, as I had to use their washroom which I was in awe of. The cappuccino was pretty good. The first sips were a bit bitter and strong but as I drank more of the cappuccino, the flavour improved. The balance of espresso and milk were pleasing to my taste buds. At times, I could taste more espresso but luckily, it was not overpowering. It certainly is one of the top five cappuccino's that I ever had.

Do I recommend Bump N Grind Cafe? Absolutely! Next time I go, I plan to bring a friend so I can hang out and soak up the ambiance and also, check out their awesome bathroom again. Until then, I hope you go!

Milano Espresso Lounge Gastown

The next café that I went to was Milano Espresso Lounge Gastown. Located on 36 Powell Street, Milano Espresso Lounge is a bit of walk from central Gastown. This place was recommended to me, so I decided to check it out.

This was probably the biggest café that I’ve been to yet. It’s very spacious and there is a lot of seating room. The décor has a Gastown vibe to it, so the location was perfect. It felt like I stepped into a trendy café in SoHo. The floor and walls had a clean, simple look to it. There was nothing outrageous or extreme. The coffee bar was quite large and offered an extensive choice of pastries. The drink menu caught my eye as well. It wasn’t your typical drink menu and it looked trendy. The colours drew me in.

The service, however, was less than desirable. I stood at the counter for a few minutes, waiting to be attended too. The counter was a bit high but being 5’8” (well,  5’9” with my heeled boots) I was a bit hard to miss. The set up of the counter was a bit confusing, so I moved around for a bit. Finally, the server/barista came to me. He was friendly, but it was the standard friendly. He took my order and when I told him I wanted a cappuccino, he asked if I wanted one shot of espresso, or two shots of espresso. Having never been asked this question before, I was confused. I answered two and he went on to make my medium sized cappuccino. I was still perplexed and asked my friend, who is a barista, how many shots of espresso go into a medium sized cappuccino. She confirmed two. It makes me wonder if it was cheaper to get an espresso with one shot but even if it is, that’s still not the proper method to make a medium size cappuccino. After finishing my order, I moved on to the pick up side of the bar.

Maybe it’s because I was in a rush, but it felt like it took forever for my cappuccino to be made. Maybe the barista was new, but the whole process dragged on. Thankfully when it was made, the barista was kind enough to make eye contact and say “you’re welcome” when I thanked him instead of rushing off, which I have experienced a few times at other cafes. I placed the cap on my cappuccino and made my way back to the streets of Gastown.

My cappuccino was strong. Very strong. In fact, it tasted like an espresso. Cappuccino has milk in it, but I could not taste the milk. My taste buds were greeted with this semi bitter overpowering taste. To me, the perfect cappuccino is a blend of milk and espresso but to me, the cappuccino tasted like pure espresso. To some cappuccino lovers, they may like that. However, I prefer to taste the espresso and the milk, not just the espresso, and not just the milk.

Sadly, I won’t be returning. It makes me wonder if it’s the roasting or style of beans, as I’ve been to Turk’s on the Drive, which is a sister store, and found that the cappuccino was a bit overpowering too. However, I do plan to try the Denman street location, as I heard it fares better. I just hope when I go there, I’m not waited on forever. The silence makes it feel like eternity. 

Facebook and Twitter

Hi guys!

If you recently checked out my blog, you may have noticed that I have put a link to my facebook page and my twitter account. If you have facebook, you can like my page and get updates and if you have twitter, you can follow me and get my tweets. Blogspot only offers the basic stats about you, my audience ie what country you're browsing from etc so having a facebook page & a twitter account will allow me to know more about you and it will allow you to know more about me. So click on that like button and click on follow & stick around!

Prado Cafe

After partying 2011 away and getting roughly five hours of sleep, I woke up exhausted. Knowing that caffeine was the only way to put some life into me, I decided to venture out for my first coffee of 2012. My java craving led me to Prado Cafe. Prado Cafe is located at 1938 Commercial Drive and nestled on the corner of 4^th and Commercial.

My eyes were immediately stimulated by the décor of Prado. The windows were large and a dream come true for those who like to people watch. If you get lucky by getting the perfect table, you can watch life happen on the streets of Commercial Drive. The clean, evenly spread out tables told me to stay.  I would have stayed but every table was occupied and also, I had to be at my grandparent’s place for some Greek new year traditions later that day. The floor was really nice as well. It looked like home away from home. I immediately felt invited and welcomed. The vibe and ambiance was great. Because there was a line, I had a chance to check out the crowd and barista’s. Some Commercial Drive cafes attract hipsters and some attract elderly men. Well, Prado had those types of people and more. It seems like Prado’s crowd is those who enjoy life and a good coffee. The pastries looked tempting as well. I may just try one next time I'm in.

People have told me that you have to be lucky to get good service anywhere on Commercial Drive. Well, I guess I got lucky because everyone from the server to the barista were really nice and welcome.  We exchanged genuine small talk and smiles. There was nothing fake. Thankfully, small talk was all I could muster because I was still way too tired to formulate any words.  All the barista’s looked and dressed differently, with different styles of clothing, beards and hair. It was a pretty electric crowd there, which I liked. Naturally, I ordered a cappuccino and got the 16 ounce, which was the biggest size. This was going to be my first cappuccino of 2012 so I was pretty excited.

Well, that cappuccino sure set some standards for the new year. Kafka’s still makes the best cappuccino but it was still pretty damn good. It was a smooth, clean taste. It was a perfect blend of espresso and milk, with the foamed milk being the perfect sweet compliment to the strong taste of espresso. It wasn’t overly strong, but it wasn’t subtle either. After a few sips, I instantly woke up. I felt energized, ready to take on the afternoon with my Greek relatives. I wish there was a bigger size so I could enjoy more of this amazing cappuccino. I will, however, be back soon to get another cappuccino real soon. Their cappuccino is the kind you need to have more than once.

I highly recommend Prado. If you ever get some free time, head on down, grab a spot and try their cappuccino. It’s definitely one of the better cafes on Commercial Drive and one worth checking out.

And to the readers of this blog, happy new year! May 2012 be your best year yet. Thanks for sticking with me & I look forward to posting more blogs for you!

JJ Bean

I decided to spend my next experience at coffee central aka Commercial Drive. Also known as Little Italy, Commercial Drive is full of authentic Italian cafes and independent coffee shops. The weather was unkind to me this day and because of that, I did not feel like walking far. I decided to stop at JJ Bean. Located on 2206 Commercial Drive, this JJ Bean is one of many JJ Bean’s spread out across Vancouver.

The second I walked in, I noticed this place was a hipster’s* paradise. People dressed in plaid were glued to their mac books, furiously typing away. When you walk along Commercial Drive, you will notice four different types of people: the hipsters, the LGBTTQ crowd, the creepy old men who assume you’re a nice Portuguese or Italian girl (for the record, I’m Greek and Croatian and no, my name is not Maria) and the others. The others can be nice, normal people who you’ll come across anywhere else in the city or the others can be crazy individuals who kindly tell you to fuck off when you ignore their rampant shouting outside the liquor store. But anyway, the hipster’s hang out at JJ Bean.

There was a bit of a line, which was expected. That allowed me more time to check out the “scene”. The place was packed. Every seat was occupied. Obviously, that meant that the place had good coffee and good service, right? Well, I was kind of wrong.

The server, who wasn't too friendly, gave me a smirk and begrudgingly asked what I’d like to order. Well, it looks like I may have found the first café with awful service. Not wanting to be a rude as the server, I politely asked for a cappuccino and requested a medium size. I gave them a 10 dollar bill and they practically threw my change at me. Perhaps I worked at the wrong type of retail, but I’m fairly certain that the server is supposed to tell you how much change you have been given back. I thanked them and they gave me a look like I wished a plague on their houses.

The barista fared better. He actually acknowledged me by my name (well, it did say it on the order) as well as the how’s your day been. I appreciated that more than the lovely server that I just pleasantly dealt with. He then said my name again as he handed me my cappuccino. I thanked him and he smiled back. Well, it was certainly nice to know that not all their staff was not as warm as the weather I longed for.

I tasted the cappuccino. While it was good, it did not stand out to me.  However, I do appreciate the fact it was not weak. It had a richer body to it as well.

JJ Bean left an overall mixed impression. I thought I was in the minority with how I was treated but after consulting two other individuals, they proved my statement to be true by confirming that the service they got was awful and rude too.  Even they enjoyed the coffee as well, they felt that the service wasn’t worth it. I even received a story of how a server rolled their eyes at one of the individuals while they were searching through their purse for change. It was not the cappuccino that left a bad taste in my mouth, but how I was treated.

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*For the record, I don't mind hipsters. I was just trying to paint an image with the people there.

Caffe Artigiano

My next cappuccino craving took me to Caffe Artigiano. Located on 4539 Hastings Street, this is the only Burnaby location.

As soon as I entered the café, my attention immediately was transferred to the barista’s. They were dressed all in black. This was one of the rare occasions where the barista’s at a café had uniforms on. To me, it said that the owner wanted to run a professional establishment.  I made my way over to the counter, ready to place my order. I was immediately greeted by the warmness of my server. She was cheerful, but not to the point where it became overbearing, annoying and fake. As I waited for my beverage to be prepared, my barista made small talk too. It was genuine, which I appreciate as I dislike when conversation is forced. And besides, the wait is not as long when you’re talking to someone.

Out of all the cafes that I’ve been to, Caffe Artigiano had the best décor. It looked like a café that you find tucked away on the streets of Rome or Vienna. The lovely lighting and comfy seating arrangements brought the café to life. It was like I was transported back to the summer of 2005, where I spent 6 weeks making my way through Eastern and Southern Europe. The place had a European ambiance to it and like all the cafes I went to in Europe, it invited me to stay. How could I say no to a place that my ancestors would love? It was absolutely beautiful.

While it was not the best cappuccino I’ve ever had, it certainly was one of the more memorable ones.  The tones left on my palette were pleasant and the flavour was distinct. My friend allowed me to help myself to her caramel macchiato and it was absolutely delicious. It was like there was a flavour firework in my mouth. The caramel tasted real, not synthetic or fake. The sweet taste of the caramel and vanilla was a perfect compliment to the espresso. It was like the perfect marriage in coffee heaven. I have been officially convinced to go back and try their caramel macchiato. After all, there are only so many cappuccino’s I can drink and I’m sure that not everybody who reads this blog drinks exclusively cappuccino anyway. So if you want me to try a particular beverage at a particular cafe, let me know in the comments.

Would I recommend Caffe Artigiano? Absolutely. If you want an authentic feel of Europe, both in your cup and café, than head on down to Artigiano. I hear they have the best Spanish Lattes in town so if you want a twist on the classic latte, than go grab one next time you're in the area. After all, with such a flawless caramel macchiato, it’s hard to go wrong with a Spanish latte.

 

Elysian Coffee

My next java craving lead me to Elysian Coffee. Located on 590 West Broadway, Elysian is one of numerous cafes located on the stretch of West Broadway. While riding the bus to a Christmas party, the sign caught my eye and as I passed it, I made a promise to myself that I would stop there on the way back, which is what I did.

I was instantly greeted by the smile of the server. So far, the place where I’ve had genuine small talk was Kafka’s. However, one cannot expect all café’s to live up to Kafka’s standard. I brushed that aside, as there have been instances where I wasn’t even served with a smile. I immediately placed my order (a cappuccino, no less) & paid. I was surprised at being charged $3.75. That was the most I’ve ever been charged for a cappuccino, especially that size. I’ve been to cafes where I paid that amount for a 16 ounce, instead of the standard 6 ounce. While surprised, I chalked it up to location. Don’t expect for things to be cheap on West Broadway. I returned the smile that I was given and made my way to the counter where I’d wait for my cappuccino.

As I waited for my cappuccino to be made, I took in the décor. It had a lounge type feel to it. You could sit in the stool & people watch, or you could park yourself in one of the booths. The latter would be more appropriate in a group setting & the former would work better if you were alone. Well, unless you prefer to not face the individual(s) that you are having a conversation with. It was your average café look. Like Blenz or Waves, it’s the perfect place if you’re a student, studying for that test or finishing an assignment. I’m assuming that’s the clientele that frequents Elysian.

With minimum eye contact and a low voice, my barista put my cappuccino on the counter. Eager to try my inspiration for this blog, I took my cappuccino in my hands and headed back onto the streets of West Broadway. I took my first sip & was greeted with the taste of bitterness. While the initial sip was pleasant to my palette, the after taste sadly was not as enjoyable. While I’m no cappuccino connoisseur, I’ve drank enough of them to pick up on certain flavours, notes & lately, if my cappuccino is bitter or not. However, this was my first visit, so I’m not going to set my expectations too high. There have been instances where my second visits to various cafes have been more positive. I will certainly return & if I notice any significant differences, I will certainly address them in my next blog posting.

If you’re a student or just anyone who wants a place to get their work done, than come on down to Elysian Coffee. The vibe will make your studying or assignments that much easier to do.