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.

Website
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.

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

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.

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!

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?

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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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.

 

Revolver Coffee

Last night, I visited Revolver Coffee, located in Gastown on 325 Cambie Street. It's fairly new, barely three months old. It's owned by the Giannakos family & it's the sister cafe of Cafe Crema, located in West Vancouver. Word of mouth has convinced me to try this cafe. Not only that but as someone of Greek decent, I tend to support businesses run by Greek people. Guess it's a cultural thing.

The first thing that caught my eye at Revolver Coffee was the decor. It has a retro feel to it, yet it has a modern twist. It had a New York vibe to it as well. Instead of having your typical tables splayed across the room, it had these suspended like benches that gave it an intimate feel. It made your visits with your friends more personal. On the wall is a picture of the world. It was a nice change compared to the one colour walls found at most cafes. While I do wish I was able to stick around to take in more of the vibe and ambiance, I was really impressed with what I felt and saw during my brief stay.

The service was friendly. The gentleman who took my order had a smile on his face & a happy tone in his voice. I've been to cafes where the server seemed hostile and bored so this was a welcome change. Good service is rare in Gastown too. The barista was friendly as well. Not only did she serve me my cappuccino, but she served me a warm smile too. When I thanked her, she acknowledged me back.  Having worked in retail, I know the importance of making the customer feel valued and welcomed. There is one cafe that is notorious for being rude as of lately and sadly, while their cappuccino is great, the service turns me off. Luckily, Revolver's kind service has made me want to return again and when I return, I will stay long enough to fully enjoy what Revolver has to offer besides their amazing coffee.

The cappuccino was flawless. It had depth to it. Perhaps it was their choice of coffee beans or the way they roasted their beans, but it had a different taste to it. It was a welcome taste to it. It had strength, but not too much where it made you feel nauseous or made your hands shake. Every sip was smooth and inviting. It was a perfect compliment for a chilly Vancouver evening, a lovely accessory. And this may sound weird, but it felt like the cappuccino brought Gastown to life. It was more vibrant. It seems like the cappuccino woke up my body and mind.

My only complaint was that I could not stick around on my first visit to fully appreciate everything besides their cappuccino. I will however, be back soon. I hope you check out Revolver soon. Take the time one afternoon (it closes at 6 everyday except Sunday, when it's closed all day) to visit Gastown and stop to get coffee from Revolver. And the Christmas season is the perfect time to go, as Gastown comes to life with the lights. Gastown restaurants are notorious for usually being busy so the best way to pass the time is to relax at Revolver and just enjoy life.

Kafka's Coffee and Tea

I'm going to dedicate my first post (well, besides the welcome one) to my favourite cafe, Kafka's Coffee and Tea, nestled on the corner on Main and East Broadway. Just over a year old, Kafka's serves the best cappunccino's, latte's and mocha's that I have ever tasted. When you walk into Kafka's, you feel like you're walking into your best friends kitchen. The vibe and ambiance is warm and welcoming. Instead of taking your coffee to go, it invites you to sit down and enjoy every sip, which is how coffee is meant to be enjoyed. It seems to taste better when you have time to relax and sip instead of downing it on the go. I've spent countless days and hours here, whether it was catching up with friends, finishing assignments or doing some extra credit work. Hours feel like seconds there and it's almost like time stands still.

While the ambiance makes me stay, it's the coffee that keeps me coming back. I'm a simple person with a simple taste in coffee. I don't like fancy orders or fancy beverages. Don't give me an extra shot, extra foam, extra hot whatever beverage. Don't substitute, don't add, don't subtract. Luckily, Kafka gets that. They serve simple, classic beverages.  I'm a cappuccino girl and these guys make the best cappuccino. It's not subtle, but it's not strong either. It doesn't require sugar. The only thing a Kafka's cappuccino requires is someone who appreciates a good coffee. Every sip you take is better than the last. The smooth, simple taste puts you at ease and instantly relaxes you. It's perfection in a cup. It's the kind of cappuccino that would make Luigi Bezzera proud. Most importantly, it's the kind of cappuccino that keeps me coming back.

I have to give a shout out to the barista's. I have experienced more friendlier, kinder and warm service anywhere. That includes not just the food industry, but retail and any other guest service oriented service as well. These barista's have a genuine interest in forming conversation with the customers. It goes beyond the casual, "hey, how are you.", which has become a standard greeting wherever you go. They are not pretentious or rude or fake. It's not forced or faked and it feels like you're striking up conversation with one of your friends, not someone who you're paying to make your beverage. They make the effort to know you and if you frequent Kafka's as much as I do, than they make the effort to get to know your name and address you with it as soon as you step up to the counter. And if you get really lucky, you won't have to say your order because they'll have it memorized with your name. Just show up and they'll do the rest. These barista's care about you just as much as they care about their coffee. If you're unsure what to get or you want to try something new, let them know and they will give recommendations or sometimes, they'll suggest what to try. And you just might be lucky enough to get a free coffee.

If you value friendly ambiance, a welcoming and inviting vibe, fantastic coffee and also, fabulous service, than I suggest you head on down to Kafka's. Whether you need a caffeine pick me up or want to grab a coffee before a shopping adventure or dining adventure on Main Street, than stop on by. The only downside about Kafka's are the hours (if you need a late night java fix to satisfy your coffee craving, Kafka's cannot help you on that) & that the cappuccino comes in only one size. However, it provides just as much flavour and caffeine punch as a 16 ounce cappuccino.

If you're ever in the area, swing on by. Just make sure you have enough time to stay and enjoy your first ever sip from Kafka's coffee and soon enough, it'll be your favourite cafe as well.

Kafka's address is 2525 Main Street. To get there by transit, take either the #3 or #99 bus and get off at the East Broadway stop. Their website with their hours and more details is http://kafkascoffee.ca/