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.
Showing posts with label vancouver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vancouver. Show all posts
Friday, September 07, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
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?
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?
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