Posts Tagged ‘Coffee’

THIERRY

1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 608-6870

Web: http://www.thierrychocolates.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Snag a spot on the outside patio. You can purchase the Macarons individually, in a pack of 7 or 12.

I have always had a sweet spot and a love for visiting spots for sweets. Ever since I did a Behind the Scenes interview with Chef Thierry Busset I have been a fan of his Macarons, and now a fan of so much more. Located in close proximity to Robson, is Thierry a modern shop, café and atelier that is ever so sweet. The Curved walls of palmwood tambour imported from Europe are highlighted by flowing Castore lights playing off marble floors and Thonet bentwood chairs that evoke classic Parisian cafés. You will not only find beautiful desserts showcased in the temperature controlled pastry case you will also find the Macaron showcase featuring 8+ different macaron flavours daily as well as pastries, chocolates and more.

Raisin Brioche

Hazelnut Pithivier

Macarons: Maple, Gianduia, Blackberry and Strawberry Rhubarb

 

Espresso Macchiato

House Liquid Chocolate

On my most recent visit I indulged having a Raisin Brioche ($3.45) and the most delicious Hazelnut Pithivier ($4.95) along with a selection of macarons:  Maple, Gianduia, Blackberry and Strawberry Rhubarb ($1.75 each). I also had a Espresso Macchiato ($2.95) made with the organic Thierry Espresso Blend coffee designed exclusively for them by Casa Del Caffé’s Vincent Gentile and then to finish off a 2oz taster of the House Liquid Chocolate ($7.45 if 8oz pour).

The shop is filled with homemade ice creams and sorbets, coffee and other packaged goods to go. This is paradise and I am looking forward to indulging when that whim beckons.

Review By: Richard Wolak

NELSON AND THE SEAGULL

315 Carrall Street, Vancouver

Tel:  (604) 681-5776

Web: http://www.nelsontheseagull.com/

Twitter: @gastownseagull

Advice: Have a seat at the communal table and meet other folk.

This is the living room we all once lived in, or want to escape to now. I have visited a few times over the summer and love the high ceilings, open kitchen, the large communal table and of course the living room. The café is large, spacious and inviting, it is also a great people watching spot too!

The café has become the new spot for the community, for the creative people who live and work inside and outside of the Gastown area.

Avocado on Toast

Espresso

Lemon Tart

Chocolate Lava Cake

On my last visit I had the Avocado on Toast ($5) and previously an Espresso ($2.50) along with one of their delicious Lemon Tarts ($3.50) that oozed with sweet lemon along with the Chocolate Lava Cake ($3.50). Asides from the coffees on order, they bake bread and not just any bread, it’s a Ciabatta which is moist and chewy on the inside and crunchy on the outer crust, all of their sandwiches and toasts are on this wonderful bread.

Review By: Richard Wolak

CAFE BRIXTON

212 East Georgia Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 568-8200

Web: n/a

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Sit at the communal table or at the window.

Slightly secluded as it is off the beaten track of bustling Main Street in Chinatown/Strathcona, the café is well worth your discovery. First of all it is spacious and has that sort of NY feeling to it with its exposed brick walls, open 15 ft beam ceiling, distressed looking wooden tables and chairs. Secondly, there is a large communal table for sharing  while studying or working.

Carrot Cake

Espresso

I had the moist and tasty Carrot Cake ($2.95) with vanilla bean cream cheese icing and an Espresso ($2.75) made with 49th parallel coffee. The menu also includes baguette sandwiches, baked goods and beverages. They also offer an extensive brunch menu which I will get to trying one day soon.

Review By: Richard Wolak

ROCANINI

#115- 3900 Moncton Street, Richmond

Tel: 604-284-5126

Web: http://www.rocanini.com/

Twitter: @rocanini

Advice: Have a seat at the large Communal Table.

This is one of those cafes that I would frequent if I lived nearby, it would probably become my office or my living room! Impressive stylish room, large and spacious with lots of seating including the communal table.

Cappuccino

Espresso Macchiato

I was in Steveston for Fish & Chips, first stop was for coffee and not just any coffee. I had an Espresso Macchiato ($2.85) and my friend had a Cappuccino ($3.10) both were very good. They roast their own coffee at their roastery in Vancouver so their coffee is fresh which is important. The baristas behind the bar are passionate on making the perfect cup of coffee. One of the star attractions here is the Syphon Coffee as well as their Drip coffee, there are choices for the type of coffee to savour!

I love the layout of the café, there is also a selection of fresh baked goods, sandwiches and desserts in the case to tempt you to indulge!

Review by: Richard Wolak

PRONTO

3473 Cambie St, Vancouver

Tel: 604-722-9331

Web: www.prontocaffe.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Don’t be afraid to ask for a taster of the Porchetta before ordering.

Specializing in Porchetta this Italian style eatery’s space was designed with a retro feel by Scott Cohen (Les Faux Bourgeois, Waldorf Hotel) and Stefan Gagnon (Les Faux Bourgeois). You’ll find a limited menu of Porchetta sandwich and Porchetta plate along with a couple vegetarian sandwiches, cheese plate and a selection of sides such as roasted rosemary potatoes and non-alchoholic beverages.

Porchetta Sandwich

I had the Porchetta Sandwich ($8) on baguette (also offers it on ciabata) which was very simple along with an Espresso ($2). If you are a lover of Porchetta visit and you be the judge if you are not then go with the Provolone Sandwich!

Review By: Richard Wolak

 

CAFÉ FOR THE CONTEMPORARY ART

140 East Esplanade Avenue, North Vancouver

Tel: (778) 340-3379

Web: http://www.cafeforcontemporaryart.com/

Twitter: @cafca140

Advice: Check out their website for their events calendar.

Anytime I am on the North Shore I stop in for a visit to this wonderful café that has an art gallery inside the café. The idea for the art gallery is to showcase local artisans and to provide customers with an escape of sorts, to walk through the exhibits while sipping espressos and other café beverages. The café is beautiful, spacious and well-layed out and has baristas who are passionate about making great coffee.

Espresso

My beverage of choice here is an Espresso ($3) that is always served with a bite size cookie. You will find a complete beverage menu of coffees, tea, and juice along with sandwiches, scones, cookies, muffins and more.

Review By: Richard Wolak

SLICKITY JIM’S CHAT ‘N CHEW

3475 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-873-6760

Web: http://www.slickityjims.com/

Twitter: @SlickityJims

Advice: write your name on the sign at the door for your chance to wait in line until it is your turn to be seated.

It is an iconic breakfast spot for me, I began to frequent the place when they first opened in the Soma area of Main back in 1999, I would often do breakfast or brunch with friends on the weekend. In 2009 after the building burned down Slickitys was suddenly gone, hearing they were going to open a couple months ago I was ecstatic. I had breakfast on a Sunday morning recently with my friend Jason, dining in the back overlooking the park, this eatery is larger than its former, its kitchy and bright.

The Honey Man City Butter

The Morning Yearning

I had my ‘usual’, The Honey Man City Butter ($9.75) -Three slices of multigrain French toast with an effervescent cinnamon and honey-butter sauce, served with fresh fruit atop roasted potatoes and Jason had The Morning Yearning ($9.75) Two free run eggs any style with bacon, chorizo, grilled tomato, and veggie chilli, served with multigrain, rye or sourdough toast.

This is the kind of place which is one of a kind, each dish is cleverly named and the specials even more so. For breakfast you will find the classic egg dishes, from omelettes to French toast to The Benedictions. For lunch you may want to try one of their Sammie’s such as the Denizen of the Deep ($10.50) another favourite of mine that is a wild salmon fillet blackened with Cajun spices in the heat of a stark meeting between fish and pan, topped with salsa on baguette or one of their big burgers. I hear a dinner menu is going to happen soon if it hasn’t happened already. So happy that Slickity Jim’s is back!

Review By: Richard Wolak

W.E. COFFEE

1696 Robson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604.566.6888

Web: http://www.wecoffee.ca

Twitter: @WECoffeeInc

Advice: If you want a waffle sandwich as opposed to a regular sandwich on offer, just ask to see if they can make it with their waffles.

 

Smoked Salmon Waffle Sandwich

Espresso Macchiato

 

This stylish café is decked out in all black and white, with seating throughout this neighbourhood café. My friend Avelino and I visited for lunch to indulge in their waffles, specifically for their savoury waffles. I had them custom create a Smoked Salmon Waffle Sandwich ($8) with the (waffle substituting the croissant) served with a side green salad and Avelino had the same. We both had an Espresso Macchiato ($3) and were so very tempted to finish of the meal with one of their sweet waffles topped with ice cream, though we held back on this visit.

Known for their signature waffles, you will find a good selection of savoury as well as sweet waffles. Here they custom roast their coffee beans in the café for their coffees, world renown Mariage Frères teas are featured and you will also find a fine selection of delectable cakes, and other delicious desserts to savour. Looking forward to my return visit to indulge in their Ice Cream Parfait Waffle that looks divine.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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