Independent Coffee in Toronto

Following is a map of the cafes I have been to in Toronto (blue marker), and the cafes I want to try (pink marker). Apparently I should have gotten my own Indie Coffee Passport. Most of my photos so far are from R2 Cafe. If there are notable cafes you think I should try out, please add them or comment! Thanks!



View Toronto Independent Cafes in a larger map

Ghazal of R2 Cafe pouring a tulip

Coffee from a cupping at R2 Cafe

 

A shot of espresso being pulled from the Nuova Simonelli International Barista Championship machine at R2 Cafe

French press brewed cup of Social's R2 house blend

Knife

New thrifted knife, $5. Cuts like a dream.

Rain rain rain rain rain

Do we ever get anything else? I thought someone had been showering for the past couple hours since I got home but turns out it's just the rain falling down the drain spouts. It would be hellish to have to ride in this. Thanks to my bosses for giving me a ride home!

Bell Pepper and Parsley Salad

I have craved and made several variations of this salad in the past few months. It reminds me of a tabouleh despite there being few ingredients in common. I love how fresh it tastes and feels to eat. In the future it might be interesting to add mango to the mix!

There's red and green pepper, flat leaf parsley, shallot, lime juice, and green lentils. In terms of a grain-based additive, some of my variations have included adding couscous or quinoa or both. Tabouleh has burgul in it. Often I get impatient, don't cook the lentils properly and they get mushy, but this time I followed the directions to great effect! The lentils still have a shape by the end of it!

Dry lentils

Move out

My lonely room on Dufferin after move-out. Only a backpack left.

Oven baked pork chops with caramelised parmesan applesauce

I spent three months wanting to cook something more creative than oatmeal with currants and peanut butter (which is a delicious breakfast), but somehow never found the time. When I moved out of my shared house a few days ago, I was faced with finishing the fridge, including a bag of apples, pork chops, and parmesan cheese rinds, the combination of which screamed awesome at me. The result was oven-baked pork chops with caramelised parmesan applesauce.

Fruits

Simply Photos

Red flowers on the old school style fence on an impeccable lot at Springmount Ave and Rosemount Ave, Toronto

I guess they are fake since I took these pictures 3 weeks ago and they are still there today.

November 19, 2011 - Views from my kitchen window in the morning

Yes, it's more photos of R2. What can I do? Photograph another few.

A new face of R2 which many people have likely not explored. 668 Queen West from a different perspective. I was amazed by the sheer number of "NO PARKING" signs, the creative graffiti, and the old structures. And how slow an SUV must drive to fit through the laneway. 

I believe that photography should make a subject better than it is through perspective, and I think this photo fulfils that

Check out the double reflection in the window of the furniture shop across the street, and Reza Y chilling outside R2

RIP Rob Ford

Now here's a halloween decoration that made me laugh and turn my bike around to take a quick snap of! 

Blockage on College

College Street this Saturday around Ossington was blocked off for workers to dismantle a crane used to put up the new building in the pictures. This was just one section of many sections of the crane, but gives some insight as to the question of how a crane is set up in the first place. Respect for the workers - with such heavy pieces of machinery to make a small mistake could be disastrous. Pressure is on!

It was fun to watch for a while until I was almost late for an appointment to see a great apartment on College with chickens in the backyard!

Curb Alert Toronto #2

Last week while the weather was uhhhmazing I cycled aimlessly around the streets between Queen and Davenport and found this gem. It's a clothes stand I think. I doubt that it's still there, but in case you're in the neighbourhood, the address is 874 Manning.

I then found out the landlord is renting! Here are a couple shots of the interior details.