Saving Grace brunch place

Porchetta And Co is an amazing lunch, but when they were closed yesterday I was at a loss! Walking along Dundas West knowing there are a million awesome lunch places, I entered Ella's Uncle for a coffee and a delicious amazing berry scone (sorry, ate it too fast for a pic), and was told to go across the street to Saving Grace. Try the Angela sandwich, she said. I did, and the aftermath was drop dead gorgeous. 

Snapshots of Roncesvalles

While enjoying a Cherry Bomb Coffee outside back when the weather was nice! This was also just after the peak of the cherrry blossom bloom a week and a half ago. I think Cherry Bomb and Cherry Blossom Bloom go quite well together. 

Brunch at the newly-open The Federal

Had a wonderful leisurely brunch with Geoff this morning/afternoon at the newly-opened Federal on Dundas West and Gladstone. He had the Ploughman's Lunch (delicious, though I forget what the daily selection of meat and cheese was. A blue cheese and a summer sausage type deli meat?) and I had the Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich (Chicken Confit, Pear, Curry Aioli, and Arugula on Walnut Raisin Bread), complete with green salad and Rosti. We concluded the Rosti are the real Hash Browns.

Saw a guy painting this sign on the sidewalk outside Mercury

Indie Coffee Update

As a follow up to my earlier post about indie coffee shops in Toronto, I have decided to comment on a few of the places. Since I wrote the earlier post I have visited for the first time: Lit, Sam James, Capital, and Lost and Found.

Lit had a wonderfully earthy espresso which I described as tasting like a tree. Unique flavour right there. Definitely recommend.

At Sam James Espresso Bar I have been happy with the drinks I've gotten. Lovely americanos & cappuccinos. I love sitting in the window there and watching Harbord go by.

Americano and Latte

Geoff enjoying a latte

First time I was at Capital Espresso I had one of the the best shots of espresso I've ever had. I'm not saying this just because I met Damien the other day. He came in to R2 looking for decaf beans 'cause they were running low over at Capital. The espresso shot I had was rich, rich, rich in flavour and well-balanced for my tongue.

Lost and Found espresso was delicious with a bit of an alcohol-y finish in a good way. Love the space and the idea of combining clothing and coffee - two great loves of my life. Jonathan was super friendly and Evan and I procured some Metropolis beans which I've tried in the french press with great success.

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

Reza Making the Orange Mocha

Reza making an orange mocha!

R2 New Signage

There is a new chalkboard outside of R2 beside the 668A apartment door that lists daily specials ($1 muffin with purchase of an americano or drip coffee before 10AM) and specialty drinks (Orange Mocha, developed by yours truly and my fellow baristas). I had the privilege of writing on it!

Drink Development at R2

Last monday saw a few of the R² baristas brainstorming and shopping for the ingredients of possible specialty drinks. I photographed some of the process. 

Ingredients: result of shopping

We ended up developing two drinks, the orange mocha, and the chocolate chili latte. The orange mocha is currently being served at R², and comes with the lovely garnish of a chocolate-coated sliver of candied orange peel from Delight on Queen West.  

Chocolate-coated candied orange peel slivers

Ingredients of the orange mocha

Me on the phone

Chris, an esteemed regular

Evan, making a free-pour swan

Evan, pleased about something, possibly my photo of his latte art

We will be serving the chocolate chili latte later this fall. 

Chocolate chili latte ingredients