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!

I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle

$45 bought me one beat-up beautiful bike off the end of the driveway of an old italian guy. After two full days of work on it at Bike Pirates, it was finally rideable. Yesterday, it got a makeover of new bar tape and a new seat! In Belgium this summer I saw people using deflated tubes as bungee cords for the back rack and tried to remember how they did it. Very excited to continue riding this beauty. Thanks, Bike Pirates!

RSquared Cafe

This summer when I moved to Toronto one of my tentative goals was to join an independent coffee shop and take my love of good coffee to the next level by working on being a barista. Graham convinced me with difficulty to go to a coffee shop that was all the way across the city for a free coffee. Well one thing led to another, and before you know it, it's Gigi the barista at RSquared Cafe on Queen West. Definitely a dream come true. Thanks, folks at RSquared!

Photo cred goes to Evan Jerred for this image of me steaming milk at RSquared

French press brewed RSquared Espresso blend coffee. The perfect start to a Saturday morning. 

Take a look at the crema-like topping which the french press allows to come through

Beautiful blue Mikasa cups from Vintage Rescuer.