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

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

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!

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.