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Vancouver's Coffee Culture: A Guide
Shakes, rattles, .... must need java to goooooo!
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73 Places
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Crystal’s 5-star review: "For the Love of Medina" Oh your lavender latte was unexpectedly lovely But your raspberry version took my breath away... The murmurings of those sipping and chatting Melted me into my chair while my heart fell for The waffles, of which I Partook in two, Crispy and buttery On the outside soft and moist on the inside Dipped in milk chocolate lavender sauce Swept me away to a mythical Parisian Cafe I once sat in for hours and loved Oh my new love.... -
Crystal’s 5-star review: Intelligentsia beans, yummy teas, free wi-fi... but that's not why I'm getting vocal again about one of my favourite coffee shops.... The chicken and red pepper panini! Oh my word! The half sammie would have been satisfying enough, but the full order was soooo gratifying! I have no idea what the cheese combo was, but it's ooey gooeyness, the moisture of the bread, and the flavour of the chicken has led me to believe that Wicked is worth more than 5 stars. Let's just say that this update is here to showcase the TEN full stars I'm giving them! -
Crystal’s 5-star review: Oh - Yoka- I could not start my day without you and your delivery of my first dose of daily caffeine! What I can't believe I have never tried until yesterday is the chocolate. It sits there - taunting me every time I go in, and yet I've resisted for years. Until the yelpers started opening their mouths and telling tales of chocolate goodness (thank you, thank you, thank you) OMG - it's amazing - the Callebaut Giandula is like the centre of a Purdy's hedgehog - but fricking-fan-tabulous! And I'm a chocoholic! Oops... I must clean my keyboard - I just drooled! -
Crystal’s 4-star review: A fan still? Yes. You can set up shop upstairs for hours. It's quiet, the wi-fi is reliable and the other peeps are pecking away at their keys while consuming copious amounts of caffeine. Feeling right at home (plus you can order a glass of wine instead of coffee!) There's no doubt that you'll need some sustenance when you're camped out near the power supply. Enter lunch. The sandwiches are pricey, but they're damn tasty! And the bread? The bread is magnificent. Just the right amount of softness - no cut gums here! However, the prep consistency is off. I had the Bison sammie twice in one week. It was like eating two totally different sandwiches - both good, but I had hoped to have the same one I had previously. I also had to ask for a knife to cut it in half (also inconsistent to the other sandwiches). I also tried the soup for the first time the other day. Very underwhelming, oh who am I kidding, it was tasteless. I'll stick to the yummy sandwiches! -
Crystal’s 4-star review: For a choco-holic, this is my paradise. Great vibe as soon as you walk in and smell the warm ganache. They give you a choice between milk or dark chocolate for your mocha and use the ganache to prepare it - no syrup here. The clover coffee machine makes exceptionally tasty espresso and the chocolate fondue is perfect - morning or afternoon. Also love the take away chocolate bar - peanut butter and jelly. -
Crystal’s 4-star review: Ahhh, nostalgia, it's sort of like Folgers in your cup. Or JJ Bean in my case. I was curious about what my first "Yelp" was. So I went digging... and 43 pages back I found it, JJ Bean. But jeesh, did I really only write two lines? It's still true, I have meetings there sometimes, sitting up on that little second level alongside of others chatting or typing away. And every now and again, I grab a cup to go. Heck, I've even gotten some work done sitting in one of those almost comfy arm chairs. But I think what I love most about this JJ Bean is the coffee condiment station - that's right a station. I've had some of the friendliest smiles, "Good mornings" and just pure pleasantness here. Which is why their four stars stay put. If not for this, I'd probably dock them for not having free wi-fi. -
Crystal’s 4-star review: Artigiano is a great place for meetings and social gatherings. If I'm not downing an Americano, I'm all over their artsy lattes. The location in Park Royal's Village feels a lot bigger than some of their other locations. I love the round bar. It gives the space a huge presence. My only complaint is that they don't have wifi. (so they lost a star!- Girl's gotta yelp when a girl wants to yelp!) Although, being able to read the paper instead (provided on large racks for all of our communal convenience) feels wholesome, traditional, and just what I need on a rainy day. -
Crystal’s 4-star review: Just as friendly as before - I think these guys really do mean it when they ask you how you're doing and smile while making your coffee. Or in my case today, grabbing me an Odwalla juice. Too many coffees makes me jittery :-) I had said before, that I didn't fancy this a sit down place, but I stand corrected! On weekdays it looks like it's lots of people typing away on laptops and sucking back caffeine - but in a much more modern and friendly environment than I first imagined. Yes! I do say, yes! I could see myself hanging out here on a lone weekday afternoon! -
Crystal’s 3-star review: I'm actually a little disappointed that there was no smart mouthing from the staff. Not even after I made a bad joke about my 12 oz coffee (I thought they were confirming it would cost me $12). *Sigh. But there was the girl who blatantly budged ahead of me in line. It was noticeable- I was the only other person there ;p If I was looking to escape the light - this would be a great space. Perhaps for a later in the day/evening fix, but I like to take my iced Americano with a second lump of natural light. -
Crystal’s 4-star review: Brunch at Barney's didn't disappoint! Just beating the lunch rush, I settled into a table (they're tightly packed) and very easily discerned what I wanted off of the menu- a Commando Benny. Perfect choice! The hollandaise was spot on; finally a benny without thick and tasteless goop on it! The only negative: one of my eggs was cooked to runny perfection - while the other was overdone . I can't give too much grief about it - the overdone one still tasted pretty good, and the brie on my commando made up for the softness I wanted on my english muffin. The coffee was fresh and kept coming, thanks to the attentive and really hip server I had! Next time, I'll be trying one of the girlie-looking cocktails the table of guys were drinking at the table next to me! -
Crystal’s 4-star review: It would be hard not to have a soft spot for a coffee shop where the server (maybe the owner?) comes over and takes your order... The overstuffed chairs in the back made me want to curl up and read, but alas, this was not the time! I watched as my coffee mates enjoyed a freshly made crepe and wished that I hadn't just eaten breakfast! My americano was good, but not the best I've had it had a bit of bitterness to it-even after i was a little overzealous with the sugar. My companions were enjoying tea which looked pretty in their individual bodums. (I would have totally gone for the tea - but you know, I was in need of a caffeine slam!) I will totally be back to cozy up with a good book and savour something sweet...and then maybe stay for something savoury. -
Crystal’s 4-star review: When all you want is a decent cup of java, searching through Whistler Village can be a bit of an ordeal (if you're not familiar with the turf.). There's your standard issue chains: Starbucks, Esquires, Blenz, Second Cup ... but what I really was searching out was an organic bean. Voila - all organic espresso beans at Moguls. I had a latte - best I've had in while- with no hint of espresso bitterness! Their organic ways don't stop with their beans. To stir in the raw sugar (located in the sugar dispenser - not in little packets!) I used a dry spaghetti noodle stick. The recycling and disposal area was clearly laid out. Saving trees, avoiding chemicals and a good brew made for a happy morning. (Located inside the older village, across from the Grocery | Liquor Store plaza.) -
Crystal’s 4-star review: How good does it get? I've been to my fair share of Blenz locations- and I think this one takes the first prize for best service and funnest atmosphere (without being too over crowded). It's clean, the coffee tastes great and there's lots of comfy chairs and plugins. And the bathrooms are clean (which is important if you're planning on plugging in for awhile) My only suggestions - pick a seat away from the door - they like to leave it open, even on a chilly Vancouver day. -
Crystal’s 4-star review: Right in the moment when day turns to night, Wired Monk serves as a space that lets you gear up or wind down, or lets a work-a-holic catch up online. Perfect for those times when you want tea, beer, live music and wi-fi all at your fingertips. PS. Much appreciation goes to the spacious and clean potty. -
Crystal’s 3-star review: A freelancer's haven - click-clacking of keyboards, a buzzing of activity. I have a lot of meetings here -typically brainstorming sessions. I've been to every Blenz (I think) but this is always the one the strikes me as the "office" away from the home office. Inevitably, I see someone I know and have a chance to catch up. It also seems to be the most social of the Blenz - I have randomly met more people here than any other coffee shop in Vancouver. Coffee is standard fare, service is the same. But the connections and buzz of activity make this a hub for sure. Free wireless too! -
Crystal’s 3-star review: When a pregnant friend texts you on a Saturday morning and says she's craving a tomato and avocado eggs benny from Joe's Grill --you go with her! Knowing it would be busy inside on a weekend, we bundled up and prepared to sit on the patio. Which is great because you get seated right away on a cold morning and there are heat lamps that warm you up rather quick. Having been to Joe's a few times, I've decided that the benny's are the way to go. The poached eggs are always done well, the avocado (if you're into that!) is always the perfect amount of ripeness and the hash browns are nicely browned up! The only part that needs some flavor-saving is the hollandaise. (And I love my hollandaise). Service can be slow or forgetful, but for the most part it's decent. Coffee keeps coming pretty regularly. Oh, and if you're sitting outside, prepare to eat quickly or it will get cold :) -
Crystal’s 4-star review: They have BOILED EGGS and SOLDIERS! Yes, yes, I know I'm screaming. I hadn't had these since I was a little one. It deserves a shout! For anyone that doesn't know the term - it's a soft boiled egg with buttered toast cut into long strips for dipping into the egg. Okay - maturity meter back on. This was a fabulous place to drop in for a quick breakie bite and coffee. The windows were a bit steamy and the floor boards creaked making me feel like I stepped back into a Vancouver my grandmother would know (she worked at Woodwards, down the street, in the 1950's). I'll definitely be back for something lunchtime! -
Crystal’s 4-star review: I will only go to Deacon's Corner when James is working! He made a sandwich suggestion that's not on the menu and is so delish! Ready for it? A BLT with fried egg, cheese and avocado... oh my, oh my! I ate all of it without any hesitation! Request James and ask him for the sandwich he always makes for himself. *Had the fries this time instead of hashbrowns, they're delish too! -
Crystal’s 4-star review: A raw space with lots of light. If a coffee shop could embody a home it would be a studio space/loft with lots of light, exposed beams, some brick and lots of metal. I think a sculptor or painter would live here. The Americano I ordered went down fast and smooth. I probably should've had my own to go mug...felt a little bad for asking for a disposable...and I wish they had raw sugar (not brown sugar)... But regardless, an hour later -- I was bouncing off the walls -- Yowser! that's some strong brew-tastical beans Gene's got! -
Crystal’s 3-star review: Nom, nom, nom, nom! So many sugary, buttery, rich pastries...what should I chose? That almond butter and chocolate croissant looks like it has a day's worth of carbs--let's have one of those! Okay, so there's no denying it, it was incredible...but it's definitely not a regular treat: I had to do a double take on the bill--an Americano and the croissant came to 6.50! But with fair trade coffee, a plethora of delectable looking pastries to choose from, a deli selection full of good looking lunch bites, and a laid back neighbourhood vibe, I'd still go back. (I hestitated on the 3 stars...it was the service that lost them their fourth star. Hopefully next time the barista/clerk will speak to me instead of at me and maybe even say a thank you, or show a whisper of a smile!) -
Crystal’s 3-star review: Pretty good for having just opened this Monday! The space is warm and inviting with tables inside and out, the staff is friendly, the baked goods look good (didn't taste today), the sandwiches were huge ($8, or 1/2 for $4.50). My first choice was a Hario--individually dripped coffee using a siphon--which I have never experienced before. Unfortunately, this wasn't ready to drip today--but I'm so intrigued by it that I'll be back for certain! My second choice was a latte--delicious! There was no hint of bitterness and the temperature was smack on! I'm excited to see what other art adorns their walls. I felt somehow more cultured sitting here than at most other coffee shops around town. They say that they'll be ready to accept debit/credit soon as well as offering free wireless. But hey, like I said, pretty good for having just opened less than a week ago! -
Crystal’s 4-star review: Friendly and clean, complete with JJ Bean! I was on-the-go, and they were fast (although I was the only one in line at the time) This would be a great place to spend a rainy Vancouver afternoon, quietly pecking away at the keyboard. My only suggestion would be, if you're a strong Americano kinda yelper like me, to either ask for a double shot or request the small size. Mine had too much water for my liking but the coffee was a decent flavour! -
Crystal’s 4-star review: Years and years and years ago, this was literally a stone's throw from where I lived. But back then, I wasn't addicted to caffeine and didn't venture into coffee shops very often! But I finally got my chance to take a load off here the other day, and, yes, Tod M is right, the mango smoothie was yum! I know, you thought I was going to talk about coffee, right? Well I would be, but by the time I was rolling into the Java Hut I was 2 cups in (just past my max caffeine limit) and my hands were shaking a bit. But the mango smoothie certainly took the edge off! It was smooth, rich...actually, it was like a blended up version of mango pudding, which is one of my favourite things in the dim sum world! Looks like there's lots of snacks, light meals and of course, lots of places to sit. And is that microphones in the corner? Gotta love a place where coffee and live music jam together. Ah, just like Central Perk on Friends :-) -
Crystal’s 4-star review: I admit it, I'm a caffeine-holic. There I said it! And, I'm easily persuaded by pretty pictorial advertisements that lure you in with the promise of what your heart desires - and in this case it was a cup of joe. That's right coffee at a wine bar. In my own defense, it was 11 am and it is a attached to a hotel after all; surely they have to serve something palatable. But what I got was far more superior than what I was expecting: - rich, dark, robust, fragrant americano, served with raw sugar (and accompanied with those really tiny spoons, I love those little spoons!); fantastic atmosphere and modern decor; and the same size bill you'd get at any coffee shop -- only here, I couldn't be more delighted to leave the awesome server/barista/barman a big tip! -
Crystal’s 4-star review: This would be just an a-ok from me: my Americano tasted pretty good (I didn't need to over sweeten it), the interior is spacious, location is central when meeting old friends. There's a decent amount of tables outside, but the noise of passing cement trucks, semi-trailers and buses could easily ruin a quiet morning or a chit chat with a friend. What won this Caffe Artigiano a 4th star was my trip to their loo. Spacious, clean, and what's this? The same faucet that I have at home: an open flow faucet that you can see the water running out of from the top, adorned with a handle with the same look and feel of a turn of the century pump. You too would give it an extra star for this, trust me :-) -
Crystal’s 2-star review: How many Blenz-ers does it take to make an iced tea? The answer is an astonishing FOUR! One to add the ice, one to read the directions from a book, one to say "shake, shake, shake" and one to say "no, no 7 pumps." Yick! I can't believe I actually drank that $4.50 iced tea! It was a bitterly sour black tea with lemon syrup. I've had this very drink at other Blenz...and it's always been a good sweet/sour balance, but this was just a yick! A fresh coat of paint, new furniture, new bar, new owners, management and staff but still the same let downs as I had prior to the renovations at this Blenz. At least now, the holes in the walls are gone and they do have staff working...once there were customers in the shop and no one working. They'd left to buy a bag of ice. They only re-opened on Friday and I've already been in twice. I'm hoping it's just "newbie" coffee jitters, but I won't be actively seeking out my caffeine jolts from here anytime again soon. -
Crystal’s 3-star review: Holy moly tables! Or maybe it's just the space between the tables. Sprawled out I could easily sit here all day pecking away at my keyboard, happy to be surfing the free wifi. (Make sure to ask for the passcode at the bar, or else you'll have to walk ALL THE WAY to the back to get it once you've settled in.) Turkish coffees, 49th Parallel Beans, but today I settled on a their "specialty" Deva Chai. Pretty sweet and flavourful, but definitely more like a dessert than a midday pick me up! My only beef - ordering my drink, having it prepared, and then having to wait to pay. I know this is not their standard practice, it's pay for your drink, pick up your drink, take a seat or get moving. But I stood waiting to pay while 3 more people ordered their drinks (humming and hawing the whole way) and paid before my bill was entered. I was getting miffed by the end of my wait -- it causes the same reaction that being left by a server when your done your meal at a restaurant. Tick-tock-tick-tock is the sound of their tip getting smaller and smaller. This aside, I have a feeling though this will be on my regular route for free wi-fi downtown! -
Crystal’s 3-star review: Cheese and bread always stops me in my tracks! And this was no different. Racing home from my weekly UBC farm visit, my tires screeched as I saw something cheesy out of the corner of my eye. How I wish I had read Shain R's review. I had got my hopes up, also thinking I was discovering something special. The cheese selection was small, the condiments were many (the whole wall!) and the bread? A little too rich for my wallet. But not to despair, I still hadn't had my morning java so I opted for a small Americano and thoroughly enjoyed it's mild flavour. While waiting for my brew, I noticed a gluten and wheat free cookie that I couldn't resist trying. Not that I'm allergic, but I know there are a few yelpers who are, so I thought I'd do a taste test. Meh - it certainly looks impressive: almond on the inside, pine nuts on the outside, but the pine nut flavour overpowered and for $1.30, the 3 bite cookie just wasn't worth it. But I wouldn't mind lounging on their cute little tiled tables out front! -
Crystal’s 4-star review: Fair trade gets me everytime. So much in fact that I risked getting kicked out of a Fringe Festival performance by sneaking in my fair trade americano, in the sleeve of my shirt! But back to the coffee and the space. It's hustle and bustle at this intersection of the market, with a busker's area on one side and an entrance way on the other. But it's worth being bumped into while waiting in the usually short line up for a killer cup of joe. My americano was a little bitter, but my tastebuds may have been a little frazzled on the skor cookie I had just demolished from Suart's. The best part of the whole experience though is the fact that they don't have white sugar. They have plantation sugar in the big sugar holders usually filled with white sugar. I'm sold, just on that alone! -
Crystal’s 3-star review: Default, fall back, can't-think-of-anywhere-else-to-go-when-I-need-my-fix kind of place, I often happen upon Delany's when I'm crashing, mid afternoon. Drink and food wise, it does what it needs to do: jolts me awake with caffeine and perks me up with a day-old tasting, sugar laden snack. But why I really come is for the friendly and cool peeps who ask for my name and then say "you're welcome Crystal" when I thank them for making my coffee; the jazzy tunes; the steamed up windows in the wintertime; random business people talking about their businesses; the street side people watching tables; listening to people's conversations; and the ample bar stools at the front where I can peck away at my computer and write this review ;-)
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