prairie girl musings

Category: Coffee

9 Must-Vist Vancouver Cafés

If you’ve ever been to Vancouver, you’ll know it’s one of the most picturesque cities in the world. For a coastal city with such an active and outdoorsy reputation, many people are surprised to learn that its food scene is equally impressive. Even prior to moving here, I spent many visits exploring the diverse culinary scene and find myself regularly discovering new spots.

Today, I want to highlight the coffee spots currently on my radar. We were absolutely spoiled by New Zealand’s café culture, so I was a little worried about acclimatizing to Canadian coffee, but it’s not all Tim Hortons. There are some incredible people doing incredible things with coffee (and pastries) right here in Vancouver. These are a few spots worth checking out, but it’s by no means an exhaustive list:

Their There:
This Kitsilano spot tops many lists as a favourite café in Vancouver. Not only is the coffee excellent, the food is ridiculously good. If you’re there for breakfast, be sure to get one of their breakfast sammies (brioche bun, folded scrambled egg, hundy sauce, sprouts and bacon, sausage or a veggie option). Served with a side of tater tots and kewpie mayo. Their mochi doughnuts are unreal with the most delicious squishy texture. Their There has managed to adapt to the ever-changing restrictions and there’s usually a line out the door.

Nemesis Coffee:
I first discovered Nemesis a few years back when visiting Vancouver with my sister and two local friends. We ventured to the Gastown location for kombucha (it was later in the day and I was already quite caffeinated) but I remember eyeing up the stunning interior and cabinets filled with pimped out croissants and cruffins. I vowed to return to try the coffee (verdict: it’s superb) and a treat. Having been back several times since, you’ll understand why I was thrilled to hear of their upcoming THIRD location on Great Northern Way, not far from my apartment. You can count on me to be there sipping their pour over every other day. Oh, and it’s an awesome spot to pick up beans if you like to make coffee at home.

Marché Mon Pitou:
Relatively new on the scene, Mon Pitou is arguably Vancouver’s most beautiful café. It feels like a slice of Paris in South Granville. The flat white here is made exactly how I like it; strong but not bitter. (I like to taste my coffee, ya know?) The vibes are immaculate, the food and baked goods are perfect and the service is always friendly. If you’re looking for a nice brunch spot with great coffee, look no further.

Timbertrain:
It seems like a lot of “best of” lists forget about Timbertrain and I’m not sure why. Another favourite of mine, it is an essential Gastown spot with the BEST almond croissants and cortados in the city. Order a cortado or an iced latte to start your day

Elysian Coffee Roasters:
Elysian has multiple locations scattered throughout the downtown core, but my local is on the leafy intersection of 7th and Ontario in Mount Pleasant. I first visited this spot with my sister and her partner after they claimed it to have the best filter coffee in Vancouver. I usually order a filter and a croissant when I visit and can’t wait for the day that I can once again sit in and people watch.

Matchstick Coffee Roasters:
Again, Matchstick has a few locations throughout Vancouver, but I frequent the Fraser Street one because it’s only a short walk from my house. Nick and I both really enjoy Matchstick beans and it’s typically our go-to whenever we realize our supply is low. Their pain au chocolat has to be the best I’ve had so far in Vancouver and their chocolate chip cookie is equally divine. The best part is that when you buy espresso beans, your coffee is discounted, so you can be doubly caffeinated.

Liberty Coffee:
You’ll notice that most of the cafés I’ve recommended excel in the pastry department in addition to the caffeine department and Liberty is no exception. Located on Main Street, this spot is always teeming with regulars ordering warm beverages and fresh baked goods. Their cardamon buns are well worth a try and the interior reminds me of the cafés I visited in Stockholm and Copenhagen.

Small Victory:
Whenever I walk past Small Victory in Yaletown, I can’t resist stopping in. Here you’ll find some of the best pastries in the city plus an all-day menu and thoughtfully prepared coffee in an open loft-like space.

Revolver:
No Vancouver coffee crawl is complete without a visit to Revolver. It was the first Vancouver coffee shop on my radar because it’s Australian-owned and has been for as long as I can remember (well, 2011). Its name refers to the revolving selection of roasters including Bows & Arrows, Proud Mary and Luna. It’s a go-to of mine for stocking up on espresso for this very reason, but I haven’t ordered a coffee from him for awhile, but they do have an alleyway set-up currently, so you can easily grab and go.

What are your favourite coffee shops in Vancouver? I’d love to know which ones I need to visit.

April 4, 2021
A Prairie Girl’s Guide To Prahran

There’s never enough time to visit all the eateries and bars on my Melbourne itinerary. So rather than finding yourself overwhelmed trying to shuffle between suburbs and constantly catching the tram, we recommend optimising your time by sticking to one area. The constantly evolving foodie precinct of Prahran is the perfect destination to settle in for your long weekend. Check into The Cullen, one of the Art Series hotels in the heart of vibrant Chapel Street for your weekend of eating and drinking. The Cullen has not one but two restaurants, Gramercy Social and HuTong Dumpling Bar.

Across from The Cullen, Prahran Market is where you should start your foodie adventures. Grab breakfast at cheese toastie shop, Maker & Monger. The open-face Reuben is a crowd favourite, served with a healthy helping of sauerkraut. Follow up with a strong flat white or filter coffee at Market Lane before continuing your day in this bustling precinct.

If you’re after a sit-down meal, I highly recommend stopping by Journeyman on Chapel Street where the coffee is superb and the meals are filling. Alternatively, I can’t pass up the smashed pumpkin at Tall Timber. It’s the perfect autumnal brunch in a sparsely decorated, minimalist space that’s had locals flocking since it opened. Otherwise, head to the memorable and beautifully designed Top Paddock for that ricotta hotcake. You know, the one that practically broke Instagram? The craze was kickstarted by Melbourne cafés and you know you shouldn’t leave without trying at least one. If you’re after a twist on the smashed avo, head to Hobba for a variation that includes pomegranate, a softly poached egg and plenty of feta. Their cabinet food is also noteworthy, they’ve got bacon tarts, croissants and baked goods galore. Abacus is another local favourite that does inventive brunch in a spacious Chapel Street café. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, pop into Chez Mademoiselle on Greville Street (a pedestrianised street worth meandering along a least a few times during your stay) for macarons and coffee.

For lunch, there are plenty of worthwhile Prahran eateries you’ll want to visit. Mr. Miyagi makes a salmon nori taco that’s as good as it sounds – both fresh and crunchy. Their schnitty bao, chicken schnitzel with sriracha mayo, is equally delicious. If you love Chin Chin, you’ll want to get in the queue for Hawker Hall. Or cross the bridge to Richmond for Aperol Spritz and funghi pizza at Baby Pizza. Perch up at the bar and watch as the chefs elaborately prepare dish after dish.

For dinner plans that will surely turn into late night drinks, Borsch, Vodka & Tears is unbeatable. The modern Polish vodka bar is loved among locals. Order the Ukrainain borscht (yes, the spelling varies depending on which Eastern European country you’re in), the mushroom and sauerkraut pierogis (are we sensing a theme here?) and the cabbage rolls, which look a lot more like rice paper rolls than any cabbage rolls I’ve ever made. Regardless, they go down a treat when paired with any of the vodka tasting trays you’ll undoubtedly order. Borsch has approximately ten pages of vodkas, so do like the Polish do, and get drinking. Na, zdrowie. If you still haven’t had enough vodka, try the negronski. It’s a vodka version of the classic gin, Campari and vermouth cocktail – and my personal favourite.

Afterwards, meander down to Lover – a newly opened cocktail bar in a gloriously intimate setting. The bar is understatedly cool, and the limited seating makes it the ideal date night spot or place to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in awhile.

For a bowl of ramen that will transport to you the inner streets of Fukuoka, Ramblr is equal parts beautiful and delicious. Yet another minimalist’s dream, follow them on Instagram for the ultimate food porn. If it’s Mexican you’re dreaming of, Fonda Mexican has the freshest carnitas in town and a rooftop bar perfect for people watching. Or, if you’re needing a juice cleanse after all these eats, grab a cold pressed juice from Greene Street Juice Co. The immunity shots will nip any ailments in the bud.

While I suggest sticking to one or two areas, I can’t help sneaking in a few additional favourites in case you decide to venture to the CBD (and you should if it’s your first time in Melbourne). For doughnut lovers, Shortstop is a must-visit spot. Hidden down Lt. Collins laneway, the doughnut and coffee shop’s menu is always changing, and you’ll get serious Brick Lane vibes. For Laotian noodles, venture to Noodle House. Otherwise, grab burgers at Burger Project.

With a food scene that’s showing no sign of slowing, Prahran has once again established itself as a must-visit Melbourne suburb. Regardless of what you’re craving, you’re sure to find a dozen eateries that take your fancy.

I usually create a moodboard on Instagram for all the places I plan to visit. Instagram’s also a great place to get inspired. If you’d like to see more of my Melbourne food recommendations, follow #pgminmelbourne on Instagram for all my go-to, ‘grammable spots. Or, if you want to read my original Melbourne city guide, you can check it out here.

June 4, 2018
10 Christchurch Cafés Worth Checking Out

I’m all about a quality café. Having worked remotely for much of my career, I’m constantly on the hunt for cafés that fit the following criteria:

The coffee needs to be good.
There needs to be a decent food offering.
They need to be okay with me staying a while (and likely taking a photo or two…)
If there’s wifi, even better.

Not so hard, is it? Fortunately, Christchurch has had an influx of new cafés as of late. There are cafés to suit all aesthetics, whether you like something cosy and intimate or spacious and light-filled, I’ve got your back. Read on and I’ll cover my top 10 cafés worth visiting.

Miro
176 Oxford Terrace, The Midland Building
I won’t go into too much detail about Miro because you can read my first impressions here. Let’s just say it fits all the above criteria and it’s in a prime location in the beautiful Midland Building.

Photo by Nancy Zhou

Photo by Sophie Isabella

The Origin
95 Westminster Street, St. Albans
If you’re after a space that’s a bit more open and light-filled, head to The Origin in St. Albans. This mostly plant-based, vegetarian café has free wifi (score) and excellent coffee. The space itself is stunning, mostly white with lots of plants and the comfiest chairs.

West End Stories
93 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central
Another beautiful café in the central city, West End Stories has a delicious menu and free wifi to boot. In particular, I’m in love with their pumpkin fritters and poached eggs.

Uncommon
262 Tuam St, Christchurch Central
Uncommon Café on Tuam Street has one of the best menus in the city. Their coffee is C4 and their dishes are always changing. I’m a fan of their hotcakes, which are big enough to feed two, but I usually devour on my own. I also like how close it is to our flat — super convenient for Sunday morning brekkie.

The Anchorage
4 Walker Street, Christchurch Central
Another spot for free wifi and quality brews, The Anchorage is a roastery, café and communal workspace. The coffee menu is the key focus here and it’s ever-changing. They also have simple menu made up of local suppliers, Cakes by Anna, Bellbird and Grizzly Bagel.

Grain
19 Southwark Street, Christchurch Central
Again, I’ve written about Grain in the past, but it’s one of my favourite cafés for many reasons including its expertly poured Allpress coffee, its minimalist interior and healthy menu. The grain bowls are my lunchtime go-to and I highly recommend trying their warm vegan bowl.

Mediterranean Food Company
322 Tuam Street, Christchurch Central
Part grocery store, part café, part restaurant, Mediterranean Food Co. may not exactly quality as a café, but they do serve coffee and the best Mediterranean food in the city. The pizzas are divine, Aperol Spritzes (which originate in Italy) are impeccable and you can have a cappuccino or gelato to top it all off. Oh, and they have instagrammable marble tables, perfect to fit that Instagram aesthetic you’re after.

Ten27
1027 Ferry Road, Ferrymead
Located a bit further afield is Ten27, another spacious café with an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. I haven’t tried very much off their menu, but loved the honeycomb pancakes pictured below. They were absolutely divine. Oh, and there’s free wifi.

Coffee Embassy
107 Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch Central
Previously Lumes, Coffee Embassy is my local. It’s only about three blocks from my flat and I love sitting outside while sipping my morning coffee. The café and roastery has a surprisingly delicious menu as well, not relying solely on excellent brews. I recommend the avocado toast.

Park Ranger
114 Riccarton Rd, Riccarton, Christchurch
Last but certainly not least, Park Ranger is my favourite café in Riccarton. It’s constantly teeming on the weekends, filled with locals and those leaving the Christchurch Farmers Market in need of an extra hit of coffee. The açai bowl is a refreshing option or try the Goodness Bowl, filled with all those healthy greens and balanced with halloumi and a poached egg for good measure.

Are you a frequent café-goer, too? If so, let me know your favourite spots in the comments below.

May 29, 2018
Let’s Meet At Welles Street!

If there’s one type of cuisine I haven’t seen enough of in Christchurch, it’s Greek. Fortunately, Welles Street (located on 44 Welles Street in Central Christchurch), is serving up a modern take on Greek eats. More than just souvlaki, the carefully considered menu incorporates a range of mouthwatering items: everything from rotisserie chicken to baklava soft serve. During the day, Welles Street will be pouring Flight Coffee from a coffee bar at the front of the property. At night, you’ll find a wide range of beer, wine and cocktails as well as margaritas on tap. Need I say more?

The spacious yet sleek beer hall is characterised by high ceilings, forest green subway tile counters and plenty of seating. There are some excellent neon signs and the bathrooms are well worth a visit. Trust me. You’ll receive a text when your order’s ready, which allows you to catch up with friends instead of hovering around the till (genius!)

Striking the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor flow, the bar and eatery is sure to become Christchurch’s favourite summer spot. It’s an industrial warehouse in the middle of Christchurch city, and you’ll need to experience it for yourself.

All photos by Nancy Zhou.

September 6, 2017
New Opening: Little High Eatery

In a city that’s slowly rebuilding, Little High Eatery came out of the blue. Tucked behind the Mackenzie & Willis building on Tuam Street, across from C1 Espresso, lives a brand new food court. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill suburban shopping mall food court, it’s an exercise in excellent urban planning. Little High makes excellent use of a relatively small space; it’s home to eight quality eateries including Bacon Brothers, Base Pizza, A Mouse Called Bean, Eightgrains (deliciously, made-to-order dumplings), Sushi Soldiers, El Fogon, Thai Street Kitchen, and my personal fave, Caribe (Latin American food and margaritas the size of my head!)

The new eatery is quickly becoming a local institution (I’ve been there three times in five days!) and proves to be the perfect destination for indecisive eaters and foodies alike. The atmosphere at Little High is lively throughout the day, with coffee and breakfast burgers being served from 7am. If you’re searching for a lunch spot or after work drinks, this is it.

May 27, 2017
New Opening: Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters

Working in Christchurch’s CBD, I’ve kept a close watch on all the cafés and restaurant openings over the past six months. And it seems there’s a new spot open every other week. As a frequent café-goer, I’ve relished in all these new dining opportunities. Oddly enough, I didn’t notice the new roastery on St. Asaph Street until a couple days before it opened. Only a block from our new Plato Creative offices on Manchester Street, Unknown Chapter is conveniently situated for a work session or client breakfast.

The interior is reminiscent of Australian cafés, crisp minimalism with fauna and greenery gracing the ceiling. All the white space is a refreshing change in Christchurch, where cafés tend to be slightly crowded and occasionally claustrophobic. There’s ample seating and plenty of windows. With the sun pouring in, it’s a gorgeous place to begin your day. It also makes my ever-growing list of New Zealand’s most Instagrammable cafés.

The menu is somewhat limited on opening morning. I opt for an omelette with prosciutto and goat’s cheese, Alice decides on the classic granola and Nancy opts for eggs on toast. I’d love to see a few more inventive dishes, but my omelette is nevertheless satisfying. The team is still working out some kinks, but it’s clear they care deeply about what they do. When our breakfasts were delayed coming out of the kitchen, we’re promptly offered free coffees served with apologetic smiles.

Finding delicious coffee isn’t difficult in Christchurch, yet I’m impressed to see flawless latté art at Unknown Chapter. Whether you’re looking for a new environment for study or a wholesome breakfast before work, Unknown Chapter is an excellent addition to the Christchurch café scene.

November 5, 2016
A Day at the Market

Lyttelton is a port side town at the north-western end of Banks Peninsula. Only 15 minutes (by car) from Christchurch, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip. Every Saturday, the historic town plays host to a farmers market attracting various local vendors, musicians and entertainers. Offering resplendent views of the Lyttelton Harbour, London Street is also dotted with quaint storefronts and gorgeous cafés.

After settling in for a warm beverage at Lyttelton Coffee Co., my friend Lieselot and I leisurely strolled through the market and nearby shops, sampling breads, cheeses, and olives. The non-profit market is run entirely by hardworking volunteers and the market focuses on community and local trading.

Photos are by Lieselot. Liese is a talented blogger, photographer and filmmaker. If you haven’t discovered her blog, The World is a Circus, make sure you take a look!

July 24, 2016
Auckland City Guide

I’ve talked about my time in Auckland on this blog before, but have failed to recap my most recent trip to the South Pacific. After starting our big boy and girl jobs in Toronto, Nick and I didn’t have the chance to return to NZ until March this year. Our three-week trip (which included stops in San Francisco, Auckland, Wellington, Waihi Beach, Sydney, and Los Angeles) was a whirlwind, to say the least. With several friends and family to see, and work to complete, the trip seemed to fly by. In the end, we only spent one full week in Auckland. Our friends, Annie and Andrew put us up, and they were the absolute best hosts!

Auckland remains one of my favourite cities, which is why I’ve decided to put together a list of some of my must-visit spots. This list features places I frequented both as a student and new places I discovered this time around!

Please note that public transport in Auckland isn’t the most reliable way to get around. If you’re covering a lot of ground over a few days, it’s best to rent a car.

Cafés and Eateries
Unlike North America, New Zealand has managed to achieve the perfect balance of café and restaurant. All restaurants are fitted with espresso machines, and all employees seem to know how to pull a decent shot. Similarly, all cafés also serve delicious, healthy eats rather than just cookies or pastries. These are some of my favourites:

The Return of Rad – Mount Eden
Rad is really the best way to describe this coffee shop. The baristas are passionate about coffee, and the food on offer is equally delicious.

Dizengoff – Ponsonby Road
Straight off the plane, Annie took us to local favourite, Dizengoff. I had a bite of her creamy mushrooms, and they were out of this world. The flat whites are worth writing home about as well.

Moustache Milk and Cookie Bar – Wellesley Street West
Dangerously close to the University of Auckland campus, Moustache is the best place for an afternoon treat. With freshly baked cookies and homemade milkshakes in a variety of flavours, you’ll find it hard to stay away.

Best Ugly Bagels – City Centre
I wish Best Ugly had been around during my university days. The Montreal-style bagels reminded me of home, and were hand-rolled and baked by wood fire right before my eyes. There’s an assortment of toppings to choose from, and coffee is from Havana in Wellington.

Craven ‘A’ – Symonds Street (University of Auckland campus)
A staple for the hungry student, the coffee and breakfast at Craven ‘A’ are always on point.

Charlie and George – Mount Wellington
When meeting my uni friend, Ashley for lunch, we were both craving something healthy and wholesome. Fortunately, Charlie and George truly excels in this department. I was a big fan of their Green Goddess smoothie that’s filled with spinach, mint and kiwi fruit, apple, banana, honey, and spirulina. All the good stuff!

Shaky Isles – Britomart, Kingsland, and Auckland Airport
The food here is remarkable, especially their hearty breakfast options, but their space on Customs Street East is really what drew me in. I love the high ceilings and brick walls. Also, the branding is particularly on point. I could spend hours here writing an essay or catching up with friends.

Restaurants and Bars
We didn’t eat out for dinner too much on this trip as we were fortunate to spend our evenings with close friends. For an updated list of must-visit restaurants and bars, check out Gather and Hunt.

Sightseeing
It feels like Auckland is completely surrounded by water. Wherever you are, you are never more than 20 minutes from the ocean. Having lived in land-locked cities for most of my life, this feature was all-the-more appealing to me. It’s also worth mentioning that Auckland’s beaches are beautiful, the water isn’t too cold (even in early autumn when we were there). You won’t regret packing your togs (which is Kiwi for swimsuit) and spending a few hours at any of the many beaches. That being said, here are some more ‘urban’ must-sees:

Auckland Art Gallery
This gallery was one of my favourite places to spend an afternoon after classes. The architecture is breathtaking and there are always a lot of exhibitions on offer. I personally enjoyed when they featured Dalí and Dégas.

Auckland Art Gallery

Auckland War Memorial Museum – Auckland Domain
One of New Zealand’s most important museums with collections that focus on Auckland’s history. Constructed in the neo-classicist style, the museum is one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings in the Domain, a public park close to the CBD.

The University of Auckland campus
I may be biased, but I think my alma mater is one of the most stunning university campuses. The combination of lush greenery and interesting architecture make it a must-see Auckland destination. During my visit, I spent a few hours working from the campus library and the rest of the day sitting in Albert Park, which overlooks the university clock tower.

Shopping
New Zealand fashion is always innovative and fresh. While I love the simple elegance of Parisians and the wacky, cutting-edge looks donned by Londoners, nothing compares to my love of Kiwi designers. Perhaps being so far removed from Europe and North America has positively influenced the way New Zealanders dress. The beach and surf culture certainly influence New Zealand fashion, but not to the extent they do in Australia. Aucklanders tend to wear a lot of black in the winter, but it’s never boring. The following are must-visit shops in Auckland.

Moochi – multiple locations
I always passed by High Street while walking from campus to the bus, and almost always popped my head into Moochi. The designs here are simple and no-nonsense, easy to wear from daytime to night. The transeasonal pieces can be worn by students and professionals alike, and are made from high quality materials and fabrics.

Twenty-Seven Names – multiple locations
Twenty-Seven Names is out of my budget, but I love perusing the racks, and dreaming of adding a piece or two of the whimsical yet professional items to my wardrobe one day.

Ruby – multiple locations
I was most enamoured by Ruby when I first moved to Auckland. Quirky and whimsical, I obsessed over the bright prints and interesting colour palettes that appeared in their shop window, season after season. While my style has become a lot more practical and basic post-university, I still feel giddy when stepping into my pieces from Ruby.

Made – Customs Street East
Made is a treasure trove for those who love fashion and design. The store itself retains much of the original detailing of the old warehouse space. Raw brick walls and distressed woodwork are offset with lush cut-glass chandeliers and vintage furniture: the perfect backdrop for MADE’s eclectic, ever-changing line-up of beautiful, colourful and offbeat pieces.

Neuw Storeroom – Customs Street East
Located right beside Made, is Neuw Storeroom, the best place for all your denim needs!

The Department Store – Takapuna
Located on Auckland’s North Shore, the Department Store is a one-stop shop. Want to purchase racks filled with New Zealand’s top designers, and then settle in for a hair appointment or facial? This is the place to do it. Three storeys-high, you’ll encounter a coffee bar, Coffee General surrounded by lush botanicals by Annie O on the ground floor. This floor is also filled with classic Kiwi favourites. Climb the winding staircase to the second floor where you’ll want to stop in to Lucy and the Powder Room for a manicure, facial, or eyelash extensions. Finally, the third floor is chock-full with Stephen Marr, my favourite place to get a haircut, Topshop (it was the UK brand’s first foray into the New Zealand market before opening their Queen Street flagship) and covetable designers. For more details on specific retailers, click here.

Auckland has so much to offer, and this guide only scratches the surface. Please let me know your favourite spots in the comments sections, and I’ll be sure to make additions in my next guide.

Stay tuned for my mini Wellington and Sydney guides next!

May 14, 2015
Toronto Coffee Shop Guide

“What?! You’re writing a blog post about your favourite coffee shops? That’s so unlike you…I thought you loved tea,” my friend Jake sarcastically quipped.

Hardy har har. If you know me at all, you know I love caffeine.

My barista/coffee shop owner cousin convinced me to boycott Starbucks when I was 15 (not that I was a serious coffee drinker back then). But my obsession has certainly been fuelled living in Toronto as there are so many great independent coffee shops here. These are some of my favourites (arranged by neighbourhood).

Queen West/Entertainment District/Chinatown
This is where I live, and while the location is prime for getting anywhere easily and efficiently, there’s a dearth of local gems (in comparison to our Western and Eastern counterparts).

Sense Appeal

Little Nicky’s: Come for the coffee, stay for the mini donuts. They are unbelievable.

Dark Horse Spadina: Arguably one of the most aesthetically-pleasing cafés in Toronto.

Sense Appeal Coffee Roasters: I’ve yet to try their Turkish latte, but I’ve heard it’s dreamy.

Early Bird Espresso Bar: The best latte art I’ve seen in Toronto and they cater to the laptop carting crew. As a remote employee, I appreciate their hospitality and their stash of Mast Brothers chocolate.

Kensington Market/College & Harbord Street
Fika: An excellent Swedish café and restaurant. They serve great open-faced sandwiches and delicious brunch on the weekends. Also, I constantly rave about their iced coffee with cardamon and fresh mint.

Voodoo Child: One of my absolute favourite Toronto coffee shops. A great place to settle in and do some work or meet up with a friend. The coffee is top notch (one of their baristas, Bruce Ly was named the 2nd best latte artist in Canada, 8th in the world!) and the service is super personable.

Café Pamenar: This spot is always busy and rightly so. The wifi signal and coffee is strong, and like many Toronto coffee shops, Pamenar transforms into a watering hole during the after hours.

Sam James Coffee Bar: There’s not much that can be written about Sam James that hasn’t already been said. He’s a coffee god in Toronto and has opened four cafés downtown. I finally ventured to the original Sam James location on Harbord this past weekend, and oh mon dieu! C’est superbe! It’s worth the trek, which isn’t really even a trek for me because I live like 25 minutes away (by foot). Do yourself a favour, and go on Thursday or the weekend and treat yourself to a Springfield donut. Not only do they feature rainbow sprinkles, they are baked fresh at local Beast restaurant. They pair perfectly with a cappuccino, which in my opinion are the best in the city.

West Queen West/Ossington/Parkdale
RSquared: I come here to write every now and then. The baristas are really approachable and they have healthy lunch options, which is always great for those who plan to spend a couple hours here working.

Sud Forno: While the coffee is simple, Italian-style (less elaborate than I’m used to) the fresh pizza and baked goods are worth writing home about at this Terroni-owned café.

Nadège Patisserie: Just go, you can thank me later.

Sam James Oz: The newest location is the one I frequent the most, right on the corner of Queen and Ossington.

Crafted Coffee: By the same folks who run Te Aro in the East End. These places always remind me of New Zealand (Land of the Long White Cloud and the impeccable flat white).

Capital Espresso: Parkdale’s favourite coffee shop, I’ve yet to go!

Dundas West/Little Portugal
Ella’s Uncle: cash only, this neighbourhood gem is a favourite among those waiting to grab a bite at nearby Saving Grace. Their baked goods are also hard to resist! I also love the name.

I’ve heard good things about Tampered Press, but haven’t ventured in yet. It’s on my list.

College West/Little Italy
Empire Espresso: the vibrant colours here help me forget Toronto’s plummeting temperatures.

The Brockton Haunt: A great space with the best light and best s’mookies (s’more cookies, what?!)

Bloor West/High Park/The Junction
Northwood: Close to Christie Station, Northwood is spacious and serves amazing coffee and booze.

The Good Neighbour: Gorgeous local spot in an area without a lot of coffee shops.

Propeller Coffee Co.

Café Novo: Right by High Park station this is another great spot for writing or working.

Propeller Coffee: Lots of space for you to spread out and stay awhile. The coffee is, as expected, delicious. What more can I say?

Wallace Espresso: Another favourite in the Junction Triangle, it’s more of a grab-and-go option

Kaffebar: A new Norwegian-style café with goodies baked in house.

Full Stop: Plenty of space and lots of healthy meal options, so settle in.

Financial District
This area isn’t a ‘coffee destination’ per say, but there a few cafés worth checking out!

Dineen: Situated in the most beautiful historic building, the tile floors at Dineen are likely the most instagrammed in Toronto. The patio is where you need to be in the summertime.
Fahrenheit: I used to go here all the time when I was interning at St. Joseph Media, but unfortunately haven’t really been back since. All the baristas make an effort to learn your name and always ask you how your day is going. It’s quite refreshing, actually.

Rooster Coffee

Corktown
Tandem Coffee: New kid on the block, Tandem is doing everything right. Their cat cookies are the cutest and the owners are so sweet and kind.

Rooster Coffee: The original location on Broadview Avenue is favoured by many, this is a good option if you don’t feel like venturing as far east, but still crave amazing coffee.

Distillery District
Balzac’s: In all honesty, I’m not the biggest fan of Balzac’s coffee, I find it a little too bitter for my liking. But I can’t help but stop by this coffee shop whenever I’m in the Distillery District as the interior is STUNNING.

Leslieville

Bobbette & Belle

Mercury Espresso Bar: No-nonsense, good coffee and yummy sandwiches (and I selfishly appreciate the lack of strollers as compared to nearby Te Aro)

Te Aro: Great, but even better in the summer when the front patio is open. I try to stop in every time I have a meeting in Leslieville.

Bobbette & Belle: More of a patisserie, Bobbette & Belle specializes in delicious macarons, cookies, and bars. They have Sloane Tea on offer as well, which is simply delightful!

Rooster Coffee House: technically not Leslieville, but close enough. I’m in love with this café, which overlooks the city and offers an amazing view of the skyline.

Rosedale/Summerhill
Boxcar Social: Another excellently titled coffee shop. It’s worth venturing north for this stunning two-level café-cum-bar. Take my word for it.

White Squirrel: Trinity Bellwoods’ own White Squirrel has expanded north to Rosedale, and teamed up with Freshii. This location caters to the more corporate crowd, but seems to be doing really well.

Well, those are my favourites. The next time someone asks me which Toronto cafés are my favourite, I’ll refer them to this post. Please let me know in the comments below if you’d like me to do a food and restaurant guide!

December 11, 2014
The Big Easy in 7 Ways

Post-Katrina, a brand new New Orleans has surfaced. The city’s resurgence has proven to both locals and tourists that it’s unstoppable and relentless; a city full of lovers.

My parents spent their honeymoon in New Orleans just over thirty years ago. They’ve always spoken of its incredible music scene and unique architecture. My dad is a musician, primarily a trumpet player, and I can now understand why he resonated with the music this city produces. It is innovative and fresh, and makes you re-think all those repetitive pop songs that typically clutter North American radio stations.

I had the opportunity to visit Nola last week for the National Automobile Dealers Association convention. I was shown a wonderful time with impeccable Southern hospitality to boot!

Here are seven things I loved about my visit to the Big Easy:

1. The architecture is impossible to describe, but if I were to choose a few words, I’d call it new-age French. It’s reminiscent of Parisian streets, but with brightly-coloured houses scattered throughout the diverse neighbourhoods. You’ll feel as though you’re in Europe and Havana at the same time. How amazing is that?

2. THE FOOD. I could literally write an ENTIRE POST about the food here. To me, New Orleans is the ultimate city of indulgence. It’s a classier and better tasting version of Las Vegas, with such a rich culture and history. Vegas is known to many as Sin City, but if I had to choose, I’d rather sin in New Orleans where the buffets and casinos are limited and the drinks are flowing. Nola’s culinary scene is founded in tradition; jambalaya, po’ boys, shrimp gumbo, beignets, and KING CAKES (oh my!). I had my fair share of calorie-packed meals, but my favourite restaurants were:

a) Cochon (anyone who’s ever visited Nola will tell you to go here!)

b) Cochon Butcher (it’s an outpost of Cochon, with takeaway sandwiches, mac and cheese, and local beers) – I actually ate here twice as it was RIGHT across from the convention centre.

c) Café du Monde. Everyone will tell you to go here. Listen to them, forget about your diet, it’s winter! Have a café au lait with chicory and three beignets covered in icing sugar.

d) Merchant – order a latté and a crêpe, and stay for the ambience and Italian decor.

3. The music scene is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. We had the opportunity to listen to many talented musicians at the convention and the various parties we attended, but perhaps the best music was heard right on the street.

Watch this video of Yes Ma’am!

4. This city knows how to party. Pubcrawls are mandatory since drinking on the streets is legal and encouraged. The streets are filled with locals and tourists throughout the year, and a balcony is the perfect spot to watch the world go by with a daiquri or mojito in hand. The city amps it up during Mardi Gras, but if you’re from anywhere else, it feels like Mardi Gras year-round. Spend one night partying on Bourbon Street, sampling all the cocktails you can stomach.

Ask the bartender to make their best or favourite drink – it won’t disappoint!
The drinks are strong, and come in various sizes of to-go cups.

If you’ve had a long day, don’t despair. Every bartender in Nola is an expert mixologist. They take alcohol very seriously! Tell them your favourite flavours and what kind of booze you like, they’ll make you something like this:

5. An unbeatable tourism industry. Stephanie and I managed to get stranded in New Orleans for two and a half extra days. This meant we had time to hop on a bus tour that began with the guide talking about the drive-thru Daiquiri stops in the city. We visited the city cemeteries that are built on top of the ground instead of underneath. We were also shown low-income neighbourhoods where the damage from Hurricane Katrina (2008) still hasn’t been fixed. The tour depicted a side of the city that many tourists don’t see.

Despite their hardships, the residents of Nola exhibit a spirit unlike any other population. Several rundown houses had been given new paint jobs with other, more expensive repairs taking place. Our guide described to us a thoughtful group of kids who helped fix up a desolate old house, unexpectedly painting it the favourite colour of its inhabitant.

6. NADA. We’ve been going to the conventions put on by National Automobile Dealers Association for as long as I can remember. They are held yearly in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Francisco. While I remember the last convention I attended in Orlando, I admittedly wasn’t as engaged as I could have been. I took a lot away from the convention this year, especially in terms of internet marketing, which I found extremely relevant to my career. I also enjoyed the lifestyle centre where we relaxed, got our hair, makeup, and nails done, and watched a Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show. The keynote speakers were the highlight of the weekend. Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton spoke as did Steve Forbes and J.R. Martinez. I was especially impressed with Hillary.

7. The NADA after parties were incredible. They always put on a great show, with music, food, and entertainment. I was especially impressed with the Dealer Tracks party, which was hosted at the World War II Museum.

February 1, 2014