Indie Coffee Shop Hoppin'- Capital Espresso - (Parkdale)

Capital Espresso 

1348 Queen Street West

http://www.blogto.com/cafes/capital-espresso-toronto

Parkdale! Who doesn't like Parkdale?! Alright, many Torontonians don't like Parkdale, but it's not that terrible... at least during the day. For those who aren't from Toronto, let me explain. Parkdale is kind of the ugly brother of the Queen Street neighbourhoods. Now, I've been trying to find the proper names of all the neighbourhoods along Queen Street (which stretches from Roncesvalles to The Beaches). However, if you were to go from about Yonge Street to Corktown, you'll see that Parkdale has an even uglier twin sister. Anyway, Parkdale has this reputation for not being the nicest part of Toronto. But, it does have a lot of character. The personalities you'll meet down there are pretty awesome. There are lots of little coffee shops, fabric stores, unique places to eat, etc. Lots of artist types and immigrants live down there. Rent is cheaper, but the area isn't the most up and coming. 

Alright, now onto the topic at hand, Capital Espresso. I wasn't sure what to think of this place when I walked inside. Menu was standard. People stared as you walked in... it was interesting. I did notice that there was a girl whipping up fresh batches of muffins, so this made me pretty excited! I guess they bake their own baked goods on site! Nice! I ordered a coffee and chocolate muffin, which also happened to be a banana muffin. It was fresh and fluffy. Just perfect. The coffee was alright, nothing to write home about.

I enjoyed watching the unique people walk in and out of the shop. I wouldn't say it's the most comfortable place to come and do work in. It felt more like a place that you get your coffee, read your morning paper and then go about your day. Not a "study" friendly place. However, maybe I'm wrong. To each his own!

Anyway, it was a nice place, though I don't think I would visit it again. Maybe? Maybe if I found myself in the Parkdale area and in need of a muffin? 

3.5/5 Smiles [the half smile is for the fact that they bake their own muffins!]

Good For: Some studying, reading the paper, people watching

Indie Coffee Shop Hoppin - Red Rocket Coffee (Leslieville)

Red Rocket Coffee [Leslieville]

1402 Queen Street E 

http://www.redrocketcoffee.com/

This place is INTENSE! Or at least... that's how I remember it! 

This is the original Red Rocket Coffee location located in Leslieville on Queen Street East. Really awesome atmosphere in this place. They were playing The New Pornographers! You know a place is good when... 

Now, I had no idea what to order, so I asked for their suggestion. Bad choice (or good?).

The barista recommended their "Red Rocket", which is a double espresso with a dark roast coffee and some chocolate syrup. Now, when he was first explaining this to me, I wasn't really paying attention. I really should have been. I was HIGH off that drink from 2pm to 10pm. I worked that evening, and even my co-workers were asking me if I was "alright". Apparently I was very very happy to be there... 

I also had a lovely cheese scone. It was delicious!!! 

I absolutely loved this place. People working there were great, customers were pretty cool (some Canadian actors came in and seemed to be regulars!), and the feeling in the room was just very relaxed. 

I'd totally recommend Red Rocket in Leslieville for studying, meeting with friends, and enjoying a very strong cup of Joe! Also, I think it would be cute for dates :) 

5/5 Smiles! 

- Monica

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #5. [Manic Coffee]

Indie Coffee Shop #5 : Manic Coffee

http://maniccoffee.com/

Neighbourhood: Little Italy (College and Bathurst)

Drink Ordered: Cafe Mocha

[Isn't that adorable!?!?!?]

They make their mocha with their very own chocolate syrup! It's delicious! This mocha rivals Moonbean, and is definitely a must have! It wasn't to bitter, or strong or sweet, it was just right! I loved it :) Plus, they made the best latte art I've seen in a while! 

Fun Bonus: You can buy their cute cups and saucers, complete with their squirrel logo! 

Size: Pretty decent. However, you need to get their early to get a good seat! You might even be lucky and get a spot as someone is leaving! It's a popular place, and people love to sit there for a while reading and writing on their lap tops. You might have to share some table space! But other than that, it has room for all!

Menu: Great selection of drink choices. It's nice and visible, plus there are a bunch of treats to choose from as well! I hear that clover drip coffee is good! I would highly recommend the mocha though!!

Atmosphere: Very student and artist oriented. This place has a great "indie" vibe. Obviously, that all depends on your definition of indie. It's a great meeting place for those who want to discuss life, art and love. It's perfect for just sitting down and reading your favourite book, or perhaps even your text book. The people who work there are super nice and helpful. There's a great energy in this place, no wonder it's hard to find a place to sit!

Overall, Manic Coffee is definitely one of my go-to places! It's unfortunate that it's always so busy when I go in! I recommend waiting around for a seat, or getting there early enough that you can claim your spot. If you're a student or artist, you'll fit right in! And even if you aren't, you'll fit in anyway. :)

Date Potencial: 9/10 Hearts. If you can find a nice intimate spot in the cafe than it's perfect! However, you might have terrible finding the perfect place unless you plan it correctly. It's for sure a great place to grab a coffee and chat about all sorts of things. The atmosphere in the place really brings out interesting topics! 

Great For: Students, Artists, people looking for a great cup of coffee and a place to chill! 

Manic Coffee gets 5/5 Smiles from me!

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #4. [Cafe Novo]

Indie Coffee Shop #4 : Cafe Novo
Website: http://cafenovo.ca/

Neighbourhood: High Park 

Drink Ordered: Latte au Miel (Honey Latte)


What is it? It's espresso mixed with honey to sweetened up the latte. If you order this, make sure to give it a good stir! All the honey is at the bottom, you don't want to miss out on the sweetness! BTW, the large is HUGE! 

Fun Bonus: Mint water & Free Wi-Fi! 

Size: Long, and pretty. There's some "people watching" seats near the front window, some two person seats, a large communal seating area and a few "couch" type seats. Seats aren't the most comfortable, but it suits what you need and the atmosphere of the place! There is a patio outside, but it was too chilly for me to sit there! I'm sure it's a lovely place to sit on a date in the summertime. Take a stroll through High Park and grab a drink at Cafe Novo, sounds about right! 

Menu: All your standard coffee favourites. I had the Honey Latte, but there were the standard cafe lattes, etc! Apparently their baked goods are made on site (scones, brownies, muffins,etc), so perhaps I'll try some next time I visit! They take pride in the fact that they are a "locally engaged organic & fair trade cafe", and you can for sure tell when you walk inside! Their drinks are very reasonable, and their large is HUGE! My Latte au Miel was big, and only comes to $4.40 (plus tax). I think that's a steal for sure! Check out the pricing here. Also, I should note that their espresso is a sweeter than other espresso beans found at other coffee shops. To read more about their drinks and what they are made of, click here! 


Atmosphere: Do you have a baby? Are you a mom? Then you should definitely check this place out! I went there during the day, so it was prime time for moms and babies to be out for their morning get togethers. For myself, this was great to see. It made me see the  "family friendly" side of Cafe Novo. Seeing as it's in the High Park neighbourhood, it does attract a different crowd. But not that different from other cafes. What I mean is, it attracts those who are environmentally conscious, proudly support organic products, and are a bit more on the "upper" class side, compared to places like Moonbean or The One in the Only. That being said, it had a great "friendly & positive" atmosphere. I'm a positive gal, so it was the perfect fit! I felt great sitting there, and did I mention the staff are lovely as well? 

Overall, I really enjoyed drinking my honey latte and catching up on the news. It was peaceful and lovely. It's a great place to stop by on your way to somewhere. Great to people watch and see lots of babies! Was it someplace I'd go on a date? Well, it's probably more of a place you'd go with your date once they are more of a serious partner and well... if you're planning on having babies! Don't get me wrong though, this place is still great for dates, but not one of those intimate kinds. It's fantastic for a place to do some "catch-up" with friends, or get some of your emailing done. 


Date Potential: 8/10 Hearts. It's one of those "lets grab a latte after breakfast, and then perhaps a walk in the park before lunch? We'll talk about our favourite movies and the latest news" kinda place. 


Great For: Pregnant women, babies, people who support organic & fair trade products, catching up with friends


Cafe Novo gets 5/5 smiles from me! 

Monica

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #3. [The One in the Only]

Indie Coffee Shop #3: The One in the Only

Neighbourhood: Danforth [966 Danforth Ave]

Drink Ordered: Mochaccino. [a bit stronger than what I'm used to, but still good!]

Fun Bonus: Open later than the other cafes, about 10pm I believe.

Size: Perfect for the atmosphere they provide. There are couches at the back, some tables and seats at the front. "The One in the Only Cafe" is connected to "The Only Cafe", so  there is more seating in the bar. I'm not sure how it works if you want to sit in one but order in the other. I'm sure you can kindly ask them. 

Menu: They offer all the cafe classics. It's written out on a lovely visible chalk board. Their prices are great. I'm pretty sure they have the cheapest large mochaccnio that I've ordered in the city. My drink was pretty. Nice little chocolate design on top. My friend had a caramel frappacchio, which I must say, was pretty tasty. I think I may have to try it out next time! There treats are also quite tasty! 

Atmosphere: Laid back, cozy and hip. It feels like you're walking into someone's place, ready to just chill out and relax. We arrived in the evening, so the bar portion of The Only was pretty lively, where as the cafe was rather calm and quiet. It was an interesting contrast. The barista was really sweet and even offered free end of the night treats. How generous! I'm not sure what they were called exactly... but there's a picture below for you to view! The decoration is pretty cool as well. Feels like someone's collection of old photos and things they've found at antique shops. 

Overall, The One in the Only was a instant favourite of ours. We chilled out at the back on the random selection of couches, used their free wi-fi, and chatted about life and love, etc. It was the perfect place for that kind of thing. You feel like you just want to sit there for a few hours with a paper or good book, or perhaps even go on a date :) It's one of those places that you visit after you've already gone on your first date, and want to sit back and really get to know one another.  I would definitely come back here on a coffee date with a certain Irish lad :) It's also very easy to get to! It's right on the Bloor subway line. Just get off at Donlands, turn right onto Bloor and you're there! Piece of cake! So don't be afraid of visiting this area of the Danforth, The One in the Only is worth the trek!! 

Date Potencial: 10/10 Hearts. It's one of those "Let's just relax, and get to know one another on a deeper level, perhaps even grab a drink after wards" kind of place. 

Great For: Catching up with friends, reading a good books, chillin' out after work, meeting new faces.  

The One in the Only gets 5/5 Smiles from me! 

Monica 

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #2. [The Green Beanery]

Indie Coffee Shop #2: The Green Beanery 

Neighbourhood: Annex [565 Bloor St.W]

Drink Ordered: Citrus Passion Iced Tea

Size: Pretty decent size. Nice tables and seats. Pretty comfortable. It's also attached to their store where they sale coffee making merchandise. 

Menu: Pretty hard to read. Maybe it's just me, but I feel semi-uncomfortable when ordering here. I never know what to order. Their menu is behind them on this computer screen. I think there's something else that you can read at the counter, but I feel kind of strange. Perhaps that's the semi-awkward girl in me. I wish I could expand on what they have to offer, but I couldn't get a decent look. They seem to have the basics. 

Atmosphere: It feels very much like a come and go kind of place. It's a place where people get their coffee, sit, read the paper, and leave. Do you know what I mean? Feels kind of like you're not supposed to sit there for long periods of time and just enjoy yourself. However, if that's not you're thing, than you'll probably like it! I'm the type that enjoys the homey, casual feel of a coffee shop. The Green Beanery, though ascetically nice, doesn't have that indie coffee shop feel to me. It makes more like a Second Cup or Starbucks. 

In general The Green Beanery is a great place for those who are a little more on the business side of things. It's for those who wears suits, want to meet up in a more "clean and proper" coffee place that isn't Starbucks or Second Cup. The Green Beanery has that corporate feel that places like Moonbean does not. They do sell products there and roasted beans on their website which is cool. However, I find the products rather expensive, but then again, I wouldn't know much about coffee machines and espresso makers, etc. It's strange though since they are a "non-for-profit" business. I'm curious as to why I get such a corporate vibe from the place. Maybe I'm the only one? Perhaps I'm being to hard on them? They are made up of environmentalists and support sustainable development.  You should check out their website for more information!

Date Potencial: 6/10 Hearts. Not much potencial. Unless it's one of those "I'm still getting to know you, and I'm not sure what kind of a place you would like, but I don't want to take you to Starbucks". It's a "safe" place to go.

Great For: Interviews, and business meet ups.  

The Green Beanery gets 3/5 Smiles from me! 

Monica 

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #1. [Moonbean Coffee Company]

Indie Coffee Shop #1: Moonbean Coffee Company

Neighbourhood: Kensington Market [30 St. Andrew Street]
Drink(s) Ordered: Cappuccino (counted towards passport check box) + Mochaccino Over Ice.

Size: Great size. Patio seating in the front and back for warm/hot days. Inside seating in the front and back. It might look small when you walk in, but don't forget about the back!

Menu: Fantastic selection of smoothies (soy ones too!). If you want tea, grab one from the shelf and bring it with you to the counter, they'll set it up for you. Pour your own coffee at the counter across from the display/cashier area. You'll see it ;) Blended Ice Mochaccino's with whip cream are my favourite!

Atmosphere: Causal, and hip. For all ages. Kensington crowd, mixed with others :) Great for meet ups, and alone time with your journal. Nice place to ask a girl out for a "coffee date" when you still want to get to know her :)

I love love love love Moonbean. It's my favourite coffee shop in Toronto, and I honestly can't get enough of it. Especially those ice mochaccinos!! So good! I've already reviewed Moonbean before on this blog, but seeing as this is a different set up, don't mind if I gush about this place some more! It was the first place I wanted to visit on the passport list, and it was the first place Patrick (my Irish boyfriend) went with me. We had a lovely time, and I think you would as well :)

I've used it as a meet up place several times, and it's a great place to just chat with someone you care about :) Good people work there, and I hope you check it out!

Date Potencial: 10/10 Hearts! Great place for dates!

Great for: Casual meeting up with friends, hanging out for hours reading or writing, or both. People watching.

Moonbean gets 5/5 Smiles from me!

24 Long-Distance Indie Coffee Dates

Hello Everyone!

How has everyone been lately?!?!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while! I've been a tad busy, but now that the fall is here, I thought I would try a little something new and invite you to learn more about the Indie Coffee Shop scene in Toronto!

How am I going to do this you ask? Well, there's a new passport in town called the "Indie Coffee Passport" which anyone can purchase for $20 before Oct 1st, or $25 after Oct 1st, and it gives you access to a free drink (under $5) at 24 coffee joints in Toronto from September to March! But not just any coffee joint, indie ones!! Goodbye Tim Hortons and Starbucks, and hello to Manic Coffee, Moonbean, and more!

Now, why am I calling this post "24 Long-Distance Indie Coffee Dates"?
Recently, my Irish boyfriend came for a visit and we realized how we would miss having coffee dates together. Well, to make up for lost time, he decided to give me a gift, which ended up being the Indie Coffee Passport. We went to one of them together, and now when I go out for coffee, it's like the drink is "on him". Isn't that cute?

So follow me over the next few months as I visit all 24 shops! For fun, I'll review them on their date potential, and other things that I think of! Do you have any suggestions? Let me know!


I'm by no means an expert! Just a coffee shop enthusiast! So join me over the next 7ish months for my 24 Long-Distance Indie Coffee Dates!

with love,

Monica

Toronto Island: The City's Cottage Getaway!

This past weekend was what we Canadians like to call "The Canada Day Long Weekend". What do Canadians do during the long weekend? They go to their cottages, adventure into the wilderness, go out for bike ride and BBQ all week long. So what are Torontonians supposed to do if they're stuck between buildings and streetcars? Go to Toronto Island of course!

Toronto Island is Toronto's escape, its getaway. It's a haven for those wishing to go for bike rides with the kids, or those wanting to "go to the beach" without having to see a skyscraper. Even though we all know Lake Ontario is not suitable for swimming, there are occasions when the water is swimmable. Especially once you're on the island. I hear that if you go to the far side of the island than you should be alright. Obviously always look out for reports and what kind of cautions they are reporting that day.

To start off, the Toronto Island Ferry docks are located at the end of Bay Street and Queen's Quay. You can take a streetcar there (510 or 509) from Union Station or anywhere else on the streetcar's route. If you walk along Harbourfront, you'll eventually find it!

Now, once you pay and get through the gates, make sure to pick up a schedule and don't begin any sort of line up. You don't need to line up to get on the ferry. Everyone will get in. There is no "better spot" on the boat (that is if you don't mind what view you have when going across). But just understand that there will be this strange looking woman yelling at you to stop forming a line up. So just don't do it. If you want to go to the Centre Island amusement park, etc, then go to Centre Island. However, you'll notice that tons and tons of people are waiting and getting on the Centre Island ferry. Especially people with kids. So don't do it. Go with either Wards or Hanlan's Point. Those are less crowded! But, you can decide where you want to go!

Once you're on the island you can do whatever you'd like! I explored very little since it was my first time, and just wanted to get the basic feel of the place. But there are trails, and beaches (even a nude beach!) to see!

Also, the ferry ride is half the fun, so enjoy it! Enjoy the Toronto skyline!

It's a wonderful get-a-way, and you'd be surprised at how much of a "cottage" feel it has!

Till next time!

Keep smiling,

Monica

Pregnant? Got a Dog? Visit Leslieville!

Hello Everyone!

The other day I decided to head on over to a little community in Toronto called "Leslieville". It's located in the Queen Street East area, after the trains tracks but before Coxwell Ave. Follow me?

I decided to take the streetcar over, and I must say, it was pretty interesting! I was able to watch Queen street transform from trendy fancy feel to small town feel in just about 15 mins.

It's filled with cute environmentally friendly coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques. If you're pregnant, it's very family friendly, so I recommend! Also, if you're a dog lover, you'll find loads of stores that specialize in making your best friend look at his or her finest!

I also found this burger shop:

Double D's eh!?

Maybe I'll try it out nice time I visit! I didn't stop into any coffee shops while I was there, but there was lots of cute places to visit for sure!

keep smilin',

Monica

Get me some Moonbean!

I thought today I would "spotlight" my favourite coffee shop in all of Toronto. It's nestled in the Kensington Market area, and is rather special to me. It's a place that I love to go on "coffee dates" and somewhere I like to sit and journal. It's a place where people come together to talk about music, art, life, and love. This place is called 'Moonbean Coffee Company'.

Moonbean offers a variety of fair-trade coffee flavours, different types of smoothies, and hot drinks. But what I go for is this...

Doesn't that look good?! Sometimes it even comes with colourful sprinkles :) Now I can't think of the name off the top of my head, but there is an excellent winter drink that you should try. It's made with fresh lemon, ginger and honey. It's a warm drink that's perfect for any sore throat or cold.

So if you're ever in the Kensington Market area, and don't know where to go and sit down for a nice drink, check out Moonbean on 30 St. Andrew's Street. You won't regret it!

keep smilin',

Monica

NxNE in Toronto!

If you've never been to Toronto during a music or film festival, you should. It's the best way to get to know a city.

I had the pleasure of adventuring around Toronto for the North by North East festival in downtown Toronto, and I visited so many awesome venues! I'll be sure to post some links and such in the "Music Venues" category on the side there. I wish I could have gone to more of them, but there's only so much time!

For now, here's a video of my adventures around Toronto and the festival with some of my special friends!

Enjoy!




Monica

Are You Manic About Coffee?

It's been awhile eh?
Well, today I'd like to share with you a little coffee shop that I discovered with a friend while walking down College street. It's called 'Manic Coffee' and is located on 426 College Street. Cute little place. Looks like lots of the "young" people enjoy spending their time there, journaling, people watching and sipping on their double espresso. I can only imagine what it would be like during exam week.

Anywho,  I enjoyed a green tea as always. Not to pricey. Around $2.62 I believe? But the green tea isn't the only thing that makes this place a "go-to" coffee shop, it's the community that it has joined called "The Toronto Coffee Conspiracy". Here's a blurb from their site:

"Harking back to when the word conspiracy meant a group of righteous people trying to topple an evil power, The Coffee Conspiracy consists of seven, independently-owned coffee shops in the Toronto area – all dedicated to the highest level of the coffee-brewing art.  The Conspiracy believes every coffee lover deserves the best coffee for their money and not just another water-downed cup or over-manufactured mixed drink from the megalithic franchises and corporations." -- http://www.maniccoffee.com/disloyalty-card/

Pretty cool eh?
So they have something called the Disloyalty Card which looks like so on the other side:

You pick up the card at one of the shops, then go around to the others to get stamps and then return to the original shop to get a free drink! I think it's a brilliant idea. This way you're encouraged to visit and try different coffee shops around the city. I love it, and I highly recommend you participate!

So without further adieu, here's some snap shots of the drinks my friend and I had. I like the way the tea is served. Real tea leaves, and in a separate filter. I like it.

If you find yourself in any of the locations listed on the Disloyalty Card, make sure to go in and pick up a card. Go out and discover some local Toronto favourites!


keep smilin'

Monica

The Phoenix Has Risen with a Fun Night of Music!

Last Friday I had the opportunity to see Basia Bulat (plus The Wilderness of Manitoba and Julie Doiron) at The Phoenix Night Club in Toronto.

Now, I had never been The Phoenix, let alone been in that neightbourhood, but thankfully with my new TTC monthly pass (yes I caved) it was alright for me to get lost. I could always hop on to some form of public transportation and I'd be alright.

Anywho, I did have to phone a friend when I got off the subway, which I am gracious for my roommates help :) Thanks Carina :)

The Phoenix is located off Carlton Street on Sherbourne Street. Pretty alright looking part of the city. There was a wide varitey of people there. Young and old, men and women, (a girl with a fake ID which apparently since her Dad was with her was able to get in?). As I made my way in I couldn't help but feel like I was in a mini version of The Sound Academy. Personally, I enjoy smaller venues where the stage is lower and not so high up (ie. The Horseshoe Tavern). Alas, The Phoenix's stage is a bit higher but I'm alright with that.

The Wilderness of Manitoba were great. Really reminded me of Fleet Foxes.

Brixton Sessions #008 - The Wilderness of Manitoba 'November' from Blindeye | Films on Vimeo.

I'm not the biggest Julie Doiron fan, but she did put on a great show, and I could feel that the crowd really loved her and had a great time. I did as well, but I was more looking forward to some Basia. :)

Basia is awesome. Full of sweetness and talent, and a great smile. I highly recommending seeing this gal when she comes to your town. Full of energy and spank. Very good show!

Here's a little clip of her performance:



I would post some pictures, but they honestly all really suck. Therefore, the video will have to do :)

Anywho, The Phoenix was a pretty good concert venue. Fits a large amount of people, the bathrooms are decent, there's a bar if need be. Personally I love smaller venues, but when you want to see your favourite play then you have to make the sacrifice!

Cheers for now!

Monica

ps. hope you're smilin' :)