Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #19. [Cafe 260] - King West, Downtown

Indie Coffee Shop #19 

Cafe 260

http://www.cafe260.com/

Drink Ordered: Banana Chocolate Latte 

Now, when I had this drink it was pretty yummy. I recommended it to a friend and she hated it. She wouldn't recommend it to anyone. So, beware folks! To each his own! 

I also purchased some lunch! They offer a range of paninis and soups! I had a taste of their chili. It was  a cold day, so I decided chili would be a perfect fit! And it was tasty :) 

Size: Small but cozy. It's perfect for those students in the area looking for a comfortable and cozy place to study. I sat at a little table, but there were some comfy couches. 

Menu: Lots of food items to choose from... I feel like they are known amongst the student crowd as the place to visit for breakfast and lunch. After having their chili, I'm not surprised! 

Atmosphere: Colourful. I just remember it being a busy place. It's a "quiet" place for students just doing some casual studying, but really it's a place where a lot of people are coming and going. It's great for meeting up with friends and study groups. It does have quite the cozy feel for small study sessions. 

Overall, Cafe 260 was alright. The service was nice, but it was alright. I wouldn't go back here, even though the food was nice. If I were a student in the area, yes I would go back. But I'm not, so I won't make the trek down there again. 

Date Potential: None. 0/10 Hearts 

Great For: Students. Study groups. Meet-ups

2/5 Smiles 

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #18. [Tampered Press - Trinity Bellwoods]

Indie Coffee Shop #18: Tampered Press

256 Crawford Street Unit B

http://www.blogto.com/cafes/tampered-press-toronto

Neighbourhood: Dundas West (across from Trinity Bellwoods)

Drink Ordered: Latte 

Nice foam. I added some honey and it was perfect :) Great size for the cost as well!

Size: It's a pretty ideal space for the atmosphere that it provides. There were a few 'two person' tables, but the majority of the room is taken up by a large table in the middle. A nice big communal table. This seems to be a popular 'thing' in coffee shops. I personally don't mind, but I could see this being uncomfortable for some. I had to sit on a bench though, which made sitting there for a long time a bit uncomfortable. In all, good use of space. 

Menu: All your cafe classics. Lots of teas to choose from. I came here in the winter to have a latte, but in the summer time, when I was having a picnic across the street, my friends picked up an iced tea for me and it was delicious!! So they definitely do iced drinks well :) I also noticed they do sandwiches and offer light snacks and baked goods :) What more could you ask for? 

Atmosphere: Quiet and relaxed. Artsy. Social. Comfortable. I enjoyed reading the newspaper here, and others seemed to enjoy studying there. 

Overall, nice spot. Great location. Right across the street from the north end of Trinity Bellwoods. The latte was good, and next time I'm in the area I'd totally go back! 

Date Potential: 8/10. Maybe! I see this more as a 'meetings' and 'catching up' type place. 

Great For: Students, young artsy professionals. 

Tampered Press gets 4/5 Smiles from me! 

Keep Smiling! 

- Monica

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #17. [Te Aro Roasted] - Leslieville

Hey Everyone!

So, since I've been concentrating so much on my Toronto Bucket List, I have completely let go on blogging about all the coffee shops I visited to complete my Indie Coffee Passport which ended in March 2011! For those of you who are new to the "Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date" posts, then please refer back to this blog post to give you all the details!

Now, I'll stop wasting time and get right back into it!!

Indie Coffee Shop: #17

Te Aro Roasted 

Neighbourhood: Leslieville 

Drink Ordered: Mocha! (They use REAL yummy melted chocolate]

I also purchased a cranberry oatmeal cookie. Can't remember the exact name now since it was so long ago! But I remember it being VERY delicious! 

Size: Perfect. Just perfect!! Lots of seating, and in the summer time they have a patio with benches out front. Lots to choose from. The space is located in, what looks like, an old auto shop. It has tall ceilings, and lots of natural lighting, thus seating is not an issue. Everywhere is a great spot! 

Menu: Lots of different coffee blends to choose from since they roast their own coffee beans! I have visited on another occasion and had a French press. Also very good. They have everything espresso based, plus teas, etc. They have everything your little caffeine heart desires!  I totally recommend trying out their cookies and mocha. Especially the mocha since it's made with real fancy chocolate and many places just use powders! 

Atmosphere: Chill. Laid back. I'm sure I've mentioned Leslieville before in other posts. It's a very community based neighbourhood, and very laid back. It's artsy and family friendly. I felt really comfortable here! 

Overall: Te Aro Roasted is a fantastic coffee shop. It has everything a coffee shop needs and they do it perfectly. They know everything about coffee beans, they roast their own, the space is great, service awesome. I love this place! 

Date Potential: 10/10 Hearts: 

Great For: Families, Friends, Studying (they have wifi)

5/5 Smiles 

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #16. [Crema Coffee Co.] - Junction

Indie Coffee Shop #16: Crema Coffee Co. 

3079 Dundas Street W

http://cremacoffee.ca/

Neightbourhood: The Junction

Drink Ordered: Mocha! Very tasty :) 

I also purchased a lovely cookie :) It was delicious :) Went very well with my heavenly drink! They get their treats from Circles and Squares. This bakery seems to be a standard for loads of coffee joints in the city, and I'm okay with that!! So good! 

Size: Great size! Lots of places for people to pull up a chair to join groups, or smaller tables for more intimate conversations. Really bright and pretty. Great art work on the walls. Upon my second visit I noticed they had changed their art! Looks like it's always rotating! 

Lots of Crema merch on sale as well! You can even get a t-shirt! 

Menu: Lots of your classic coffee favourite. The daily drip I had on my second visit was tasty! I actually really enjoyed it!  Also, their pastries are to die for thanks to Circles and Squares like I had previously mentioned :) 

Atmosphere: Great atmosphere!! Lots of "professionals". But the cool kind :) The artsy kind. Really hip and laid back people! The staff are also really nice and helpful. Also, they are all super cute! Make sure to stop in even if it's just to check out the staff! 

Overall, Crema Coffee Co. (the Junction location) is a must for coffee lovers who are wandering around this lovely neighbourhood :) I'd go back, and I have gone back :) I love it :) ... I should probably stop using the smiley face. I'm that happy about this place! Lots of positive vibes! 

Date Potential: 9/10 Hearts! 

Great For: Everyone. It's a very welcoming environment for all walks of life :) 

5/5 Smiles from Me!

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #15. [Bisogno Espresso Bar] - Downtown

Indie Coffee Shop #15: Bisogno Espresso Bar

Neighbourhood: Downtown [61 Sherbourne Street]

Drink Ordered: Nutella Latte 

I needed to try this drink. I read some reviews about it, mainly "so-so" type reviews, but I needed to try it on my own in order to really know! I love nutella, but really, who doesn't?! It's good for you... right? I heard that they even leave the nutella filled spoon in the cup, so this drink was a must! I wasn't "over the moon" about it. I was hoping for more of a hazelnut nutella flavour, but it fell flat and didn't really feel any different from a regular latte. However, I did really enjoy licking the spoon!! 

Food Ordered: Triple Chocolate Muffin. (Very good!)

Size: Very good size. I sat at a large long table. Nice and communal. Communal tables seem to be very popular among independent coffee shops around the city. Probably because so many people come alone to coffee shops in order to work.. etc. The table was an old dining room table. Sort of felt like a home I suppose :) 

Menu: Regular favs, plus that interesting Nutella Latte. Standard treats as well :) Pretty yummy muffins! 

Atmosphere: It has a "Downtown Toronto on the go feel". Professionals and students mainly hang out here. Felt like someones home in a way with the large dining room table and love seats with side tables. Interesting vibe. 

Overall, I had a nice time at Bisogno. I'm not sure if I'd ever come back here unless I were in the neighbourhood. But I suppose I would suggest stopping in if you're in and around King street and George Brown College. It seemed pretty popular and a nice change to the Starbucks and Second Cups that litter the downtown core. 

Date Potencial: 7/10 Hearts. It's a "Lets relax, chat a little as we people watch & discuss our futures" kinda place :) 

Great For: Meetings, young professionals, students in the area, 

Bisogno Espresso Bar gets 3/5 Smiles from me! 

- Monica

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #14. [F'Coffee] - Leslieville

Indie Coffee Shop #14 - F'Coffee 

Neighbourhood: Leslieville 

Drink Ordered: London Fog 

I really hate to say this...but it was probably the worst drink I've had at one of the Indie Coffee Passport locations. It was made with a tea bag (which is fine, but other cafes have used real tea leaves), and it was very watery, and had no flavour. I couldn't drink it. Very bad :( 

Size: Decent. Good amount of tables and chairs. 

Menu: They offer sandwiches and breakfast items. I tried their breakfast bagel with a pumpernickel bagel, swiss cheese and egg. It was pretty good, but the drink really brought down my experience. 

Atmosphere: It's a place where regulars come to hang out before and during work. It's a neat place, but just not up to snuff. I don't feel comfortable placing it in the same list as so many of the other indie coffee shops in Toronto. 

Overall, I'm not sure if I really want to say much. I didn't like my drink, and I just felt like I needed to get out of their. I didn't stay to long, so I can't really say much about the place. 

Date Potencial: None 

Great For: Morning folks who want their daily coffee and breakfast, and small meetings between co-workers 

F'Coffee - 1/5 Smiles for me. 

Monica

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #13. [Cafe Quaff] - Queen Street W

Indie Coffee Shop #13: Cafe Quaff

Neighbourhood: Queen Street West [668 Queen Street West]

Drink Ordered: Mocha

 [pretty tasty, a bit on the more bitter side which is perfect for those who don't like their mochas too sweet! No fancy latte art though.. *sigh*]

Size: Long and narrow. Great space. Lots of places to sit. Simple seating, 

Menu: Nothing to fancy. It has all your standard cafe classics! There were some treats laid out on the counter, but from what I remember they looked a bit too expensive for what it was.. not sure if I'd recommend buying a treat, however, maybe I came at the wrong time.

Atmosphere: It has the "Queen Street West" on the go feel. Queen street is a pretty busy area of Toronto, and there is always so much to see and do. Quaff has a simple cozy feel. It's has pretty bare walls but that doesn't mean it feels dull. It's just neutral and I'm okay with that fact. Sometimes in the morning it's nice just hopping into somewhere, sit for a bit and then dash over to the cute boutiques down the street. 

Overall, Cafe Quaff, was a nice place to pop into on my way to some Queen Street shops. I felt comfortable here, and not cramped like other smaller coffee shops. However, in terms of a date, I'm not sure if I'd come here for a romantic date or first date. However, I definitely think it's a cool place to stop into if you were planning a "Queen Street West Strolling" date. That exists right? I think it should! Start at Spadina and Queen, head west, stop in Quaff for a drink, walk towards Trinity Bellwoods Park while stopping into shops, then have a picnic in the park! Perfect date! 

Date Potencial: 8/10 Hearts. It's a "Lets stop here before we head off on your Toronto adventure together" kinda place :) 

Great For: Chillin' with friends, stoppin' for a drink with a cutie, reading a book, surfing the web, 

Cafe Quaff gets 4/5 smiles from me! 

- Monica

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #12. [i deal coffee] - Ossington

Indie Coffee Shop #12 - i deal coffee - Ossington 

http://www.idealcoffees.com/

Neighbourhood: Ossington
Drink Ordered: Latte

Very watery. Didn't taste very nice. No latte art.... disappointed :(

Size: Pretty decent size. There is space by the window, which is where I situated myself. There were multiple places for people who were in pairs, or if you were by yourself with a lap top.

Menu: I couldn't find it at first! It's not at the counter, but when you reach the counter just turn around, it'll be right there! The pastries didn't look that appetizing. I passed.  The basics are available.

Atmosphere: Laid back I suppose. But nothing too special. I didn't really feel like spending tons of time there...enough said I suppose?

Overall, I would take a pass on i deal coffee on Ossington. I'm so sorry to say it, but I just have to! I really didn't like my latte, maybe that spoiled the mood?

Date Potencial: 5/10 I'm sure some people would enjoy a date here, but I wouldn't really recommend it.

Great For: People looking to get some work done.

i deal coffee [Ossington] gets 2/5 smiles from me!

Keep Smiling!

Monica

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #11. [Rooster Coffee House] - Riverdale

Indie Coffee Shop #11 : Rooster Coffee House

http://roostercoffeehouse.com/

Neighbourhood: Riverdale 

Drinks Ordered and Paired with the following treats: 

Americano 

 Lovely fluffy Apple Pastry (not sure what it's called!)

Sweet Pie Tea Latte! (It's a new flavour!)

Blueberry Scone

Coffee (one of their tasty blends!)

Flax, cranberry, almond Muffin! 

First off, I just need to tell you how excited I am to be writing about Rooster Coffee House. I absolutely adore this coffee shop. It's one of my favourites for sure! I decided to go on my long-distance indie coffee date with my parents, Walter and Krystyna. They love coffee shops, especially my Dad. All he wants to do is sit in a coffee shop and talk for hours. That is why I just had to bring them along with me! We arrived here on a Sunday morning, which meant it was going to be busy, but that didn't stop us! We were still able to find a place to sit, and my Dad found some lovely seats for us by the window! I can only imagine what the view is like in the summer time! 

Anyway, we all ordered a different drink and a different pastry. Now, we were new to the shop and were taking a bit of time deciding what we wanted, so we kind of started holding up the line. However, because Rooster Coffee House seems to be such an amazing place, the customers and employees are patience and lovely people, so we didn't feel pressured! The lovely lady at the register (which, I'm assuming was the owner) was so kind and helpful when we were choosing our selection of treats. They all looked so tasty!! I was in love! 

Alright, so my Mom had never tried an Americano, so this was her chance! I put my trust in Rooster's espresso beans, and I was right to do so! My Mom's first Americano experience was lovely, and she really enjoyed her apple filled pastry. I'm not sure what you'd call it exactly, but I'm sure you'll be able to find it when you stop in :) 

Now, my Dad loves coffee. He was always a Tim Hortons and other major chains' kinda man, but he has recently improved his tastes! I'm so proud of him! He always hated Starbucks coffees, but I was confident that he would enjoy some real coffee at a indie coffee shop. And he did! Paired with his coffee was the flax, cranberry, almond muffin, which was perfect for a gentleman like my father. He loves muffins, and he very much approved! Very yummy! 

Time for my drink. I noticed on the board that there were options under the tea lattes. I've said in the past that when I see tea lattes (other than the standards London Fog, or Chai Lattes), I jump to try them out! There was a new flavour written on the board in pink chalk that said "Sweetie Pie Latte - New!". I just had to try it! Now, I forget the type of tea it's made with. Next time I'm in I will be sure to ask again! It was sweet, and fruity tasting, and it was DEVINE! I loved it, and it was made perfectly as well! I paired my drink with a nice and big blueberry scone! It was perfect. Just perfect. 

Size: Great size! Perfect! Nice big table in the back for larger groups, or those wanting to play some board games. There were some chairs and tables for smaller couples of people, and window seating as well. I really enjoyed looking out the window, and I can't wait to come back during the summer time. Great use of space. Makes you feel like you're in someone's living room!

Menu: So much to choose from! I was so happy to see something other than the standard coffee shop drinks. They have options for a few different tea lattes, so this made me very happy! Lots of "nibbles" to choose from as well. So good, so very good!I loved seeing how full the menu was and so colourful. Reminded me of the love of my life, Moonbean :) 

Cute plates too! 

Atmosphere: Friendly staff, laid back and fun. For sure a different atmosphere than places like Manic Coffee or The Green Grind. It was more along the lines of Cafe Novo. Do I dare say, a bit more posh? It was kind of like an "indie posh" if you will... Perfect for bringing parents to! This place is put together, clean, wonderful, etc etc etc. I could go on! The atmosphere made you feel like you were visiting someone's home, and you just wanted to stay for hours. 

Overall, AMAZING. I'm not sure how much more I can gush about this place. I loved it. Absolutely loved it. They even had little heaters outside for the dogs! aww. Cute! I felt very comfortable here, and the drinks were so good that I don't see why anyone who enjoys cafes wouldn't want to stop by! 

Date Potential: 9/10 This is definitely a place that I will be bringing my Irish love. I came here on a Sunday morning, but I'm sure the atmosphere, great drinks and treats would really spruce up a date any day of the week! I recommend going for a picnic in the park and then stopping by Rooster :) This place makes you feel like you've already brought the girl or guy home with you, so I wouldn't doubt it if you're date turned out to be a total success! 

Great For: Families, professionals, coffee lovers, young people looking for love 

Rooster Coffee House gets 5/5 smiles from me!

Happy Smiling! 

- Monica

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #10. [Red Rocket ] - Wellesley

Indie Coffee Shop #10 : Red Rocket - Wellesley

http://www.redrocketcoffee.com/

Neighbourhood: 

Drink Ordered: Hot Blondie Caramel Mocha 

This is was delicious. Amazing. I really treated myself with this one with all the whipped cream on top. But, you can't get this drink and not get whipped cream! I didn't want this drink to end. It was that good! It wasn't overly sweet like some Starbucks type drinks. It was perfect :) Totally recommend this one! 

Size: This place doesn't have that much space. The seating area is quite minimal, but this place isn't designed to be one of those "sit for hours" coffee shops. However, if you'd like to sit down, there are some seats to the side where you can enjoy your morning paper :) 

Menu: Regular favs. If I'm not mistaken the create custom coffee blends which I hear are tasty! I totally recommend ordering the Hot Blondie though, it was that good! 

Atmosphere: Great staff. I felt comfortable the moment I walked in because the baristas were so welcoming. I was even asked what music I'd like to listen to!  That was really sweet of the barista to do! This place is laid back, and a great place to visit on a sunny morning like I did. 

Overall, the Red Rocket got an A+ in customer service, and an A+ in yummy drinks, (at least the Hot Blondie deserves an A+). The only sad thing is that there isn't much space for people to chill out in. However, my guess is that it's designed to be more of a "buy and go" type coffee shop, and I'm alright with that. Great use of space, great staff, great drinks, what more could I ask for? 

Date Potencial: 7/10. I probably wouldn't bring a date here. However, if you're looking for a place to grab your fella or gal a drink to go along with the breakfast you cooked up for them, then grab a drink here! 

Great For: professionals on the go, locals needing their morning caffeine fix, the lonely wanderer 

Red Rocket - Wellesley gets 5/5 Smiles from Me! 

Long-Distance Indie Coffee Date #9. [CRAFTED - Te Aro Roasted] - Ossington

Indie Coffee Shop #9 - CRAFTED - Te Aro Roasted 

http://www.te-aro.ca/

Neighbourhood: Ossington and Queen

Drink Ordered: Toasted Almond Tea Latte

My friend had a French Press (as far as I can remember anyway...)

The Toasted Almond Tea Latte was delicious! I would definitely recommend trying it out! Tea lattes don't seem to be something I can find at every coffee shop, so when I do see something other than a London Fog or Chai Tea Latte, I try to give it a go! I could really taste the almond in this tea, which was prefect for a chilly November day. 

Size: Lots of space for everyone! However, when it's filled with people studying or a family out on a coffee date, then it can be a bit tricky. We arrived an hour before close and it was packed with students studying for their fall exams. We found a nice spot by the window!

Menu: So apparently Te Aro is known for their coffee! Though I didn't try the coffee, I'll go ahead and say that it probably is really good :) I believe they supply beans for other coffee shops on the Indie Passport! I can only assume this means they are really good! The menu contained all your classics, but whenever I see something different I try it! Therefore, the Toasted Almond Tea Latte was a given for my order! 

Atmosphere: Laid back, artsy Ossington feel. Filled with students, no surprise there! I think coffee shops are the key to a successful student. Coffee shops provide students with a place to study and help them stay awake for long periods of time. Perfect combo! 

Aren't those lights cool? They look as though they are made from mason jars! 

Overall, CRAFTED left a good impression with me. I was only able to experience this place on a Saturday night, an hour before closing, so I can't say I have the best understanding of what this place offers. However, it looks great inside, it was busy (meaning ppl love it) and the drink was delicious! I would love to come back here in the afternoon to sit down and people watch. It's located on Ossington, so you're in the perfect area to do some exploring of funky shops and restaurants. 

Date Potencial: 8/10. I didn't get any sort of "romantic" vibe from this place, but I think it's a pretty swell place for a first date. It's open, comfortable, in a good location, so it's a pretty safe place to take that guy or gal you've been eyeing. Just be prepared that the students will be taking up the precious two seated tables! 

Great for: Students, friends looking for a place to chill, small families, 

CRAFTED - Te Aro Roasted gets 4/5 smiles from me!