There are plenty of good, even amazing coffee shops in Toronto. I’m not a coffee enthusiast – I am a tea lover – but caffeine is more of an addiction. So, for someone who doesn’t really like coffee, it’s even worse when coffee tastes REALLY BAD – and north americans, believe me, are experts in the art of making badcoffee. I don’t really know why people go for coffee at chain coffee stores – those who shall not be named – when there are so many indie coffee places to get your daily coffee fix.
For instance, around my office, I have a Seattle-based chain coffee shop*, and Jimmy’s Coffee. Everybody knows the Seattle cappuccinos are just meh, and Jimmy’s staff offer me very good coffee drinks! Makes me happy.
In my neighbourhood, I have a couple of options: the OUTSTANDING The Good Neighbour, seriously, a must visit even if you don’t go to the west end that often. There’s also Crema, which I think is seriously overrated (I hate their service, but coffee is ok) – I hate their service SO MUCH I tend to go to their neighbour from Seattle, seriously.
A problem I see with indie coffee joints is their “organic” “natural” “healthy” approach. This sometimes means they won’t offer you anything but agave nectar and raw sugar and almond milk or whatever THEY believe it’s best for you. Listen: I DON’T CARE. I want ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER, SUCRALOSE, because I LIKE IT, and SOYMILK because I LIKE IT. YOU ARE NOT MY MOMMY. You are a COFFEE SHOP, and I AM JUST YOUR CUSTOMER. So, please, offer me what I like. I don’t want to be taken care of. This is creepy. And, honestly, If you’re selling me scones and muffins, you’re not really concerned about my health. So, give me a break.
But, as I am lazy and don’t like brewing coffee when I wake up, I just bought an automatic pod machine – one of these – and, although it’s not awesome, it makes pretty decent coffee in 30s by just pressing a button.
*Forgot to say: the Seattle coffee company tastes MUCH BETTER in Brazil than in Canada (I wonder why…). ESPECIALLY the pastries – their espresso brownie in Brazil is something I really miss!
P.S.: Don’t miss Bulldog, great coffee and amazing Latte Art. Unfortunately, not so close to me.
Update: Found another coffee close to my office. La Mercería is an argentinian café, good food and good coffee. Go for the Café Caramelo – with Dulce de Leche.