The Elysian room - does it get any better? · Tuesday November 8, 2005 by colin newell
Elysian room with Dave – who says there are no surprizes any more?
Coffeecrew youngster, Dave Reimer, and I went to the Elysian Room (1778 W.5th) today for our first visit.
A couple of things: One- This place is smaller and significantly less formal than I was lead to believe. This was a relief to me. The way vancouverites describe this place (holy shrine with lasers and purple smoke emanating from some mysterious caffeine powered sepulchre) was way off.
It is small and friendly, warm and intimate in the way I remember the original Demitasse Cafe in Victoria from the eighties. Two- The coffee and food was better than I expected (and I have insane expectations).
I took some pictures with permission from the baristi (and they will appear shortly). The staff are among the most professional that I have met, answering one or two of my obviously pointed questions without flinching. Espresso coffee is from the Hines Market, Seattle.
Here, in Vancouver, at the Elysian Room, it is painstakingly and professionally prepared by a barista whose full attention is on the process and the experience. Don’t get me wrong folks, Cafe Artigiano is fabulous and all but the experience you have at the E-Room is precise and complete.
The Black Stilt Cafe - Victoria · Sunday October 30, 2005 by colin newell
CoffeeCrew poster-gal April visits the Black Stilt, Victoria’s new cafe. -
“Have you reviewed the Black Stilt yet? I think you should write up a good review for them on your web site. It’s a welcome addition to the options in my neighbourhood.
The coffee is great. So far I’ve enjoyed the regular dark roast drip,
and Americano and this morning I went for a latte and was happily impressed. I won’t pretend I know enough about coffee to actually write a review for you, but I can assure you that I personally found the coffee to be better than what I’ve had at some of my other haunts. I did ask what beans they were using, but since that was several hours ago and me being of little brain, I’ve already forgotten.
The place was hopping this morning with most of the seating filled and often a small line-up at the counter. Despite all the people, the acoustics are such that I didn’t need to shout to be heard above everyone else. It’s clean, spacious and yet, still cozy.
There are various seating choices. There’s the usual table and chairs for 2 – 4 people and window counter with stools. They also provide several comfortable cushiony chairs off to one side, a couple of sofas on the other side and an inviting gas fireplace (I say inviting mostly because it was chilly and rainy this morning) with cushioned seating on either side.
If you haven’t been yet, Friday night might be a good time to check it out. Your good pal Charlie Burton will the playing there. It looks like they will be hosting various musical talents on a regular basis.”
-April F. is a delightfully red-headed young lady who tests our coffee during the work week. So far, she has had made no complaints.
Dumont Rathie Band Download
Glenn visits EveryDay Gourmet Coffee · Thursday October 20, 2005 by colin newell
Glenn visits EveryDay Gourmet or did he?!
It is reported that the mysterious glenn. s made a surprise and unannounced visit to Sara at Everyday Gourmet Coffee at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto on the weekend.
Although glenn s. (is this his real name?) has been a regular contributor to coffeecrew he has actually not been seen by anyone. There is only one Picture in existence that purports to be him, however other reports say the picture is really someone else.
There is no truth to the rumour that his other pseudonym is “carlos”
Sara said the experience was surreal in a X-files sort of way. Glenn S. had the unusual ability to blend into the environment and was hard to discern even when moving. He reportedly mumbled something about the review being “safe” and flashed her with something that looked like a keyring.
Sara said there was no time to run for the digital camera. “One second he was here, the next he was gone. Come to think of it, I am not entirely sure he was ever actually here…”
Moziro Coffee Roasters - Shawnigan Lake · Saturday October 15, 2005 by colin newell
Jenn and Jake are the next generation of coffee and confection professionals for the 21st century.
Their shop is located near the heart of Shawnigan Lake village, on Dundas road, in an attractive new lavender colored building that also houses a cafe, a diner and a ladies shoe and bag shop.
My wife and I popped in for a sample of single origin bean from their Deidrich roaster and some mighty, mighty fine hand-made chocolate truffles. Coffee, chocolate and conversation: It does not get much better than this. You can visit their website or, better yet, drive to scenic Shawnigan Lake!
