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Posts Tagged ‘Espresso’

EAST VAN ROASTERS

April 15th, 2013 admin

319 Carrall Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-629-7562

Web: http://eastvanroasters.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Limited seating, small space.

I have always searched out chocolatiers as I’ve travelled around the world, in Seattle there is Theo and they roast the Cacao from bean to bar. Here at East Van Roasters they are the first of its kind to not only be roasting their Cacao beans locally, they also make the finished chocolate bars, it’s also a business that strives for social to be a leader in social enterprise, and it’s owned and operated by the Portland Hotel Community Services Society. Designed to provide training and employment to the women residents of the Rainier Hotel, run by Pastry Chef & Founder of Growing Chefs, Merri Schwartz and Shelley Bolton.

Single Origin Drinking Chocolate

Chocolate Croissant (top) and Cheese Scone (bottom)

I shared some of the baked goods with my friend Benn Brtran, a Cheese Scone ($2.40) along with a Chocolate Croissant ($3.40) to go along with my Single Origin Drinking Chocolate ($4.75) and his Spicy Maya Drinking Chocolate ($4.75).  You will find delicious organic drinking chocolate and coffees, hand rolled truffles, single-origin chocolate bars and select pastries.

It’s a beautiful room of exposed bricked walls, a see through window to watch the roasting action as well as a see through room to watch the chocolatiers making the chocolates and chocolate bars. There is much to look forward here including regular cuppings and tastings.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Gastown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

CHEZ CHRISTOPHE

April 11th, 2013 admin

4712 Hastings Street, Burnaby

Tel: 604-428-4200

Web: www.christophe-chocolat.com

Twitter: @Chez_Christophe

Advice: Closed Sunday and Monday

Having had a sweet tooth since childhood, I have always searched out the patisseries and pastry chefs who run them as I’ve travelled around the globe. Months ago I had the opportunity to meet Chef Christopher Bonzon and his wife Jessica Bonzon at an event that I had attended and indulged in his fine crafted treats. I could not resist a trip to their new shop in Burnaby Heights this past weekend.

Double Baked Croissant with pecan maple syrup

Chocolate Éclair

I tried his unbelievably delicious Double Baked Croissant with pecan maple syrup as well as the divine Chocolate Éclair along with some of his hand crafted chocolates, loved the caramel filled chocolate.

His pastry cases are filled with fine crafted French pastries from single tarts and pastries to large cakes and tarts for your special occasion. Another case was filled with chocolates of which many were filled with local fruits and nuts. The Viennesse case on top of the case featured their Croissant and other specialty croissants filled with chocolate, pecan maple syrup and hazelnut. The shop also features an espresso beverage selection as well as minimal seating.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Burnaby Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

ROUNDEL CAFÉ

March 30th, 2013 admin

2465 E Hastings Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-253-2522

Web: www.roundelcafe.com

Twitter: n/a

Advice: No reservations. Breakfast is served until 4 pm weekdays and 5 pm on weekends.

Sometimes it can take years to visit a restaurant which has been around for years, the Roundel has been serving the East Village neighborhood for over 49 years. I visited for the first time with a group of friends for Breakfast, it’s a fun place especially on a Sunday morning. They make everything from scratch using wholesome ingredients in this fresh food diner.

Tofu Veggie Scramble

I had the Tofu Veggie Scramble ($8.50) which was delish filled with vegetables, potatoes and salad, my friends Alexei, Alejandro, Jason and Yaniv had a variety of egg dishes including the Benny, Omelets and such as well a couple ordered raspberry milkshakes which are made with 4 scoops of ice cream.

They have got burgers for lunch as well as rolled tortillas, salads and sandwiches and at dinner you will find a selection of Mexican dishes such as the Mango Brie Quesadilla which I can’t wait to try on my next visit.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Eastside Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Rocanini Coffee Roasters

March 20th, 2013 admin

I have always loved coffee, well since my teens for sure, I got my writing start by writing my first book “Vancouver’s Best Espresso Spots” many years ago. As I travel and explore neighborhoods around Vancouver, I always seek out the new cafes and roasteries. One café that I visited awhile ago was Rocanini in the heart of Steveston, it took much longer for me to visit their roastery in Vancouver which I did a couple of weeks ago.

I had a chance to sit with owner Frank over a double espresso and talk about coffee, as well as what Rocanini is striving for now and into the future. Frank has been involved in the coffee business for the past 13 years, he developed his interest by researching and reading as much as he could before he decided to open his roastery and café in Vancouver a few years ago. I asked him what Rocanini meant, and he said it’s in homage to Italian tradition, the name “Rocanini” has been derived from the Latin word for rock, roca—with a twist. The name communicates a foundation of both strength and presence.

Beyond serving premium, handcrafted beverages, at their cafe and roastery locations, Rocanini also offers a range of products designed for domestic use, such as coffee equipment and other coffee-related merchandise.

You can visit Rocanini Coffee Roasters and café at 127 West 5th Avenue in Vancouver. You can also find them online at http://www.rocanini.com/ and follow them on Twitter @ROCANINI

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Coffee, Latest Tags: , , , , , No Comments »

THE MIGHTY OAK

February 26th, 2013 admin

198 West 18th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-0722

Web: www.TheMightyOak.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Closed Monday.

Off the beaten track, hidden away in the heart of a neighborhood is this small café on the corner. Inside you will find an espresso bar along with a selection of baked goods, for now they only bake their own scones, they also carry a selection of pies from Vancouver Pie Hole. You will also find a selection of food products on the grocery side which features many local producers including Earnest Ice Cream and others.

Espresso Macchiato and Cheese Onion Scone

I enjoyed my Cheese and Onion Scone along with an Espresso Macchiato, I had wanted a slice of pie which was my main reason for visiting however they were sold out. The room is small and cozy, so feel free to stand by the espresso bar and sip away while you indulge in one of their savoury or sweet treats!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Cambie Street, Main Street Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments »

SATORI FACTORY

February 14th, 2013 admin

5054 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 569-0420

Web: http://www.satorifactory.ca

Twitter: @mysatorifactory

Advice:  Closed Mondays

Rose Latte

Espresso Macchiatto

Situated next door to their popular Chau Veggie restaurant is a wonderful café with a large communal table that fills the centre of the room. I have visited on a couple of occasions each time visiting after eating noodles next door, I have had the Rose Latte ($4) as well as my usual espresso beverage Espresso Macchiatto ($2.75) the coffee is all from local Republica Coffee Roasters. You will also find Chef Maria’s popular Vegi Pate along with Macarons and other tasty treats.

This is a good spot to spend an afternoon, especially before or after a meal at Chau next door.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Kensington-Cedar Cottage Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments »

BEAUCOUP BAKERY & CAFÉ

January 20th, 2013 admin

2150 Fir Street, Vancouver

Tel:  (604) 732-4222

Web: http://www.beaucoupbakery.com

Twitter: @beaucoupbakery

Advice: Go early as some of the pastries sell out within minutes.

From the get go, even before the bakery café had opened, I was a fan of Jackie Ellis and her divine creations. She started offering her delicious baked goods at the farmers markets around the city to tempt us all. Temptation is the beginning, passion is the game, and being unique is what drives a bakery/café.

On the plate: Cheese Croissant (back), Pine Nut Praline Croissant (front) & Bostok (right)

On the plate: Tropical Scone (back) and Kouign Amann (front)

I have been to the café a couple of times already with my friend Chris Fellbaum and on my own.  Chris and I savoured our way through a selection of baked goods and sweets that included the delicious Bostok a square piece of brioche dipped in orange flower syrup and topped with almond frangipane; a perfectly flakey Cheese Croissant that was filled with cheese and the Pine Nut Praline Croissant which is probably the best nutty croissant that I have ever had and I have had many in my travels. We also tried the outstanding Tropical Scone made with coconut, pineapple, and mango and the buttery rich Kouign Amann with vanilla maldon salt.

On the Plate: Le bi bi (top left), Pain Au Chocolate (top right) and Cheese & Green Onion Scone (bottom)

Caramel Éclair

The Cheese & Green Onion Scone was moist and loaded with cheesy goodness and the very rich Le bi bi is a round brioche soaked in rose water syrup with orange scented frangipane was an addiction inspiring pastry that’s going to have you in heaven after just one bite. The Pain Au Chocolate is as good as the best one you have ever had and if you love this simple pleasure you are going to be living in this café. I have also tried the outstanding Caramel Éclair.

Latte

Espresso Macchiato

The café also features an espresso bar on my visit with Chris he had a Latte and I had my usual Espresso Macchiato.

You will find a diy ‘do it yourself’ chalkboard on the side well where you can add your inspiring answer to it, each week they ask a question, then photo all the answers which are to be added to their website gallery. The café is very small, go early to attempt to find a seat, get ready to stand in the fairly fast moving lineup which will tempt you to never end!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Kitsilano Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

DUNLEVY SNACK BAR

October 14th, 2012 admin

433 Dunlevy, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 569-0454

Web: http://www.dunlevysnackbar.com/

Twitter: @DunlevySnackbar

Advice: Not open in the evenings yet.

As you peak in the window you get a sense of a place that has character, there is a look and feel of a nouveau cafeteria. Last Sunday some of my close friends joined me for one of our Breakfast Club adventures in to Chinatown, for Alejandro Escobell, Alexei Schwartzman, Jason Sanders and I this was our first time in for Brunch.

Italian STRATA

It’s the coolest place with a very simple menu, the special of the day that Jason and I had, was the delicious Italian STRATA, layers of egg, cheese, peppers, leeks, sour dough, cream, baked and topped with strips of bacon, served with potatoes and salad. Alexei had a version of the special without the bacon which was topped with smoked tofu; and Alejandro had the baked eggs which he loved as well.

Espresso

I have visited a couple of times previously for an espresso, and each time gazing at the dishes that everyone was enjoying. Brunch was in order last weekend and we are all looking forward to brunching there again as soon as we are all able to get together. We hear that dinner and late night eats will be on offer in a few months and that there may be a Latin American twist with a little bit of French thrown into the mix. My friends and I can’t wait to have dinner here in this very cool spot on the North Eastern edge of Chinatown!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Chinatown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »
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