Parkermann's Fine Tea Shop

47 King Street East
Stoney Creek, ON
(905)930-8832
Parkermanns@cogeco.ca
Www.parkermanns.com

Although Parkermanns is a tea shop by nature, I love this quaint, and amazing little shop in the heart of my home town of Stoney Creek. I believe the first time I went to Parkermanns (it was on the cover of the Stoney Creek News) in September 2012, it wasn't officially opened yet...they were taking donations to meet costs and donate proceeds to charity. I was blown away by the beauty of the china, the shininess of the new machines and the rows and rows of teas on the walls...in short,it's amazing. I had tea the first few times I went but coffee is truly where my heart lies, so I asked about coffee and was so happy I did :). Parkermanns has some of the best coffee available, the beans are freshly roasted in Hamilton at the Redhill Coffee Roasters and delivered regularly and available for purchase (which I have done many times).

When you enter Parkermanns you are always welcomed with a smile, conversation and tons of knowledge about tea if you want to know. Rooibos is caffeine-free, did you know that? Well if you didn't, you could look it up with the wifi in the shop *gasp*! You have a choice between lovely china tea cups and compostable cups, and you need not worry because they recycle or compost all the trash and are happy to help!

1) coffee - $1.77 for medium and $1.99 for large 9/10
2) roasted locally - Redhill Coffee Roasters 9/10
3) service - 9.5/10 (with a smile and welcoming engagement)
4) accessibility - 2 hours free parking on King Street 9/10
5) Flavour - full, robust and not bitter 9.5/10
6) Eco-friendly - 10/10 (recycling, composting, china available and locally purchased coffee and treat from Cake and Loaf on Dundurn)
7) cup size - 9/10 (variety and good size with good price)
8) food - 9/10 (salads, quiche and sandwiches made in house and treats from Cake&Loaf
9) ambiance - 8/10 ( fun music with limited seating)
10) wifi - yes!!!!!! 10/10

*overall rating of 9/10 for a wonderful place that is open 7 days a week...special nights advertised on Facebook (tea reading, knitting nights, book clubs and fundraising).

Coffee Culture- Stoney Creek, November 14/12

Our trip to Coffee Culture wasn't a first, in fact I have been there many times before; it's interesting to go with a fresh perspective and purpose (all for fun of course;).

The Coffee Culture on Centennial Parkway, between Queenston Road and Barton Street is always clean and friendly.  I was welcomed by two great servers with all the relevant questions asked a potential coffee purchaser. Today I ordered a coffee americano and everything bagel, I was very pleased that they asked me if I wanted butter (because I didn't, but wouldn't have thought about the choice).  The americano was a little bitter, but full bodied and rich with just one shot of espresso. It lead to a conversation with fellow patrons about possible future visits for double shots and eventual caffeine "freak out" (note to self - keep with the single shot, don't get talked into it).  I was pleasantly served my drink promptly and correctly made, the bagel as well was quick.  I am always pleased and surprised with the little biscotti offered with my coffee (nice touch Coffee Culture).  Maggie doesn't take the biscotti because she is a vegan, and orders her coffee/latte/tea with soy, this qualifies this cafe as a very nice place for those that are veggie or lactose intolerant.

1) price $2.29 cafe Americano - 8/10

2) roasted - off site

3)service - 9/10

4) location - 8/10 ( lots of parking but very difficult to leave and got south)

5) flavour - 8/10

6) Eco - 7/10  (corporate environment but nice china for in restaurant instead of paper as well as vegetarian options).

7) cup size - 8.5/10 (nice size cup for drinks)

8) food - 7/10 (unremarkable but tasty and prompt)

9) ingredients -( non milk is available as well as both snack and light meal options with reasonable prices)

10) ambiance - 7.5 (wifii is available for patrons but no interesting music "cool up" the vibe.

*washrooms were discussed as an important part of a cafe experience, Maggie gave it a 6/10.  She mentioned it had all the necessary parts of a clean bathroom but a little messy/dirty.  Jessy said she judged it more harshly due to the fact that she was wearing her fantastic purple jacket and thought she was pretty good.  She may be right.  

The Vicars Vice, Nov.9/12

I visited this Gastro Pub to try out the coffee and have a bite to eat.  I ordered coffee as I usually do and it was brought immediately.  I really wasn't happy with the coffee, I was from a can with no redeeming flavour or "punch".    My friend ordered a tea and it came with a decent sized pot, but the bag wasn't in the water *gasp*, you can't serve tea with the bag not in it !

I kept the receipt to see how much I paid for this coffee fully expecting it to be around $2 but it was $2.75!!!!!!!! Holy cow! I suppose what I am paying for is the multiple re-fills but it would have been more impressive if the flavour had been better.  Lesson learned, lower expectations at a pub :(

1) flavour -2/10
2) vegan/gluten free-?
3) Wifi- no
4). Parking - 8/10
5). Cup size - 7/10
6). Food is fresh - 8/10
7). Service - 9/10
8). Weekends - 9/10
9). Cappuccinos,Lattes and tea - 3/10
10). Environmental?

2251 Rymal Road East
Stoney Creek, Ontario