Crepe it Up

Tastes like love without the heartache. Eat in- Take out- Catering

507 Church Street Unit #8
Toronto, Ontario
M4Y 2C9
(416)916-3558
www.pavillioncoffee.com

I had some time to kill in Toronto on a beautiful sunny day and took a walk down Church and Wellesley to a little place called Crepe It Up. The food is really good, the coffee is really nice but the lady running the place was really against and photos being taken ( I always ask first). I was really confused, I was really glad that went back and spoke to again and explained what I was doing, she didn't mind and I set about taking pictures WITH her permission this time😀. It's a nice place. Interesting decor with typical chalkboard writing to decorate the place. The sign out front advertised fresh coffee, I think actually roast here because they have green coffee beans as well as a roaster sitting in the corner. I like the big front windows that show Church Street in its best busy, fun atmosphere.

I ordered the special of the day of lentil soup and Mushroom/Spinach crepe that was quite good but could have been hotter. The coffee was served in a nice big mug with decent flavour although not made fresh. I'm not sure I would suggest this one for a coffee if there were dedicated cafes around (I'm not sure where anything is) but its nice for a cheap, quick meal.

1)coffee- small $1.65 Large $1.95 8/10
2)roasted locally- yes? 8/10
3)Service- I little uncomfortable with the menu, the cook was helpful 7/10
4)accessibility - church and Wellesley is a main road in Toronto by bus 8/10
5)flavour- pretty good and quick 7/10
6)Eco-friendly- recycling and china cups 7.5/10
7)cup size- very good 8.5/10
8)food- many choices, freshly made and tasty if you like crepes 8/10
9)ambience- light conversation, laughter and sunny eating area 8.5/10
10)wifi- free of charge with password 10/10

*pretty cool that they have Viet espresso available to order
**overall 8/10 descent but not glowing

I deal Coffee- Yonge Street

3336 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ont.
M4N 2M4
(416)364-7700

www.idealcoffee.ca
Twitter: @idealcoffee
Facebook: I deal Coffee


I haven't gone too far from home to do coffee reviews, but when I can, its super awesome when my instincts take me to a great location. Maggie and I needed to be in Toronto and found ourselves on Yonge Street in apparently a very "right wing" part of the city. I normally don't travel in business areas often but we happened upon a fabulous location of Ideal coffee. This place is the third location of this little Roastery and we were welcomed in with a smile and barista with panache! Brett was working all on her own and was dishing up great looking lattes, cappuccinos, espressos and treats with speed, finesse and friendly suggestions. Maggie and I were completely taken with her ability to win everyone over immediately. I always ask if I can take pictures and try not to post anything that wouldn't reflect the cafe in a positive light, as well as ask questions in order to complete my review and hopefully learn what I can. I bought a bag of coffee called the Red Sea made from Ehiopian Sidama beans (yum!) and a t-shirt which may add to a new obsession. Ideal coffee on Yonge Street was comfortable, had many beans to choose from and a great atmosphere (charmingly hipster?). Maggie and I both agreed our visit was amazing and the vegan muffin we split was delicious too.

1) coffee- $2.25 $2.75. 9/10
2)Roasted locally- on location 9.5/10
3)Service- friendly, quick, creative 9/10
4) accessibility- main access with parking nearby 9/10
5)Flavour- fresh and full flavour 9/10
6) Eco-friendly- organic, free trade with options for china cups/compostable paper 9/10
7) Cup size- medium and large choices 9/10
8) Food- tasty with veggie options 9/10
9) Ambience- relaxed, friendly and artsy 8/10
10)Wifi- yes 10/10

*over all 9/10

The Dripper

Home brew

On this occasion I was super excited to try a "new to me" process of home brewing using a dripper. I am a long term festival adventurer and have always tried coffee from good and bad brewing companies. If they are fresh brewers they make it on the spot with a dripper, using freshly ground beans (ideally fair trade/organic) given to you still piping hot. The perfect cup has 2 tablespoons of medium ground beans per serving thats just off boil. The water needs to be evenly distributed over the grounds slowly for 2-4 minutes to absorb the coffee oils and flavours. If its all done properly, the coffee is full bodied, aromatic and delicious. I buy my coffee from a variety of places, usually on sale in whole bean form.

The coffee I made today with the dripper was 23 Degrees Mug Shot (medium/dark). It is beautifully described as "a mug of coffee, a shot of espresso! So good it has the right to remain silent. A blend that lights up your tongue with brightness, but finishes with a smooth, sweet chocolatey flavour." Pretty awesome packaging! This coffee is roasted with praise in Toronto and organic/fair trade. I bought it on sale at Fortinos for $11.99 for 350 g.

*Whole bean Arabica beans usually indicating lower acidity and richer, full flavour.