Alcove coffee. The hidden gem of Toronto's Junction neighbourhood

This coffee shop is truly the definition of a hidden gem (I know, I say that about all of them). Located at 34 Cawthra Ave. (The Junction). Alcove coffee might be a bit out of the way but it's totally worth the trip. Owned by photographer and founder of Album studios James Tse, Junction Cove and Alcove coffee are a synergy of studio/venue rental space and a place to hang out, plus good coffee. Taking it's name from the junction of four railway lines, today it is one of Toronto's largest growing neighbourhoods. Whether you are looking for a local brewery, fun home decor stores or amazing coffee shops, this is the place to go.

For the love of Thor and Odin! Toronto's Scandinavian inspired coffee shops.

Whether you need to get some work done or just have a coffee date with friends these two Nordic inspired cafés are definitely worth checking out. Odin is considered one of the most Instagrammable coffee shops in Toronto (venue rental is available!) and Thor’s drinks are out of the world.

Forget Me Not. When a coffee meets gift shop in Toronto.

As recommended by the owner, their specialty lattes are a must. A Nutella latte is their best-seller, I cannot wait to come back and try it! And on this National Coffee day I can’t be anything but thankful to have found this Toronto gem.

A begginers guide into coffee roastears. Toronto's Hale Coffee.

Hi y'all! Welcome back to this little read on coffee matters. Ever since I've started my coffee research various coffee roasters have come to my attention. Most of the shops I've visited use blends from Canadian roasters. Among these, a couple names are more common than others. I spent this week exploring one of them: Hale coffee Roasters.

Toronto's coffee co-op. The Ind_pendent

This coffee shop appeared at 96 Spadina, where ‘Sense Appeal’ used to stand. It was created out of a need for a friendly coffee co-op in the community. As one of the owners described to me; they seek to create a barista-customer relationship similar to one you might have with your local bartender. It seems to me that they are going in the right direction with this one! I always enjoy a place where the staff are approachable and chatty.

Cortado por favor!

Luckily enough, I had the owner there explaining how this was a purely espresso based drink, with a good amount of warm milk to mask the bitterness of the double shot. With origins in Spain and/or Portugal, (I’m starting to see a pattern here on how nobody seems to agree where the different coffee drinks were first made).

The flat white

A couch, nicely displayed pastries and of course, a huge window were you could sit all day to watch people pass and snow fall. Some industrial style lights mixed with a chandelier and a few art pieces made by local artists gave this place a cozy home/gallery feeling that is always appreciated. From the very first second I felt comfortable enough to make myself at home, with the background tunes of Celeste by Ezra Vines this place was just the little perfect and warm oasis I was craving for.

The Coffee Haunt