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.

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.

Black Rock Coffee. Where rock climbing and coffee meet.

Remember those big windows for people-watching that I talk about all the time? Well, this coffee shop has its own unique version of this. Instead of facing the sidewalk, these windows face the establishment next door. And instead of watching people walk by in the rain (though there are also windows on the other side where you can do just that) these particular windows face a rock climbing gym.

My first coffee cupping. Roasters: The sometimes exotic Phil and Sebastian, interesting Counter Culture Coffee, delicious Transcend Coffee and strong April Coffee

The day has finally come! Today will be the day I put my taste buds through a challenge. I’m exited, yet nervous. I have no idea what to expect. I did get a bit of a preview the last time I visited Arvo Coffee. One of the baristas challenged me to decipher the different notes in the pour-over coffee he made for me. I didn’t do too good then. Hence my feeling a bit self-conscious as I arrived at Arvo's.

The process, secrets and art of making pour over coffee

My absolute favourite place to visit while in the neighborhood is the Distillery District, a complex of 47 Victorian Industrial buildings that have been converted into an entertainment, arts and business haven. Every two steps you will find a nice restaurant, a local business, endless art galleries or a coffee shop.

The Coffee Haunt