{ Posts Tagged ‘coffee’ }

new york city’s perfect cup of coffee

* Note from the editor: I’m so excited to introduce you all to our new food blogger, Jennifer Bartoli. Jennifer is a food writer and photographer from Montreal, and — having studied at the French Culinary Institute in NYC — has developed her own delicious blog called Chocolate Shavings. A few times a month, Jennifer will be sharing some yummy recipes and fab foodie spots in Canada and abroad. For her first post, she shares a favourite haunt for delicious coffee in New York so you know exactly where to go for a cuppa on your next visit. — Lauren, web editor*

New York has a never-ending number of coffee shops – so much in fact that it can be difficult to pick which one to try. After living in the city for a little while and often making my way back to visit, I think I’ve finally found my favourite one.

Stumptown 11 new york citys perfect cup of coffee
Stumptown 2 new york citys perfect cup of coffee

Stumptown Coffee Roasters at the Ace Hotel
18 W 29th St.
New York, NY 10001

Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the Ace Hotel is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Their cappuccino is by far the best I have ever had – without any hint of bitterness; it is just perfectly velvety and rich. Stumptown also carries a variety of snacks – my favourite being their pretzel-like sandwich filled with cheese, ham and mustard. The Ace Hotel is also worth a mention. Its decor is beautiful – with eclectic furniture, warm colours and a cozy vintage feel.

nespresso’s new montreal boutique bar

boutique1 nespressos new montreal boutique bar

Before my first coffee of the morning, I could very well be mistaken for an extra who’s wandered off the set of the latest George Romero flick. Sad but true. 

My fave fix for that crack-of-dawn caffeine rush? My trusty Nespresso Essenza. It’s a capsule-based espresso machine that even I — with barista skills registering about zero  — can operate with complete ease. It’s become an entertaining essential, perfect for a no-sweat after-dinner sipper as the plates are being cleared and the guests retire to the living room. And I’ve got to mention how utterly easy Nespresso makes it to get their impressive array of replacement capsules both online (fantastic service, btw), and at any of their deliciously decadent Euro-inspired retail spots, including a brand new Boutique Bar in Montreal. Check it out…

boutique3 nespressos new montreal boutique bar

Located at 2045 Rue Crescent, the Nespresso Boutique Bar gives coffee lovers in Montreal their first opportunity to purchase Nespresso’s coffee capsules in store. While Nespresso machines are widely available at upscale retail locations throughout the area, until now, the Nespresso capsules were only available online or by calling Nespresso directly at 1-800-562-1465. The Montreal bar marks the third Nespresso shop in the country, with both Toronto and Vancouver already enjoying Boutique-in-Shop locations at The Bay.

I love the wall of yummy capsules… They’re like little gems, with the flavours indicated by the colour of the capsules. 

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The multi-level Montreal location boasts a full-service espresso bar, and offers different espresso-based recipes that guests can enjoy along with a tempting menu and seasonal specials prepared by Chef Giovanni Apollo of Le Traiteur. Makes for an exotic alternative to the soup n’ sandwich combo at trusty old Tim Hortons. icon wink nespressos new montreal boutique bar

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Photos by Judith A. Richard

beautiful bodum

bodum beautiful bodumI love the simplicity of Bodum`s designs. The YOHKI storage jar with chrome lid (featured left), is perfect for storing flour, sugar and pasta and is perfect for blending into any countertop. The CHAMBORD French press coffee maker with metal lid (pictured right) is so elegant. I can just smell the aroma in the air and it makes me think of sipping coffee at a patisserie in Paris. Except that I don`t drink coffee.

Bodum products can be found at Home Outfitters and select The Bay stores across Canada. Or at Bodum stores in Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, China, Japan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Australia … you know … if you`re going.

barista secrets revealed!

800esxl espresso barista secrets revealed!Having the right tools to do the job helps, but doesn’t always guarantee success… Take espresso, for example. Breville’s beautiful die-cast espresso machine gets you halfway to caffeinated ecstasy, but after plugging it in, it’s up to you, barista! That’s why Breville’s launched a series of awesome instructional videos on their website: comprehensive, step-by-step instructions that take the mystery out of preparing the perfect latte, along with other tips and tricks from the masters of the bean. 

Die-cast espresso machine 800ESXL

Price: $500

Available at: Breville, 866-273-8455