Sam James Coffee Bar

I went to Sam James Coffee Bar for the first time, and I was so impressed with their decaf. I've had some feeble decaffinated slush before, but this was different. My friend, Ben, who's eating the muffin above replied, 'Well yah, it's decaf. He (Sam) will still try and make it good.' Sam James offers other items as well, like 'new school' items with vanilla and soy lattes, and 'old school' classics, like americanos and lattes. Their locations are a bit tucked away in the city, but it's worth it. So worth it. 

Enjoy!

Jen.

Sam James Coffee Bar

297 Harbord Street + 688a Bloor Street W.

Mon-Fri 7-7, Sat 8-6, Sun 9-5

(photos with my camera phone)

manic coffee: on a casual saturday

Beautiful latte art. Coffee by Intelligentsia (Award-winning Chicago roasters)

For those days of double fisting, this is a way to do it with a touch of beauty.

Much love over the long weekend!
Ish and Jen

Manic Coffee

426 College St @ Bathurst and College

Monday – Friday: 7 am – 7 pm

Saturday, Sunday: 8am – 8pm

amazing macarons: La Bambouche Patisserie

... so as you can see from the bite marks in photo above, it's really hard to resist the macarons. Macarons that are made well have been really hard to find in Toronto, but I became a believer when I found La Bambouche! And they make awesome gifts! Perhaps for Mothers Day. Perhaps for Treat Yourself Day (everyday?) It's up to you.

The pastry artists/owners of this patisserie, Stephan Nason, was trained in French pastries, as well as Japanese cuisine. They specialize in fusion desserts, which is how you ended up with Asian flavors in a French pastry, like: 

Green tea and mango macaron tastes like their respective ice cream flavors. Which is awesome.

And ume (which is apparently pickled plum) with a sake filling actually tastes like sake! It's definitely odd to find it in dessert, but it's got a kick.

La Bambouche also has classic macaron flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, and my all time favorite:

 Just thinking about it makes me giddy. Hehehehehe!

La Bambouche has a patio just around Yonge and Elginton, which is ideal for coffee dates as the weather warms up since their lattes aren't bad either:

So until next time: 

There will be more flavors to try!

Much sunshine, 

Jen.

Photos by Jennifer Xu

La Bambouche

4 Manor Road East (+1 other location)

416-481-6735

Mon - Thurs: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Fri - Sat: 8:00 AM  - 11:00 PM

Sun:  8:00 AM  -   8:00 PM