Dineen Coffee Co
I missed Dineen coffee the last time around, but was close enough this time for it to be my first stop. The warm Bay Area weather made being outside in Toronto a bit of a challenge. But I layered up on three jackets and borrowed a hat and felt alright.
Dineen stands out a bit unlike some of the understated coffee shops that one may be used to. They’ve got a classy exterior in a historic building on Yonge Street, downtown.
![dineen coffee toronto](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7655m-800x533.jpg)
You’re greeted by a busy floor, large brass chandeliers, and elegant columns. This place looks like a classic hotel lobby from the 1920s.
![dineen coffee toronto](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7656m-533x800.jpg)
It was busy in there, with nearly all of the tables full.
They had a selection of pastries and parfaits and sandwiches, and also a nice wall of syrups, coffees and teas available for purchase.
![dineen coffee toronto](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7659m-533x800.jpg)
The espresso tasted classic, much like the vibe of the cafe. The baristas were especially friendly here, and while I was taking photos reminded me to tag them if I put mine up on Instagram. And I did!
![dineen coffee toronto](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7658m-533x800.jpg)
Milano Espresso Bar
Milano Espresso Bar just opened about a week ago. They have a neat space on Adelaide St that felt.. springlike. I wouldn’t have known it existed if I hadn’t seen their A-frame sign out on the sidewalk.
![cafe milano toronto coffee](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7717m-800x533.jpg)
Christian walked us through the blends that they had available. We opted to try both La Futurra and .. the other one. I can’t remember the name now. Both shots were well-balanced with a more traditional Italian roast profile. We had missed them while on our trip in Vancouver, where Milano Espresso had originated.
![cafe milano toronto coffee](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7720m-800x800.jpg)
Sense Appeal Coffee Roasters
I visited Sense Appeal on Spadina last time. The place was undergoing some renovations and didn’t quite have the same charm as last time. I’ll be back though.
![sense appeal toronto coffee](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7723m-533x800.jpg)
Early Bird Espresso
My favorite spot of the trip was Early Bird Espresso on Queen Street West. I was excited to see that they had espresso from Pilot (a place that I definitely need to see next time) and it was the best I had all trip. It was fairly bright, with a citrusy fruity punch. The wooden serving plate and demitasse were a really nice touch as well. It was quite crowded in there but we were still able to find a table to sit for a few minutes.
Nice neon sign.
![early bird espresso queen street west](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7734m-800x533.jpg)
Cafe St Viateur at Frank and Oak
I wish I’d known about this place earlier. It’s a little cafe at the entrance to the Frank and Oak store on Queen Street West. I saw people doing a cupping through the window and had to stop in out of curiousity. They do cuppings ever Sunday morning. They serve Stumptown but I also saw that they were cupping some 49th Parallel beans. Beautiful aesthetics in there and friendly folks.
![st viateur cafe toronto at Frank & Oak](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7735m-800x533.jpg)
There was bike stuff too.
There were a lot of people on their bikes despite the weather, which apparently did not go above freezing for the entirety of February. This bike looks pretty stuck:
![khs bike stuck in the snow in toronto](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7664m-800x533.jpg)
Here we are along the waterfront trail, heading to the condo-crazy Ebichoke. It was cold, but I felt fine with two pairs of gloves on and my three jackets.
![snowy bike ride toronto along lake ontario](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7783m-533x800.jpg)
Here’s a chunk of ice from Lake Ontario. According to NOAA, about 50% of the lake is covered in ice right now. (If you’re curious, here’s a map with the rest of the lakes as well.)
![ice chunk lake ontario toronto](http://www.clubantietam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_7776m-800x533.jpg)