A mechanic shop converted cafe - Cafe La foret

Super spacious interior

I grew up around this area and way back in the day, this used to be a car mechanic shop. It has recently been converted to a coffee shop/ cafe and HOLY SMOKES did it breathe a new life into this place. This has got to be one of the most spacious coffee shops I've ever been to. From the outside, you can't really tell that this is a cafe with the exception of the logo that says "La Foret" which according to my French friends mean "the Forest".
   Walking inside, you will see how spacious this place really is, there are tons of seats and a really high ceiling (maybe this is why they call it "the Forest"... hinting that you need to be as tall as a tree to hit the ceiling...). The decor such the Chewbaca and Han Solo paintings on the side really itches the nerd inside of me. There is ample natural lighting such as ceiling high windows, and roof top windows which I really liked. I also like the plants they have in the island at the middle, and how tidy it is.
   Food wise, this place have an Asian twist on the food. They serve things like squid ink bread, coffee buns and other types of Asian style bread. I did notice the price here for food is a bit on the higher end (for comparison, a piece of croissant is $2.50 but the portion is small and you can get a similar one for slightly cheaper else where). I do have to admit, their baked goods are presented really well and it makes you want to buy it based on how well they present it.

   Besides baked goods, they also serve an assortment of soups, sandwiches and crepes. All of the prices are fair, but because of the portion size, I would say things are slighter on the higher end. That said, that markup probably comes in the form of a trade-off for a good venue. When I was here, all I had was a cup of coffee. It's around 2 dollars for a cup of coffee, which is average priced. However, the portion is smaller compared to other places that offer the coffee that's priced the same.
    Overall, this place is the best for the venue. It's spacious and great to meet with your friends. I have to note that it gets pretty busy here. There are signs on the wall that says they have a 2 hour time limit on the weekend (honestly, I don't know how they are going to enforce that). The decor is cool and I would definitely come back again.



 

Substitute your hash brown for any baked goods for free! (Tim Horton's No. 3 Road)

Across the street from Aberdeen center and Canada Line Station (Aberdeen), this Tim Horton's is in a very convenient location. This Tim Hortons is relatively new, yet from the outside it looks slight vintage and old because of it's beige colour. They do have a drive thru lane that was nestled within the end of the parking lot.
  What was strange was that this Tim Hortons was in the middle of a concentration of shops that featured Asian cuisine. In a way, it sort of stood out.
  It was pouring rain when my friend and I arrived and surprisingly on a weekday, it was really busy we almost couldn't find a parking spot. Walking into the restaurant, you can tell that the restaurant was relatively new. The ordering counter was big and they had an assortment of baked goods behind the counter. It was abit different that the traditional Timmy Ho's where you have the baked goods at the front enclosed in a glass case.
  I already had breakfast, so I just wanted something light because I was going to go airplane watching (You can check out my aviation blog under the "YVR Spotter" heading). They said on the menu that the Turkey Sausage English Muffin was less than 350 calories. I decided to give that a try. I also wanted to get a cup of coffee and knowing that with a coffee and a breakfast sandwich, I could get a discount if I got a combo. The downside about their combos is that the combos come with hash browns (which contains a lot of sodium and carbs) and it wasn't able to be substituted for anything else (or so I thought).
   It was then I thought, maybe I should asked if I can substitute the hash brown for anything else and to my surprise, I could! So then I asked:  "What is the baked goods with the least amount of fat?". Ans: "maybe you can try a muffin". At that instant I laughed really hard. The muffins probably have more calories than the entire combo plus the breakfast sandwich. The cashier laughed too because we both knew that she was telling the truth because compared to the donuts, the unfortunate thing is that the muffins (which is like 450 calories each) is probably less fatty.
   In the end I settled for a tea biscuit (which I saved for later). In total, I spent about $5.60 on the entire meal, which I say is a pretty good deal. I would definitely come back again if I was in the area).

Found myself a new place to have coffee/ chillax (JJ Beans Burrard/ Marine Building)

I think I just found myself a new favourite coffee shop. Located in the ground floor of the Marine Building, JJ Beans is one of the classiest coffee shops in Downtown Vancouver. The Marine building itself has a very rich historical significance (read more here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Building). Built in 1930, at the time it was opened, the Marine building was the tallest building in the British Empire. The decor was not changed much since it's opening, so coming into this building is like stepping back in time on a time machine. This building itself is a heritage protected building.

Lower Level of the coffee shop

From the outside, I thought to myself "man, this coffee shop must be really old", but I was wrong. The outside appearance of the Marine Building is deceptive when it comes to the actual coffee shop. When I pushed open the vintage looking entrance of JJ Bean, I was impressed with the interior decor. It didn't really have the ancient feel of the Marine Building, but it takes on its own unique feel. The coffee counter and bakery counter looks very retro with it's mahogany coloured finishing. The baked goods were all placed neatly in the display case, and coffee beans all placed in containers.

Staircase leading upstairs

They are very organized and the baked goods looked so good and gourmet that I was hungry immediately gazing upon them I had to resist my temptation because I just ate lunch. That said, I did get myself a cup of Americano. To my surprise, the price for a medium was only $2.15. Compared to Starbucks, it's the same price, but the taste of JJ Bean's Americano is much better. The coffee had a really wholesome and rich taste to it.
Besides the good coffee, this location have quite a few chairs and tables to sit at. There are a few large tables on the ground floor and also a few more upstairs. Eventhough the tables themselves are very small, overall it is still a good place to drink coffee/ read a book (if it's not too busy). The only thing I would caution against is reading the washroom signs correctly. Not sure if it was because I was tired, or because the men's and women's sign look similar. I accidentally used the wrong washrooms when I was there and when I came out, I got a few stares... I wondered why people were looking at me funny when I noticed that I used the wrong washrooms... That said, I would definitely recommend this coffee shop to anyone. Even if you are not drinking in (not sure what you would call dining in at a coffee shop, so drinking in should do for now), I would still recommend getting their coffee!

In France, they say "bon café" (Baguette & Co French Bakery & Cafe)

I think this is the first bakery that I've been to in Vancouver that is actually French. It was a rainy afternoon and my friend and I were looking for a place to sit down, have coffee and also work on an assignment that was due. There were many places in the area we were in, but all of them seem to be full. When we walked by Baguette & Co, we were immediately attracted by their wide assortment of baked goods.
   The moment we decided to go in, we were greeted by the barista who was extremely friendly. We had a conversation and she told me that they bake all of their baked goods freshly everyday. I noticed that many of their baked goods are pretty special. For example, they had a few varieties of croissants. The one that was very attractive was the chocolate croissants. Not only was the shape different but the layer and texture of it seemed to be really well made as well. My friend decided to get a croissant while I got a cup of Americano Coffee.

  The price of the Americano was pretty decent, at about $2.50 for a medium. I should also note that what I liked was that they didn't decide to give their cups a bunch of random names like how some places would call their cup sizes after words from other languages that are confusing. Their coffee sizes were purely small, medium, large. That said, they don't have a big assortment when it comes to drinks. It's not like Starbucks/ Blenz where they have hundreds of drinks. it seems like Baguette & Co only have at most 12 types.
Besides the croissants, they also have a wide range of baked goods and desserts. I noticed in a separate display fridge, they have little snacks that were $1.25 each and you get a discount if you buy more. They also have more of the traditional types of breads like baguettes (which makes sense because it's a French bakery and it would be silly to call themselves Baguette and Co if they didn't have baguettes), bread loaves and traditional buns. The prices are fair, but I find that the price is slightly on the higher side when it comes to the baked goods. That said, they do make their baked goods instore. Compared to alot of the major coffee chains where they make their baked goods in a huge factory and attention to detail is sometimes non-existent, the price difference isn't too bad.
  The only downside to this place is that the location is very small, so it is not ideal for parties that are too big. Otherwise, I highly recommend Baguette and Co.

Mercante (UBC)

I am impressed, UBC Food's newest food outlet is more than just a food outlet but almost more like a restaurant. The Pandosa commons just opened up and it was very close to where I had class so I decided to check it out and grab a bite to eat.
From the outside, you can see that the inside is specially designed, the lighting reminded me of Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It looks slightly dark with lights that were abit yellow in colour.
What is really special about this place is that the main feature is Italian food. They have a huge flame oven (I think that's what they are called, the ones where you put a pizza in and the flames inside will cook it). Not only did the oven add on to the authentic feel of the place, the way the people preparing the food were dressed also added to the touch. The chefs making the pizza were all wearing the full white garments that you see a chef would usually wear.
 The food selection here is pretty special too. Because the theme is Italian, they have quite abit of selection such as hand made pizza ( like you can see them making the pizza and working on the dough) and pasta. In addition, they also have an assortment of baked goods like biscotti that you wouldn't usually find at a UBC food outlet.
With regards to drink, it didn't seem like this place had anything special. Because all of the UBC food places seem to use the same machine to prepare their coffees/ handcrafted drinks, the selection of drinks are the same. The taste is also similar as well. Overall, I like this place, it is abit on the busier side when it comes to student traffic, but it is definately worth it to give their pizza or pasta a try.

UBC Law Cafe

Out of all of the UBC food outlets, this outlet is probably one of the smaller understaffed ones. They usually only have one person working behind the till. (Or atleast everytime I visit, there is only 1 staff member) That said, with one staff member, the staff needs to prepare things like rice, handcrafted drinks, as well as ring in the tills. When it comes to variety of foods, they have what every UBC food outlet offers, such as sandwiches, salads made by Thinkfood. They also have bottled drinks such as Odwella juice and soft drinks. So pretty much everything and anything you would expect at a food outlet run by UBC.
However, what is really special about this place, is that they have a cabinet of baked goods that you don't see at other UBC food outlets. They way they organized the cabinet really makes the breads inside look fresh. Not only does the baked goods look good, they have a good variety of pastries and baked goods too. From an assortment of scones (like cheese, apple scones) to croissants (ham and cheese, chocolate to name a few) to some Danish Pastry, there are so many to choose from.
When I was there today, I decided to get the chocolate banana cake. For about $2.00 for a piece of cake that's generous in size, it is totally worth the value. The taste is average but abit on the overly sweet side for me. Actually a funny thing, after I took a bite of the cake, I wanted to balance out the sugary after taste in my mouth with something bitter like coffee.
So I went back to get coffee. But the thing is, it's abit late in the afternoon and I didn't want to put caffine in my body (or else I'll be up all night jumping like a monkey), so I asked for a decaf. Unfortunately, they don't have decaf unless you get the latte or cappuccino, which costs over $3.00 for a small. Honestly, I think $3.00 for a small latte that is machine made is abit too much for me. I decided to wash the cake down with water instead... But the water coming out of the water fountain was slightly yellow looking. Sat the end of the day, I just ended up eating the cake with nothing. Talk about going around in a huge circle to be back at where you started eh?

Starbucks Caramel Flum Latte

I got an email from the Starbucks Rewards Program that I was eligible to recieve a free Caramel Flun Latte for free, so I decided to go to Starbucks after working out at the gym between my classes. I decided to go to the Starbucks at the University Village because it was after lunch time, and I predicted that there would be less people there. I was right, I barely waited in line. This Starbucks is probably the largest Starbucks (if you don't consider the one in the Student Union Building with the seats of the Pacific Spirit Place as part of Starbucks) location on campus.
They have a huge table in the middle with plenty of tables at the side too. They also have tables outside, but it is not really useful for rainy days. When I went to the cashier, she was very nice and friendly. I think this is the norm at Starbucks because I don't ever recall running into a rude Barista. I asked for my Flum Latte and I gave her my coupon. Because I am running and training for the 2014 Vancouver Marathon, I asked her if I can have the no-whip, half syrup version of it.
 When I took the first sip, I must say half syrup was still slightly sugary, but I really like the flavour. It was definately abit more full when it comes to flavour compared to the plain expresso. Without whip cream, it tasted pretty awesome. However, if someone asked me to pay $4.50 for this small (or they would call it "tall") cup of coffee, I think it is abit on the expensive side.

Second Cup Coffee (Park Royal)

It was late in the afternoon and a caffeine boost was called for. I was on my way home from Horseshoe bay and I remember that the last time that I was here, there was construction all around and I wanted to see if the construction is finished. I hopped off the bus and went to Second Cup Coffee first. I noticed that they have a wide selection of coffee and you can choose the decaf version of almost anything. (I usually drink decaf because it has less caffeine than regular coffee). I just got an Americano. The price is pretty fair, and the taste of coffee is comparable to Starbucks. With respect to the seating however, there really isn't many seating. I would say this place is the best for people who are on the Go.

Blenz Coffee (VGH/Broadway)

After I left the Vancouver General Hospital, I decided I needed a caffine boost. I never tried Blenz coffee (I know, I live in Vancouver but never had Blenz...), there is one just across the street on Broadway. It is very nice and cozy. The coffee shop itself is very small, but it is cozy. There are a few couch seats, and a few seats that are elevated (I am not sure what they are called...). then a line of couch and chairs in front of the coffee counter.
   I ordered a regular Americano and had them put it in a large cup. The taste is pretty average and the price was fair too (in comparison with Starbucks). The washroom at this coffee shop is pretty interesting, they have 2 door handles on the washroom door. I am not sure why they would need two because only the top one works, and the bottom one I guess used to work... Thinking of it, it would be cheaper to leave the old handle there and confuse the daylights out of people than to fill it up and put in a new handle in the location of the old one...

Mattus Coffee (Willowbrook Mall)

I was on my way to Starbucks for my caffine boost of the day when Mattus Coffee caught my eye. The decor and the coffee shop itself is slightly clustered, but I really like the feel of the coffee shop. There are not many tables to sit at, and the seats are pretty small too. They have this feel to them that is hard to describe, but the mahogany of the furniture really give it an antique feel to it. The only concern that I have is that many of the things they have in the store is made of ceramics, it seems like an accident would knock things over pretty easily.
When it comes to the food, I really like the many types of coffee they have. Today when I went I had the decaf hazelnut coffee (ok, I know I said I need my caffine boost, but usually the decaf has caffine in it too) and the price was pretty fair as well. The coffee smelled so good and was full of flavour. I would definitely come back here again.

Caffè Artigiano

I always see this place when I pass by it on the 99 Bline but I never gotten a chance to go in. I was in the neighbourhood to visit VGH when I was feeling sleepy so I decided to grab a cup of coffee. The decorations of the inside has slightly a festive yet vintage feel to it. The coffee tables are set up in a way where people sit on the sides of the coffee shop and the middle is an open walk way that leads you to the counter.
   I must say their counter is abit confusing because I usually recognize the cash till as the place where you go pay... But for the they have two counters that are separated but no cash till to be seen. That said, it is sort of self explanatory once you notice that one of the counters have all of the coffee and coffee grinders and stuff while the other had the little display with sandwiches and snacks that the one with sandwiches and snacks is the counter you would pay. That said if the line up was long, I'd imagine it would be slightly confusing.
   I decided to grab a cup of expresso, all of their expressos (regardless of the size) contains 2 shots. I usually like my coffee not as heavy so I decided to get the grande. I must say, the way they organize their cups is interesting too. The small is what they call "regular' while the medium is grande and large is large. For some reason when you choose a size that's not a "regular" size not sure if it implies that you aren't regular! Haha
   That said, the cup of expresso is pretty fairly priced at $2.90 and I would come back again if I'm around.

Caffe Perugia

      Like all of the UBC Foods Outlets, you can get most of the foods offered at UBC Foods, like the Salads, baked goods, sandwiches. However, what make Perugia different is that it is one of the biggest outlets of UBC foods, it is an actual restaurant with a closed section for people to eat their food.

    They offer a full service coffee counter that you can get hand made drinks in as well. In addition to the regular Allegero coffee offered at all UBC Food joints, they also have Decaf coffee. Today I took my own stainless steel cup to grab a cup of coffee. I guess it depends on the day, sometimes their coffee tastes slightly dilute, but today it was really nice and full of flavour. 

If you are a UBC Student, I find that it is cheaper to load money on to your UBC Card because you save the GST, also bringing your own cup gives you a discount as well. Be sure to ask for a coffee card because if you buy 12 cups of coffee or 12 cups of handmade drinks, you get one for free.

Breka Bakery

  I really like the appearance of this Bakery, from the outside if you cover up the seating section and just look at the counter, you'll see racks of bread at the background and cakes and delicious baked goods at the counter up front. They sell a wide variety of baked goods from cakes to bread to sandwiches.
   Personally I really like their chocolate pudding cake, it's a tad on the sweet side but compared to alot of the cakes that you would get at the supermarket, their cakes tastes more home made rather than the factory like taste you get with the cakes that are made by supermarkets. 
   That said, I also like the bread loaves that they make, it doesn't really taste like anything special compared to other breads that you would get at a bakery but I guess all breads taste similar unless they are made with sour dough or a special process or with special ingredients. 
    Besides baked goods, they also have some made entrees like paninis, sandwiches and rolls. I haven't personally tried them, but when I was there, my friend got a steak sandwich. She said it was very good, giving it a rating of 10/10. I don't really hear her give such high ratings usually so I would take her word for it when she says they are good.
    That said, the coffee that they sell tastes pretty regular, there wasn't anything special to it. The flavour wasn't too thick nor was it too bland. The prices however, for a cup or coffee or even baked goods was on the expensive side though. A cup of coffee (small) was abit over $2, compared to Starbucks who's coffee is only $1.70.
    Also, when it comes to seating, the bakery seems to not have enough seats. There is this huge long table in the middle of the customer section and then small tables on the side for people to sit in as well. These side tables, I find are abit uncomfortable and over all it's abit cramped. If you are looking for a seat, I would recommend coming earlier to make sure you get a seat or prepare to sit outside. That said, I would definately come back and visit again.

Blue Chip Cookies (UBC)

      This is one of my most favourite places on campus and anywhere in Vancouver to grab coffee and baked goods. Unlike major coffee chains, all of the baked goods are made in-house and taste hand made. Compared to the ones at major food chains, where the food is made in factories, the baked goods at Blue Chip Cookies is higher in quality.
       Not only are the quality of the baked goods better, but there are more selection at Blue Chip Cookies too. They have different types of pastries like Spinach croissants (they call it something that starts with F and with a double C in there somewhere but I don't remember what it's called), they also have muffins that are pretty good. I also like their scones as well. Mind you, I've noticed almost all of their baking involves butter so if you are on a diet, be careful of the portions you are having. That said, the pricing of the baked goods are pretty fair too.
      Besides baked goods, they also have a variety of coffee. They feature different kinds of blends in all different sizes (like 8oz,12oz,16oz, 20oz... Etc). The coffee that they brew is by ReSIProcate which is a coffee company that sells fair trade coffee. The pricing is great, you can get a 8oz cup of coffee for $1.25 and then if you bring your own cup you get $0.25 off!
     I would recommend this coffee shop for anyone who's on the go (but it wouldn't be good if you wanted to sit down because there aren't chairs and tables that you can sit at,  though, the Student Union Building do have chairs and tables. 
TIP:
They have a coffee card so that when you buy 10 cups you get 1 free (if you bring your own cup). Also, if you come early enough, they have yesterday's baking in a basket and everything's $1.25.