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Victoria: Caffe Fantastico experience - 2008/05/17 20:30Just landed on the shores of Vancouver Island and set down roots sans beans. On the advice of a friend I visited the Kings Street Caffe Fantastico. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was kind of thinking I would get the "too cool for school" brush off you can expect from cafes in Vancouver, my home town.
This was not the case --dude at the counter took my request for beans seriously and gave me the run down on them and showed me samples of each. Although I was a bit distracted by my 3 year old daughter's distraction of the funky clientelle he patiently took care of my request for a half pound of the house beans and a half of the Guatemalan espresso and passed along my request for an americano to the barista. By the time we were done there was a steadily growing line at the counter --everyone bearing cups and mugs of their own --in fact one customer had a jam jar. Turns out you get charged an extra 25c for a shop supplied cardboard container --good for locals but not so good for poor bozos like me who don't know the scoop. Next time I will though, which is the point I reckon.
I rushed home and fired up my Isomac Tea --which promptly blew the SSR, sending great gouts of steam out of every crack as the safety valve released the pressure. It took me a while but I finally unpacked my backup machine, a La Cimbali Domus Dosatron -not a great machine but adequate for the purposes. I wasted a few shots dialing in my grinder and re-familarizing myself with the Domus, but finally pulled a couple adequate ounces.
The only thing I wish is I hadn't been so distracted by my daughter --the little darlin' --the Guatemalan was roasted just about a week before.. wish I ahd asked before buying. It's just a tad oldish for me as it'll not be finished for a couple of weeks --particularly with the Tea on the fritz.
Kind of wonder if dude was testing me as he asked if I wanted to have the beans ground ---I think I must have sputtered my refusal pretty adamantly as he kind of grinned at my response.
-PeteT
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colin
Admin Admin
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Re:Victoria: Caffe Fantastico experience - 2008/06/23 10:47I do not think a day passes when I do not take a moment and give thanks to the likes of; Habit Coffee & Culture, Buon Amici's, Cafe Fantastico and Discovery Coffee - without which the coffee scene in Victoria could very well be quite dull.
In my eyes, the people; John and Logan and crew of DISCO, Sean D. of Habit Culture and Ryan, Christie and Co of CF and Derek and Gina of Buon Amici's - are the true stars of coffee culture in this city.
Next time you walk into any of these places, the 1st thing you should say is: Thank-you!
Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website
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mengels
User Coffee Lover
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Re:Victoria: Caffe Fantastico experience - 2008/06/24 18:39Where is mention of 2% Jazz here? Like Discovery, there is no snobbery there - just plain great shots and service with a smile.
Mark Bubby Rose's Bakery (we're working on it!)
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colin
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Re:Victoria: Caffe Fantastico experience - 2008/06/24 18:45OOps! I forgot to mention 2% Jazz and the
GODFATHER OF ESPRESSO IN VICTORIA...
Mark Engels!!!!
The Godfather of ISLAND Espresso being Geir Oglend.
Do not mess with the godfathers.Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website
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mengels
User Coffee Lover
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Re:Victoria: Caffe Fantastico experience - 2008/06/25 19:59I am no godfather - although someone once threatened me with a visit from Fat Tony...
I just love coffee, coffee bars (not all of 'em) and the potential of coffee culture.
Now, about that chili...
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obvious
User Junior Barista
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Re:Victoria: Caffe Fantastico experience - 2008/07/17 18:09I've had beans given to me from 2% and they were very very very fantastic, although I think Caffe Fantastico's beans are even more fantastic.
I tried Discovery last week --very nicely decorated, but a bit too much 'tude from staff and beans I bought weren't great, not bad, just not great.
We wandered into Bubby Rose Bakery in Cook St Village a few weeks ago and visited every chance we can get since. The pain au chocolat are to die for. I'm not a big fan of sandwiches in general, but at BR they're are amazingly delicious. The Mocha house close by isn't bad either although I think I get better coffee at home.
-Pete
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I tried Discovery last week --very nicely decorated, but a bit too much 'tude from staff and beans I bought weren't great, not bad, just not great.
-Pete
Yea. They either love you or hate you there... Thankfully. These days they love me... but that could change... Generally when first time customers walk into Disco, they are generally greeted with a "WE HATE YOU!" (I am kidding...)they are all professional and caring.
In my case, I get a "Hi Colin..." in that sing-song Mommy voice... like "Billy! Dinner!"
I could write a book on the cafe scene in Victoria - each chapter illustrating the quirks of each joint and the people that run them...
Yea... A book... now there's an idea worth thinking about.Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website
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GROUND coffee is fresh for about an hour.
Ditch the pre-ground coffee and grind it yourself.
Your espresso is never going to be right if you use pre-ground.
Sad reality....
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