Far from a heap of rock sailing in circles (ok, ellipses) beyond Pluto, this piece actually has something to do with Coffee. Though it may come as a surprise to many loyal CoffeeCrewers, Colin has at one time expressed affection for a little place in Ontario that did not bear either of the names “EveryDay Gourmet Coffee and Tea” or “Krispy Kreme.” If such a place did indeed exist, it wasn’t going to be easy to find: it had moved. This elusive place is named Planet Coffee, and is one of the few establishments in Ottawa to have received the CoffeeCrew seal of approval.

The Hidden Planet

Ok, so it’s time to get off my duff and bring promised knowledge of the secret location to the ever-massing ranks of the Ottawa coffee aficionados. To be fair, they did keep their old phone number. This simple, logical course of action would have revealed their new digs to the more astute … but then what’s life with out a little mystery?

 Planet Coffee deserves to be a fixture in the Byward Market, indeed it likely already is: owing to its ten-year history and evidenced by a steady stream of customers. They can be found tucked away between York and George - a scant block from their previous location - within a recent next-generation apartment complex named Clarendon Lanes. I can perhaps be forgiven for not finding them right away, having previously visited the once vacant site as it began to woo prospective tenants looking for a market address in the middle of all the action. I turned aside from the apartments; they looked rather nice but were fundamentally show without real substance.

 The story is much the opposite with Planet, as I’m sure their customers would attest. If it weren’t for the bright orange sign and the occasional patron sipping on the patio out front, they’d be easy to miss, blending into the open alley that borders the development. There are growing signs of life in this otherwise unremarkable space, such as a new outdoor theatre bringing the best of French film to the public this past summer.

 When I happened in, I was greeted warmly by Kyla and Genevieve behind the counter. I happened upon them in a brief lull and they made me welcome, being more than happy to humour my questions. In short order, however, the door was opening rather frequently. Obviously others had experienced less trouble in relocating their favourite coffee haunt.

 Inside, the atmosphere is a little cosier. An attention to the varying needs of their customers has become more and more important, explains Kyla. In order to survive, today’s café must provide more than good coffee and espresso. They must provide an atmosphere that accommodates their clientele, giving them a reason to keep coming back. Much of their traffic, quickly served, wandered back on their way to their ultimate destination, carrying with them their daily fix. Others who needed a quick break from their rounds were greeted by handy pedestal tables, just enough room to dress their beverage and sit back a moment, contemplating the ingredients in the enticing Planet coffeecake. Those wanting to sink down into a longer stay were accommodated further back, away from the bustle at the door.

 Long gone are the days when everyone just wanted a decent cup. Many still do, but these days Planet’s customers are opting for more refined beverages such as well prepared lattés and americanos. In the quest for personal identity, more and more patrons are defining their uniqueness through their choice of beverage. It becomes important, obviously, that the staff at Planet know what they are doing in order to meet the exacting orders of their customers.

 I initially took their small assortment of whole bean coffees to mean that the market for these was small. Not so, says Planet. In fact, a growing number of customers are purchasing beans. You see, these guys understand that coffee needs to be fresh and their customers must appreciate this. Elsewhere in the market and down Rideau, you will find several store owners invested in the coffee craze, touting to have the “world’s best/freshest coffee.” Unfortunately, most of them don’t seem to have a clue. Planet is to be lauded for their devotion to selling fair trade coffees exclusively, offering fresh product from a local roaster by the name of Equator.

 Equator is a growing phenomenon in the Ottawa valley, available in just about any neck of the woods including, amazingly, most surrounding rural communities. I was surprised one day to first stumble across them in Bonnie Jane’s Scones in Arnprior, an hour west of the city. I had previously had no idea that they existed and was astounded to find them there. This is changing rapidly as they have more than doubled sales in the past two years. I have had great success with their beans, with one exception owing as much to my equipment as to the product itself. Planet uses their dark roast Ethiopian exclusively in their espresso, providing a darker profile than, say, Columbian. On one occasion, this was perhaps a little too dark and losing a bit of the overall palate for my taste.

 No, I haven’t yet tried their coffeecake but it both looks and sounds delicious: a sour-cream chocolate cake laced with pecans if memory serves. I look forward to returning in order to correct the deficit.