Anth's Profile
Myriad problems?
Forgot about this point - the 49th packaging changed but the quantities are exactly the same, except inexplicably the decaf espresso is 12oz instead of 16oz. We sell most of the coffees for less than the roaster does themselves, and I don't anticipate having to change that anytime soon. I understand the confusion though, we can fit a lot more bags on our shelves with the new shape.
Pikolo Espresso Bar
Truly excellent place and people, very excited to have another shop like this in the city.
Coffee fiends! Direct your jittery eyes over here, please.
They're popping up recently, I know that Saint Henri Microtorrefacteur brews them and likely sells them, and same goes for Flocon Espresso on Mont Royal. I noticed a couple at Pikolo, a new space opening up next week on Parc just north of Sherbrooke (next to Pullman Wine Bar), but I'm not sure if they plan on retailing them.
Myriade doesn't carry any.
I think they're less common in general because Montreal until recently was a very espresso-centric city, so the demand for manual brewers was considerably less than in some other cities. I wouldn't be surprised if that's changing now, though.
Green Mountain Coffee in Montreal?
The only chance you have at fresh beans at flexible quantities are at cafes or roasters that roast on site every day. Cafes that don't roast keep their beans in sealed valve bags because it's the only way to keep the product fresh. Quantities within the bags are often at the discretion of the roaster, not the cafe.
Having said that, there's nothing wrong with buying a pound and portioning it out in freezer bags to freeze until you're ready to use it.
Caffe Art Java
Definitely not closed for good, closed today instead of yesterday to better suit the office building they're in.
Review of Les trois petits bouchons
far and away my favourite restaurant in the city - great review!
Grindz grinder cleaner
I think Mali carries it, but I've also heard success stories from people who've used minute rice to clean out their grinders. Cheaper and easier to come by :)
Restaurant Openings - 2010
Joliette et Chocolat has a new location on St Laurent and Prince Arthur, though I'm certain someone else must have mentioned it by now (forgive me if this is the case).
I think this changes that neighbourhood, if it succeeds as it surely will, hopefully a shift in the dynamic of that area isn't too unrealistic to hope for.
Strong Coffee Bean Blend
try using a blend you're already familiar with and use a bit more coffee per cup, that should up the brew strength. You can also try grinding a little bit finer or stirring and agitating a bit more (if possible). Good luck!
Meal with Mom: Sparrow Brunch of M sur Masson Lunch
it's six, or at least was when I was there last weekend
Cupcake Camp - Sunday, Nov. 22
I had a blast, I only stayed for about 30 minutes so more people could get in but it was overwhelming! So many cupcakes and smiling people. I'm probably having cupcakes for dinner.
:)
Bad experience art Sparrow
bummer, I live a ways away and probably wouldn't chance it without a reso. Sorry you were treated that way, glad Lemeac worked out for you.
Restaurant Openings - 2009
I also had a pretty bad experience at Gourmet Burger. Tiny burger overcooked and placed on an oversized bun to compensate. Not well seasoned, probably pre-cooked and reheated, and twice the price of Buns or Picks. McKibbons across the street is much, much better.
Trying to find high-end drip coffeemaker in Montreal, no luck
We ordered ours from Transcend coffee in Edmonton, very nice people to deal with.
http://www.transcendcoffee.com/products/3/
Whole Beans in the Latin Quarter/Village
At the moment Myriade is 49th only, and Neve will begin the same way. For what it's worth, they're only waiting on Hydro Quebec and as soon as a more powerful electric panel is hooked up they'll be ready to go.
blind test -- the tastiest milk is...
I've never tried Liberty Bio, but did do a blind tasting with Lactantia, Natrel, Parmalat, and Quebon a year ago and decided Lactantia was the favourite. It's also worth noting that the flavours in milk can change seasonally, I imagine mostly do to with the environmental factors surrounding the cow?
Pintxo
I've eaten here 3 times in the last couple of months, and each has been among the best experiences I've had out in Montreal. Food and service are excellent.
Best Coffee in Montreal?
No stumptown, not much in the way of updosed ristrettos, you might have to expand your horizons a bit while you're here :)
La Montee -- new location, food still excellent
The "degustation citron" is the best dessert I've ever had, that would be my vote for a don't miss.
Plateau Area - Best Brunch
I was at Reservoir last Saturday and today, both times the food was excellent but the service was a bit too hands off. That said, to me their brunch menu is among the most interesting in the city.
