Crema (53 Bloor St E)

I think I blogged about this cafe before and it's greatness. Since the last time I was here they've installed a Clover coffee machine. I had to try it because I don't think I have before.

I chose the Guatemala - La Bosa brew which is described as having tropical floral notes with round texture with essence of rose hips, tangerine flavours with bright acidity (cleans your palette) and a 'jammy' sweetness.

One sip and I'm in HEAVEN. This is super complex coffee - it's like a fine wine - there's a lot going on with the flavours - wow! I do pick up most of the provided flavours from above.

Overall this is damn good coffee - it kicks drip brewed coffee's ass!

Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard St E)

I have a long list of cafes that I've been told I must go to and the list keeps growing. En route to Cabbagetown today I stumbled upon Mylk Uncookies and what a unique place it is! It's needless to say, but my friend and I didn't make it to C-Town once we found this place.

The cafe is clean and simplistic in design... but not pretentious. Really refreshing actually.

I ordered up an Americano which was bang on delicious and my buddy and I shared a chili chocolate cookie. I love the combination of dark cocoa and the heat of the chili, it's great. By the way all the pastries here are vegan.

Their espresso machine is very unique, it must be the first one I've seen of this kind. It's a Victoria Arduino Adonis and what a piece of art and design it is!

The service here was excellent and I'd happily return again.

Music Garden Cafe (466 Queens Quay W)

Appropriately named, this cafe is located adjacent to the Toronto music garden (a very nice park) in the Queens Quay West area.

The staff are friendly and I over heard them talking about pulling a quality espresso shot - music to my ears (no pun intended). The decor is cool - fresh and modern. They have these big orange chairs at the front, which are very welcoming.

The Americano I ordered was great. The dark roast espresso is solid - smooth and a bit roasty - mellow throughout.

Two big pluses are the Martin Goodman trail and a BIXI station - both located directly across from this place - so it's a perfect stop on a bike ride.

It was a nice touch that one of the employees came around and asked everyone how they were doing. I would come back here - attention to details means a lot.

Cafe Crepe (507 Church St)

I always admire a cafe that takes their coffee passion to the next level by roasting their own beans in-house. And that's a big reason why I keep coming back here - to buy fresh roasted beans that I grind at home. Their French Roast is awesome - really a great anytime full-bodied blend.

The crepes here are really nice too - they have everything from sweet to savoury. They also have a large selection of home-made pastries. The chocolate croissants are to die for!

This place is a refreshing hangout and my favourite place to buy fresh roasted coffee beans.

The Cafe on Main (1455 Pelham St, Fonthill)

Back in my hometown and this area is dominated by Tim Hortons, so thought I'd check out the relatively new local cafe.

This place already has become known as a cultural hangout for artists (local art is on the walls), musicians (every Thursday is open mic night), and food (local sourced offerings) - rather then for its coffee. I found the coffee (its flavoured, ugh) sub par, but the atmosphere was great - I could have been in a bustling Toronto cafe, that's how authentic it felt. You don't get this environment at Tim Hortons.

I think it's quant and fits in well with the newly refurbished old downtown of Fonthill. We found a new gelato place called Village Gelato - walking distance just up the street and this was a perfect place to visit after the Cafe on Main.

Lettieri (Adelaide St E @ Victoria St)

Many of the shops bearing this name have been converted to Hero burgers, but this location is still alive and busy.

I always liked this 'Made in Toronto' cafe chain. Their decor is still fresh and chic - very designer-ish - clean lines and vibrant colours.

They must buy their beans locally as the Expresso flavour tastes really familiar to me. This coffee reminds me of the one I had at Te Aro Roasters in Lesleyville during the coffee passport tour.

My only critique is that they are selling pizzas now - I imagine this is a scheme to increase sales, but it doesn't fit. It detracts from the cafe experience and tells me they aren't as serious about coffee as they used to be.

Balzac's (Distillery Historic District)

I always mistake this place as being the original location then I remember that that it's in Stratford. The Distillery shop has so much character that it's easy to come to this conclusion and think it's been there forever.

I'm back to a double espresso and because I'm here at Balzac's I must order an irresistible 'magic bar' - these are crack cocaine to me! It's a combo of chocolate, coconut, marshmallows, salty, caramel-nuttiness and I don't know what else - but it's pure heaven.

The espresso here is very good. Extra dark and roasty. I appreciate the quality that goes into roasting these beans in house. Superb.

Now, let me be alone with this tasty magic bar, it's soooo damn good.