Comments on: i like coffee, i like tea, i like the java jive and it likes me

Question: i like coffee, i like tea, i like the java jive and it likes me

stray — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:12:43 -0800

What are some really nice varieties of coffee beans, and where can I find them in Vancouver?

I'm running out of time for internet shopping, and I'm a tea drinker myself, but someone on my list has expressed a desire for "good coffee".

By: weapons-grade pandemonium

weapons-grade pandemonium — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:19:31 -0800

Kicking Horse. Murchie's.

By: johnsmith415

johnsmith415 — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:19:41 -0800

Bean Around the World is an OK Starbucks alternative in the V dot. They roast their own beans and they often have some pretty interesting blends (they used to roast them at a location near my house until the neighbours complained and made them move...apparently roasting coffee stinks). They've got a few locations, but I know there's one on Sasamat-ish and 10th...

The Starbucks Christmas Blend is pretty good, too...if you don't mind getting something a little more mainstream.

By: acoutu

acoutu — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:20:16 -0800

I'm partial to Torrefazione, which tastes good to me but might not be posh enough for your wishmaker. The Gourmet Warehouse on Hastings has a good selection and good prices. You could also go to Urban Fare but you'll probably pay more for the same stuff.

By: fatllama

fatllama — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:22:02 -0800

Drive south to Seattle! Or order online from one of the best local roasters.

By: johnsmith415

johnsmith415 — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:25:17 -0800

Yeah, I'll second acoutu's recommendation of Torrefazione...BUT, keep in mind they're owned by Starbucks (sad, but true)...

By: The Michael The

The Michael The — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:30:35 -0800

La Colombe. Trendy, but truly the best coffee I've ever had. Daniel Boulud and other restauranteurs have said the same. Not roasted in Vancouver, though; call and see if they can expedite shipping.

By: idiotfactory

idiotfactory — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:40:27 -0800

Jamaican Blue Mountain is the tastiest coffee I've ever had. However, it's pretty expensive ($35+ per pound). It would make a great gift for a coffee fan though. If you want the very best, try to get the variety from the Wallenford Estate.

Pure Kona (Hawaii) coffee is pretty good, too. Just make sure you aren't getting a blend. That one could run you ~$20/pound.

My personal favorite that has a more reasonable price is coffee from Zimbabwe, ~$12/pound. It's pretty acidic, but not bitter at all.

By: normy

normy — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:42:13 -0800

I can't tell you anything about Vancouver, but many African coffees, especially Kenyan, seem very underrated and don't get the love they should, IMHO.

By: pmbuko

pmbuko — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:50:18 -0800

Jamaican Blue Mountain (google returns many options). Pricey, but oh so tasty.

By: echo0720

echo0720 — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:56:28 -0800

My favorite coffee people, Intelligentsia, ship to Canada, and they have recommendations on their site, the site also has a ton of info about coffee and what the different blends/roasts taste like.

By: jkaczor

jkaczor — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:57:45 -0800

Jamaican Blue Mountain.

You can find it at the coffee bean/shop at the Granville Island market. (I forget the name)

A couple years ago, $17 CDN would buy you about 150 grams, enough to do 3-4 pots of coffee.

By: johnsmith415

johnsmith415 — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 14:18:42 -0800

I'm assuming jkaczor is probably talking about the "Granville Island Coffee House"...the only other place that I can think of that has beans in Granvill Island is J.J. Bean (and I doubt they would have Jamaican Blue Mountain)...oh yeah, there's Pedro's something that sells organic beans, too, but I doubt they would have it either.

By: luneray

luneray — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 14:43:43 -0800

Do you know if your friend drinks "generic" coffee and is just looking for something a bit more upscale? Or does she already have fairly established tastes?

If she's just trying to broaden her horizon, so to speak, I'd suggest a sampler pack of various coffees. There are three major coffee regions and beans from each place have a fairly distinctive flavor. Broadly speaking, Latin American coffees tend to have a "bright" flavor, African coffees a deeper, almost wine-like flavor, and Indonesian coffees tend to be very thick, robust, and rich.

If she's used to drinking "generic" coffees, I'd suggest getting the Latin American coffees, either a varietal or a blend. These will be most similar to what she's used to, but better quality. In my experience, people either love or hate the African coffees, no in-between. The flavors of Indonesian coffees are bold enough to stand up to cream and sugar.

You can order online at Starbucks, or Peet's (and you can pick up some great tea for yourself, too!). I'd guess that the other suppliers listed in this thread also have gift packs.

By: sergeant sandwich

sergeant sandwich — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 17:57:06 -0800

i'm a big fan of east african coffee - especially Kenya AAs and ethiopian. also, the best cup of coffee i ever had was in pekanbaru, sumatra - though for whatever reason, whenever i get sumatran coffee in north america it just doesn't do quite the same thing for me.

By: soplerfo

soplerfo — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 18:22:17 -0800

Go for Ethiopian - it's the best.

By: deborah

deborah — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 20:25:33 -0800

The mister votes for Kicking Horse (I don't drink coffee). You can get it at Safeway.

By: turbodog

turbodog — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:34:51 -0800

Roasted coffee stays fresh for 7-10 days only, so I'd recommend buying locally at the very last minute.

By: fionab

fionab — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:46:07 -0800

Murchies!

By: weapons-grade pandemonium

weapons-grade pandemonium — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 23:17:23 -0800

If you want a unique coffee gift, I recommend Fibonacci in Penticton. It's only been open a short time, but they roast excellent coffee. Try the Mona Lisa and David blends. I don't think their website is up yet, but you could phone or email and have some sent down. I guarantee your friend will be pleased.

By: five fresh fish

five fresh fish — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 10:13:34 -0800

Can't say I recommend Kicking Horse all that highly. It's certain leagues better than the swill sold in the grocery store, but there are better beans out there.

I think I'm drinking Saltspring Island at the moment. It's good.

Best coffee evah is from a hole-in-the-wall over at Gibson's Landing. Main street, harbourside.