Nick again. Don't worry, today's blog won't be a diatribe-- just having a mellow afternoon, pulling shots, watching my latte art (finally) get back to speed. Not where it was over the Summer, but it's getting there. More importantly, the shots are pulling beautifully. Which gets me to a point I wanted to make (oh no! we're in diatribe territory!)-- latte art. Being from Vancouver, I've become accustomed to latte art being no big deal. It's something you learn how to do, even take pride in, but not the coup de grace. We're still in the business of making coffee, you know? Latte art is presentation, but that's about it. I guess moving to Toronto has got me thinking again because latte art is still relatively new here, and I feel like a lot of shops are at a crossroads-- some want to forget about it, considering it an excessive, extravagant, and ultimately unnecessary accoutrement. Others want to dive in whole hoard, working so hard at their rosettes that they neglect to notice their espresso just extracted in ten seconds. So I was happy to find out today that in the upcoming, still somewhat nebulous TBA Toronto latte art competition, taste will be a factor. Bring it on! I look forward to pouring dynamite latte art into beautifully extracted shots of espresso (the best part, right?). More info on this bad oscar when it comes. And don't forget, regional CBCs are just down the road...

Hey this is Nick. If I look a little tired today it's because I just arrived from an overnight bus ride back from a long weekend in New York. While I was ostensibly there for academic reasons, I made sure to get some coffee geeking in. For those that don't know, New York has a pretty awesome coffee scene right now, owing a lot to some crucial people at Cafe Grumpy, Ninth Street Espresso, and Gimme! Brooklyn, to say nothing of the great things happening upstate, notably Chris Defario at Carriage House and Gimme's main Ithaca locations. I got the chance to pop into Grumpy's brand new Chelsea location and it was a sight for sore eyes-- two Clovers, a Synesso, and some fantastic selections from Counter Culture Coffee and Ecco Caffe (apparently Ecco's own Steve Ford was in doing a cupping that morning, but I unfortunately missed him). After downing a CCC espresso and a delicious Kenya off of the Clover, I left with a half pound of their Cup of Excellence Nicaragua #8 winner from Luis Vasquez-- compared with the Kenya's fruity dominant notes that veered into tomato soup territory as the cup cooled, the Nicaragua was a pleasant contrast with persistent nuts and caramel and a mellower acidity that gave a very warm, pleasant impression.

Cupping notes aside, the trip gave me an even stronger sense of what can happen when a small number of enthusiastic people get together to build a scene. New York's specialty coffee scene isn't large, but it's growing-- recent New York Times articles and other media attention (Martha Stewart!) has driven the boom, but it has most to do with the positivity and group spirit these guys have built. Different shops aren't competing, they're supporting one another and in turn creating an infectious energy. I want to see this happen in Toronto, and I know it will, but there's still too much fracture and fragmentation-- baristas and owners competing rather than supporting one another (let's not confuse this with barista competitions, which tend to foster mutual respect amongst the coffee community). I for one would like to see more cross-communication, knowledge sharing and support. In a city as big as Toronto, there simply aren't enough top-notch specialty coffee shops for there to be any logic in trash talking and avoidance. Let's make a scene, guys! This goes for anyone out there, if you want to come in and talk coffee, or invite me to check out your shop, hit me up here-- I'm in the shop Mondays and Tuesdays, and I know I can speak for everyone at Mercury, we want to build on something that is already gaining momentum. The Pacific Northwest has been a model for years, but it's inspiring to see a city as close as New York create something in such a short amount of time with such a relatively small group of motivated people. Let's make this happen, Toronto.

Gosh it is COLD out there today!
"Very fresh" Graham might say.
Anyway, ReZ and I are hanging out listening to some cool new tunes (Right now we are playing Johnny and the Moon, Raising the Fawn, and Ugly Casanova) and drinking coffee. If you would like to join in on all the fun you are more than welcome.

Just to let you all know...
Mercury will be featured on CBC's 'Living in Toronto' today at 1pm. If you have a chance to watch it please do, and then feel free to come in and tell me how it went.

That's how we roll,
A - R

I'm obsessed with Tiger Stripes. No I didn't get a new hat. Nor am I trying to push any fashion boundries. I'm talking about the stripes that mark a well poured espresso. If they appear on your next ristretto you won't even have to taste it to know that it'll be delicious. Yet, on the other hand, if the stripes are absent it doesn't necessarily mean that the shot is bad. I wonder why. But bare with me coffee lovers of Mercury, I might take a little more time re-pouring your double espressos just to get that tiger's stripes to appear. Like I said, I'm obsessed right now.

a

Hello this is Eve and as the new addition to Mercury, I feel inclined to let you all in on my exclusive plan to take over and transform the wonderful neighbourhood cafe into a giant ant farm.

But that will not be in a good while, so I presume I might elaborate about myself a little bit. As coffee ranges as one of the several obsessions in my day to day life, I'm really enjoying being part of reinventing people's concept of quality and knowledge and even the joy of simplicity when it comes to the aromatic substance.

I live in the neighbourhood, so working at Mercury has also been a great pleasure and an excellent way to discover my own area all over again. (Nevermind that it has been quite convenient whilst committing to early morning shift.

Alex: So that's Eve everyone. She's a gem isn't she? Using words like 'whilst' should motivate just about anyone to come down and chat with our aspiring barista. Who know what crazy word she'll use next!

love,

Eve and Alex

CoffeeGeek - Is This the End of the Barista?
I just read this article and I must say that it distressed me a little. The labour and commitment it takes to produce great espresso will soon be nothing more than a laughable sidenote when fully automated systems start to improve. Read this article and pray with me, dear reader. Armageddeon is coming.

a

The tamper handles we use here at Mercury are called the Radical Pro. They do look a little strange at first but after a little adjusting, I'm thanking the stars (or whomever decided to order them for us). They encourage proper technique and let me tell you, after pouring 100 or so espresso a day, I need all the help I can get. It simply does not allow shortcuts because of the way it's designed. You could try to fit your palm over it in a pinch but you'll find very quickly that it's really not worth it to cheat. Any barista complaining about carpal tunnel syndrome (or whatever you want to call it) will want one of these. While it doesn't cure anything, it certainly is great preventive measure. No offense to the traditional Reg Barber designs of course.

I would also like to take the time to welcome our newest barista-in-training, Reza. From what I can tell Reza is an eccentric character with an innate ability to pour good espresso. Either that, or I'm a good teacher. I'm inclined to believe the former. ;)

love,
alex

So I come into work today in the morning an I find the Yemen Mocha Matari on this week's feature menu. Coffees from Ethiopia tend to, as the name suggests, have a chocolatey, cocoa-y aroma. This one is certianly no different. There's a wonderful, lingering aftertaste that fills the mouth with a hug. Not just any hug. A hug from our very own Alice. Yes, that's what this coffee tastes like. It doesn't make a great espresso (as most single origins usually don't) but the low notes really combine well with milk. Coming from a non-milk drinker that's saying a lot.

happy Christmas hang-over people

love,

alex

Twas the day before Christmas, all the creatures were stirring, and no barista, not even a customer could figure out why. "The goats, the goats!" they kept shouting, "Look into the sky." A whole herd of them could be seen from the patio, bleating through the sun drenched horizon.
Eight goats will be purchased thanks to everyone's contribution. You guys truly went above and beyond the call. It's heartwarming to know that so many people care! If that isn't what this season is about then I don't want to know. Cheers all!

-The A-Team

Bam! So I haven't been writing about coffee much lately so that's what I'll do today instead of the usual random rants.

We just all had a cup of the Mexican Chiapas made with our French Press and I must say it's a decent cup. It's kinda smokey, and has a syrup-y aftertaste. It's not that great as an espresso, but then again, I'm discovering that most single origin beans don't make great espressos.

We're also now using new tampers that are better for avoiding carpal-tunnel. They're gonna take some getting used to but it won't be that hard considering the amount of practise we get in a day.


Well, that's about it I guess. Oh, one more thing: we have a new chocolate espresso cake. It's so far untouched. Will you be the first?

Cameron is going to be playing very soon, come down for a piece of chocolate espresso cake, a cup of Mexican Chaipas and let Cameron entertain you tonight!

love,

alex

p.s. Alice is the undefeated chess champion of Mercury. Someone PLEASE come down and shut her up. please. pretty please. (she still talking)

Hey champ!

If you missed live music this sunday you might want to hang your head in shame (for shame!). Cam the man and friends (including our Mercurer Adrian) rocked the place! Cam played me my favourite song -twice- and the group of them were awesome together (like fish and chips). So be sure to come out next sunday and see it all go down first hand. It's always a good time at the Merc.
In other news...
New week = New feature Latte
My advice for this week is to try something new.... like, maybe the latte (hint hint)
or if you are feeling really out there check out espressoporn.com - it's hot!

That''s how i roll...
-Alice "honey cat" Berg

WORD ON THE STREET
-This weekend we have a super swell feature latte- the Papua New Guinea!
So if you are in the mood for a treat, this is it.
-Just a reminder that Friday and Saturday nights are Rock 'N Roll Vinyl Nights. Now thanks to a freaking awesome donation they are better than ever. Vinyl Lives at Mercury.
-Barons and Lenghty (Adrian's band) are playing a show this Saturday (Dec 2) at the Savannah Room (294 College St.- just west of Spadina). It is a Fundraiser for Issue (Alex's zine)and is a Pay What You Can event. All the cool kids are going so you should too!
-Sunday is live music night. It should get going around 8pm and end around 9:30pm. So come out, grab a coffee, and listen to some cool tunes.

It's a new week and no blog has been posted since my last one. So here we go again, dear reader, on another wacky Alex-themed adventure. We'll thrash, crash and burn through our newly aquired vinyl. Thanks to the lady who brought them in! I want to know your name so I can name a drink after you! Tell me tell me tell me.
So much vinyl, so little time. Come on by and help out. I can't choose anymore.

a

Ah yes... As I type a goat is appearing on our west wall. He looks crazy and unstable. Perfect for Mercury. I wonder what's on his mind?

Matt and I are just hanging out with a gang of high-school kids who are sharing one cookie. Yeah they're good cookies. Damn good.

Cameron will be making sounds at the Mercury tomorrow night. Come on by and check it out if you got the time. I might make an appearance. I might not. I'm just unpredictable like that.

a-tron-o-matic-al

Holla back ya'll. A-Train reporting live from Mercury. Starbucks is open and we'd like to say hello. Hello.
We've a new toy here in our little shop. It's a bottomless porta-filter. What IS that you ask? Well it's like the filters we use normally but the only difference is that the bottom is cut off exposing the bottom of the basket. This way, every little aspect of our dosing and tamping is revealed. No more hiding. Not that we did before. Come and join the fun.

a-tron-o-matic-al

G'day, G'day!!!
Matthew here.... If good coffee and good rock 'n roll is what you're into, then you have come half way to the right place. All you need to do now get off youthewr butt and come down here to 915 Queen Street East, right in the heart of beautiful Leslieville(the greatest neighbourhood in Toronto). Up this afternoon are the dynamic duo: Alex Tran(sistor radio) and Ashley "the Countess" McFarlane. Come on in for some damn fine espresso and the wonderful treats of Vicki. Bring your laptop and take advantage of the free wireless while sipping the city's finest cafe latte. If you're lucky, Alex will play some good 'ol rock and roll vinyls from our own personal stash, or maybe you've got one or two at home you'd like to hear. BRING 'EM ON DOWN!! Tell a friend and have some fun here at Mercury!!

L8R SK8R!
Matthew

WHAT the flyboy? So your delicious Mercury beverages now come with 100% more love! Who knew we could fit any more goodness into those 16 oz cups but we found a way. How is that going to affect the taste? Only you can answer that question.

Being open till 10 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday has given us more time to cradle, nurture and coddle our espressos. The secret is love. Mad, mad, love.

Here's Nick:
"I make espresso."

There you have it folks. How can you not be impressed by a man who takes his job SO seriously that he can't waste ANY time to make elaborate his thoughts. Good on you Nick.

One love!

alex

It is an awesome Sunday night here at the Merc. We are all getting ready for the live music to start...
(Alice says:) That's right! Merc now has live music evey Sunday night from 7pm-10pm! So come in, grab a coffee, and listen to some killer tunes!
(Drew says:) Right now it's pretty laid back. We're just playing some Blonde Redhead over the stereo system. So ya -- come check out the show tonight. Matthew's group should be pretty sweet. Or take a look at the new photo installation.
Now that we have the record player I'm trying to think of some rock records I should bring in to spin while I work. Watch for our vinyl nights where you too can bring in your tracks and play some tunes. Oh ya -- and have some killer coffee.

your friends
Alistair and Drew man

Hey, this is Nick, I'm the new guy (started 5 minutes ago), so I guess after making a couple of capps and an espresso it's time for my first blog. I just moved over from Vancouver where I've been making coffee for a few years and it kind of took over my life. Been out in Toronto for about 2 months now (came here for school, my first time living out East since I was five) and it looks like I've found the right shop to get my game back. If you're in the shop on Thursday or Friday and you see an unfamiliar face, come say hi! I'll be pulling shots, pouring latte art, and brainstorming a sig drink-- any suggestions will be appreciated.

it's been over a week and in case you were wondering... doug's still the best.