For the love of Joe

I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people that when I wake and smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee I get a little warm feeling of happiness.

It’s not that I am a massive consumer of coffee as I generally have just one or two [ok…they may be ‘bucket’ sized!] cups a day….but it’s the fresh rich smell of a good cup of coffee that I truly, truly love.

The benefits of that caffeine hit have oft debated benefits. Personally, as I do enjoy a good indulgence of my cuppa Joe, I think the health benefits resonates to those around me [read: I am somewhat intolerable in the morning or mid afternoon without it!].

There are some really interesting fun facts about coffee.   Did you know:

*  Shepherds discovered coffee in Ethiopia circa 800 A.D

*  Coffee is the second most traded commodity on earth.

*  According to the Global Exchange, there are approximately 25 million farmers in over 50 countries involved in producing coffee. The number one commodity? Oil [#shocker]

*  In Italian espresso means “when something is forced out.” [Umm…yes!]

*  The name cappuccino comes from the resemblance of the drink to the clothing of the Capuchin monks

*  The majority of coffee is produced in Brazil

*  Brazil produces 40% of the world’s coffee, which is twice as much as 2nd and 3rd place holders, Colombia and Vietnam

*  Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that commercially grows coffee

*  The lethal dose of caffeine is roughly 100 cups of coffee [phew! I’ve been a few cups short]

*  Coffee was originally a food

*  Coffee is actually a fruit

*  The world’s most expensive coffee is $600 a pound

*  There have been five attempts to ban coffee throughout history [clearly by eeeevillll people!]

*  The Italian government regulates espresso because it is considered an essential part of their daily life [well, *another* reason to love Italy!]

*  In the ancient Arab culture there was only one-way a woman could legally divorce: If her husband didn’t provide enough coffee [sounds very reasonable!]

And what’s better than a great cuppa Joe, than enjoying it in a cool space?    Here are some of my favourites from this past year.

When in London I must say I experienced the very best cappuccino I have ever had at the Department of Coffee & Social Affairs. Located in the Shoreditch area of London, it’s well worth a meander as it is uber cool! Astonishing coffee & check the great work that they do!

Skip over to Halifax, Nova Scotia.   The Weird Harbour Espresso bar is a teeny, tiny boite that serves up glorious coffee. I actually had two back to back….and that’s something I never do!!!  It’s a great stop mid afternoon [or any time I’d guess!] for a decadent caffeine hit.

Head a little west from Nova Scotia to Toronto and two of my favourite coffee guilty pleasures are:

Bobbette and Belle on Yonge Street north of Lawrence. Not only is their cappuccino glorious, but also the sweets are simply gorgeous …oh yes, and sublimely delicious! Furthermore, the interior with its eclectic mix of marble café tables, couches, and vintage teacup sets for sale is comfortable chic at its best.

Now go a little further south to Yorkville and stop at  Sorrelle and Company.

Exquisitely feminine with its colour theme of cream and shell pink highlighted by bountiful peony accents throughout, this is a deliciously decadent stop to your day.  And if you are looking for a truly unique sweet treat, their cakes are out of this world!

How ever and wherever you may wrap your hands around a lovely cup or mug to enjoy your delicious cup of java, I hope it brings a smile to your face.

It’s the small things that bring us the sparks of joy in our day.

xo-Sandra