Toronto - Bulldog Coffee

[Keeka]

I know - Toronto is not in Europe, nor the British Isles, but that's ok, cause New York makes it in without a second look (and Toronto is Canada's New York)

This is the second of three cafes I had on my list, reviewed elsewhere by certain TMC members and listed on unmentionable coffee forums.
A gold coloured San Marco multi-group (couldnt see around the back of it) and two massive grinders, a very welcoming darkly decorated cafe just off Church street below Carlton, as they say, a stones throw from Maple Leaf Gardens and the Church-Wellesley village.
Had my now-regular straight double espresso to start, served in the smallish double cups that I mistake as a single cup, the barista was very friendly and chatty, with info on the source of beans, history of the place, and mentioning Mercury as another place to seek out. Had I chance to follow the barista championships, I'd recognize these guys, and their plaques were displayed on the back wall.

Espresso was fine, good acidity and delicate crema, and had me thinking about the next. This took the form of a re-invented macchiato, in a lovely curved sort-of-demitasse, the milk mixture perfect with the coffee, I could have drunk 12 ounces of the stuff. Effortless latte art topping as well. Top notch coffee, rock bottom canadian prices ($3 for the double) and friendly info from the barista (Ed), I'd recommend a visit to anyone in the downtown area (walking distance from Yonge Street at Carlton).

/K

[kingseven]

This was the only place I found in Toronto last year that had nice coffee.
I had one of the worst ever capps just up the street from there. Made me feel truly unwell.
Bulldog was miles ahead. I think the owner does well in National barista comps too.

[Steve]

I think the owner does well in National barista comps too.

Does well but not as good as the Picalo

[Keeka]

On a revisit I met the owner behind the bar - very nice chap and the experience showed. Cleared up something for me that the previous barista had made, a 'Bulldog machiatto', which is really a 'wet' machiatto in a perfectly sized 3 to 4 ounce cup. This drink is one that I always try to describe to those making my drink, which comes out as "double espresso with hot milk" as opposed to a topping of froth in the std machiatto.

Proportions mightg be about 1 to 1, espresso to milk. With the highly skilled microfoam being produced, this drink was just YUM.

Alas, back now in UK, although reunited with Lady Bric.

[leecb]

Keeka wrote:

a 'Bulldog machiatto', which is really a 'wet' machiatto in a perfectly sized 3 to 4 ounce cup

I think you'll find one of those at "Flat White" in London, being as that is what we antipodeans call them!!!

[Keeka]

And don't the bloody poms have their own meaning of flat white, for something far more gruesome.

[kingseven]

You mean an americano, with a dollop of old milky foam on top?

Mmmm..... (So glad I don't drink coffee out)

[Beanie]

I had a few weeks stint here last summer on the back bar. I wasn't allowed to make the actual coffee

In the downtown area, this place is probably your best bet. They're located on Granby Street, one street south of Carlton on the east side of Church Street. If you like your drink a certain way, they'll be happy to make it for you. At least they were for me the first time I walked in and asked many questions. The owner, Stuart, clued in that I probably knew what I wanted whether or not it was the menu.

I'd say that 70% of the time, my double ristretto macchiatto turned out very pleasant. One of the pulls was chocolatey and even raspberry-like; unfortunately, like most places, roasted way too dark for my tastebuds. Most of other times, it was chocolatey and sometimes nutty but always always with a roasty finish.

Unfortunately, consistency of quality shots may be dependent on the barista. I was told by a very well-respected (visiting) barista that his party was unfortunately served a rather bad shot of espresso Hopefully, that was just a fluke. I'm kinda glad it wasn't my shift... not that it would've mattered as I wasn't allowed on the machine

To be safe, I'd order the milkier drinks. They basically have three sizes, capp, bulldog, and latte which is basically a double shot with increasingly more milk. IIRC, the milk volume nearly doubles per size up... but I may be wrong. And of course, the latte art here is excellent. May even be the best in the city.

If you want properly great coffee, then trips to Mercury Organic Espresso on Queen Street West (btwn Logan and Carlaw, on the south side) and Manic Coffee on College (at Bathurst, on the north side, across Sneaky Dee's) is ESSENTIAL!! I'll make a separate post on these two places

[Bertie_Doe]

To be safe, I'd order the milkier drinks. They basically have three sizes, capp, bulldog, and latte which is basically a double shot with increasingly more milk. IIRC, the milk volume nearly doubles per size up... but I may be wrong. And of course, the latte art here is excellent. May even be the best in the city.

Hi Beaney, I heard you were on your travels, are you back to hibernate for the Winter How do they associate a bulldog with a milk drink

QC

[Beanie]

erhm, because his bulldog (as in an actual dog) is white? :p Seriously, it's I suppose the Bulldog is what Bulldog may be known for as it's one of, if not the most, popular drink on order.

We've had lots of snow here... but with a view like this when I step outside my building, it's difficult to hibernate


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[Aadje]

wow bueatiful

[Gouezeri]

Nice pics Beany, but they suggest to me you are getting up far too early in the morning!

[Beanie]

It was around 8ish in the morning... but on a Saturday Wanted to take the pics before the doggies ran in the park. In my neighbourhood, it seems as if every household has at least one dog ...and people here actually do 'scoop'... unlike my last country of residence

BTW, that is Lake Ontario. That's what I see out my front door If you take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, to the right, you'll reach the CN Tower... not sure how long that would take Maybe I'll find out when spring arrives