Brew Lab Coffee...the coffee house redux

I've been following the progress of artisan coffee enthusiasts Brew Lab on twitter for the last year or so and was temporarily miffed upon hearing that I would stuffing my face with pastries in Paris during the weekend that they opened in Edinburgh.  Two weeks later I have made my inaugural visit and can tell you the wait was well worth it.  

These guys are doing something different and different is good. 

Located on South College Street Brew Lab appears to be an instant success with the university types.  When I visited the place was buzzing with conversation, people catching up over lunch, students clicking away on laptops, and the ever present staff delivering orders to tables.  It was busy, but it felt good.  Exposed brickwork, old features (like an awesome wrought iron litter bin), reclaimed wooden furniture and a floor from an old gym exude a hip, fresh, and social atmosphere. 

I was so happy when I read that Brew Lab wasn't just going to be celebrating amazing coffee, but also the best of Edinburgh with sandwiches made with breads from Le Petit Francais, soups and salads from Union of Genius and cakes from lovecrumbs...celebrating Edinburgh's local producers.

The coffee is single origin and drinks are created through a process I can only describe as alchemy.  

I'll be back.

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Edinburgh Cake Ladies...A Taste of Home

On Wednesday night Katey from Edinburgh Eats and I hosted an Edinburgh Cakes Ladies bake night at the lovely Cafe Musa on the Mound.  It was fantastic! The theme this month was A Taste of Home.  We challenged  bakers to recreate a family favourite or something that reminded them of home.  The selection was fantastic and I loved listening to the stories, memories and personalities behind the bakes.  

Apple Creams, Empire Biscuits, White Chocolate Poppy Seed Cake and Cherry Cheesecake

Top Row: Norwegian Success Cake, Date Cake, Chocolate Hazelnut Coffee Creams 

Middle Row: Pumpkin Pie, Fruit Scones, Coconut Lemon Slice

Bottom Row: Mustard and Cheese Scones, Caramel Shortbread, Peanut Krispies

And my Butter Tarts.  Most of you will know that I tried many many many butter tarts when I was visiting my folks this summer, so there wasn't really anything else that screamed "home" to me.  I used a recipe from the Great Canadian Basics Cookbook (well worn, well splattered, well loved), and I just love them.  

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Colorova Patisserie...hip pastries in Paris

I took a little jaunt over to Paris for a long weekend break this past weekend.  4 whole days of wandering the streets and stuffing my face with any pastries I could get my hot little hands on (these hands are made for eating...not making...pastry).  I was in heaven.  Armed with Amy Thomas's "Paris my Sweet" and recommendations from David Lebovitz's blog I couldn't go wrong.  Our days were planned around breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks to maximise the patisserie stops, I gorged myself on croissants, macarons and madeleines.  I devoured a perfectly formed Paris Brest.  I ohhed and ahhed my way around the 1st-11th arrondissements.  

My favourite stop was recommended by the lovely Rachel Khoo of Little Paris Kitchen fame, Colorova Patisserie a stone throws away from Au Bon Marche Department Store.  

We arrived around 2:30 looking forward to sitting down to a tart and a cup of tea.  The place was pretty full but the staff kindly sat us at a table for 4 (there were only 2 of us).  It was comfy and in full view of one of the two pastry counters! 

Everything was very clean, very stylised and very hip... three words...mint green SMEG.  Although it was the middle of the afternoon there was still a great variety of pastries to choose from, even though we seemed to be the only party only ordering sweets, and a large selection of Lov Teas to choose from (Scandinavian inspired Organic teas...very clean and very fresh).  

Most of our fellow diners seemed to be finishing lunch and from what I spied the savoury dishes looked perfectly put together.  We overheard customers reserving tables for Sunday brunch only to be told that the tables were fully booked.  

I had to restrain myself from devouring this small strawberry and pistachio tart (adorned with gold leaf) accompanied by a mint green tea.  The pastry was crisp and not too thick, slathered with a strawberry jam and topped with sweetened little strawberries and a flourish of pistachio cream.  

My mum chose the raspberry and mascarpone tart and a pot of Ginger and Lemon tea.  I have been assured that the pastry was equally as crisp and the filling totally exquisite.  

Colorova is a lovely patisserie and something completely different from the numerous patisseries found in more touristy areas.   If you are in Paris and thinking about checking it out, they offer pastries and cakes to carry out but I would recommend making a reservation and relaxing over tarts and tea for an hour or so.  

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it's the little things...coffee in the mall

In North America a good mall is a status symbol.  The better the mall...the bigger the names...the more people will come and spend their seemingly endless supply of disposable income.  When I was growing up in Toronto there were 2 main malls...the Eaton Centre downtown and Yorkdale uptown.  There were, of course, other smaller malls....many of which have grown into major malls in their own rights over the last decade or so...but for me the 2 big ones are the 2 main ones.  

During my short visit to Toronto my mum wanted to stop by the ever expanding Yorkdale to check out a few stores and to wander around "the new section" consisting of stores you have to provide evidence of your bank balance to enter...we were simply window shopping.  The day we planned to go we were up early so thought we'd venture over and put my mum's Starbucks gift card to good use before the shops opened. 

Only when we got there we found out that the Starbucks was actually IN the bookstore and therefore not open until the store was...onto plan B.  

The food court. 

Three words that just scream fast food, squealing teenagers and poor choice.  Not here. The Yorkdale food court has had a facelift...it is no longer called The Food Court, it is called Dine On 3...posh.  There is still the same fast food element selection but there are also a handful of sit down places, and...the gem...on it's own level...an illy coffee shop.  

Epressamente was exactly what we were looking for to pass the 45 mins or so we had until the shops opened.  The cafe is separate from the food court and has its own seating area, and although it wasn't busy at 8:30 in the morning it was a nice escape from the mall...secluded, sedate.  

The coffee is illy so you know it is going to be good.  My coffee of choice, of late, has been a flat white but seeing as the Aussie style hasn't made it across to North America yet, I settled for a latte...but I knew it was going to be more coffee than steamed milk.  

The breakfast special...a latte, cappuccino, or espresso with a pastry for $4.50 is a bargain considering a coffee alone is $4.00!! I know...$4.00 for a coffee, albeit a fine coffee.  The breakfast special was great, a huge selection of pastries to choose from and a really good coffee.  I savoured my raspberry scroll and latte equally and my mum enjoyed her regular croissant and cappuccino while we peered through the glass and watched the people below.  

An excellent coffee at the mall.  

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Afternoon Tea at the Pommery pop up

Last year, by the time I got use the huge influx of people into Edinburgh for the Fringe I had missed out on my chance to go for afternoon tea at the Pommery Champagne Bar.  Last year was my first year as a resident of Edinburgh and I have to admit I found the whole swell of tourists thing overwhelming.  This year...I am prepared for the crowds and noise and slow moving pedestrian traffic.  This year I know the short cuts to where I want to be...and...well I don't actually feel like I HAVE to be out there in the middle of everything.  This year Afternoon Tea at the Pommery must happen.  

This pop up Champagne Bar is open for 3 weeks in the Signet Library on the Royal Mile.  There is a gigantic advertising banner hanging on the building so you can't really miss it, but once inside it feels like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag.  

I met some cakey friends for a catch up over Champagne and Afternoon Tea.  I had envisioned tables nestled amongst stacks of books with very little light...the only private library I've previously been too was at the Linnean Society while they were re-cataloguing...so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw just how big the Signet Library is.

We spent a pleasant 2.5 hours chatting about this and that...catching up on vacation happenings and Fringe gossip and, of course, oohing and ahhhing over the food.  The sandwiches were substantial and a great mix of veggie, fish and meat.  The scones were cinnamon, and while the cream wasn't clotted cream I was happy for something slightly lighter this time around (shocking I know).  The cakes and pastries were plentiful and perfectly 2-bite sized.  Brownies, Banana Cake, Caramel Slices, Coconut Blackberry Squares and Phyllo Cream Fruit Tarts.  The service was attentive with offers of fresh tea and coffee, and pitchers of water.

If the Pommery Bar was open all year round it would quickly become a favourite haunt of mine, seeing as it is only open for 3 weeks this year makes it extra special...a summer treat.  

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It's the little things...road trip to Rosseau

There are some really cute itty bitty towns within a reasonable drive of my parents' new house.  Last week we took advantage of a slightly overcast day (can't waste beach time) to visit the small town of Rosseau on the northern edge of Lake Rosseau.  This town is small...but since it is the only town around for miles it is pretty happening. 

We wandered around visiting the general store, antique shop, a couple of gift shops and 2 bakeries (one had completely sold out of butter tarts...but offered to put us on the special order list for the next day).  We stopped for lunch at Crossroads Pub and Grill where I enjoyed a gigantic slice of Julie's Famous Carrot Cake...complete with maple syrup drizzle.  

 

 

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An East Anglia Cake-ation...Cake with a View

Fellow Cake Lady Sophia, who moved back to Canada last month, runs a great website called Cake With a View.  I couldn't pass up the opportunity of taking a snap of  "cake with a view" for her website while we were in Cromer.  

Carrot Cake from Waverley Cake Shop with the Cromer Pier in the background...what a view! 

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An East Anglia Cake-ation...Huckleberries

I am spoiled for choice when it comes to cake in Cromer.  There are at least 5 decent cake shops within spitting distance of the house we stay in...and they all offer homemade cakes.  I like to try to visit them all...you know...share my support. One of my favourites is Huckleberries on Church Street.

Not only are the coffee and cakes good here, but the staff is friendly and they have wifi.  I've been a few times with my dad to have a coffee and check the old email, and it has always been busy.  There are a few seats in the windows on the main level, but there is also a large seating area downstairs.  

This trip we were only interested in cake...cake to take home and devour while watching a dvd and drinking tea.  The selection was good...different cupcakes, tray bakes, brownies and danish pastries.  Everything looked fresh, and it was hard to decide...but in the end I chose the gingerbread with lemon icing and David had a brownie.  

With cakes in hand we dashed home avoiding the puddles and snuggled up for a Jason Bourne-a-thon. Perhaps I needed slightly more cake for a 3 disc movie session...lesson learned.  The cake I did have, however, was light and very gingery...the brownie was gobbled up within seconds of the photoshoot.  

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An East Anglia Cake-ation...celebrating wimbledon

I am just back from spending a lovely week at the seaside...and despite the weather...it was just that...lovely.  We stayed in Cromer on the North Norfolk Coast, and pretty much spent our days avoiding the rain, pottering about, going on longer hikes (when the skies looked promising), sitting on the beach, and searching out cake.  It was perfect...

Some friends came to say with us for a couple of nights, and seeing as they had a car (we are slaves to public transport) we ventured further afield...to Holkham Hall.  The house was great and the weather held up for most of our trip but the main attraction for me (of course) was the cafe.  

I snapped a few pictures when we first arrived (before going through the house) and hatched a plan with our friends to come back after wandering around the house to collect some goods to take home with us for lunch.   

We took our time and wandered around the house...unfortunately time got away from us...you see there was the little matter of the Men's Final at Wimbledon that day...and there just wasn't quite enough time to potter around the grounds before making our drive back to Cromer.  We did, however, have time for the gift shop (of course) and a quick dash into the cafe to collect some scones, and a Bray's Cottage Pork Pie to take away.  

The scones were a good size and tasted great but the fabulous extra touch was the availability of clotted cream in individual containers to take away.  I am a total greedy guts when it comes to clotted cream and had some trouble rationing the amount I had...luckily David had some leftover...but other than that I can easily declare these the perfect treat for a damp Wimbledon final in front of the tv. 

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A Royal Scone...and some naughty treats for the road

Taking advantage of the seemingly dry weather yesterday my friend and I pottered down to Leith to take in the sights of the Royal Yacht Britannia.  I couldn't believe that I hadn't been to visit before, but was so glad to share the experience with her.  

The Gorgeous Britannia (so shiny) 

We were really fortunate with the weather, and the sun actually peeked out from behind the clouds for a decent period of time.  The top deck of the yacht has been turned into a tea room...serving sandwiches, soups, salads and a selection of cakes...we decided to take a break in our tour for something to eat. We both ordered scones and tea...I was a bit disappointed that they didn't offer a proper afternoon tea (sandwiches, scones, cakes) but having read that the scones were baked on board the yacht I was happy with my selection.  

The scones were generous and fresh...and the tea was refreshing.  We sat looking out over Leith harbour and chatted the time away.  The weather held up and we finished our tour of the yacht (it was awesome I highly recommend it) and I suggested that we take a little potter along the Shore.  

I hadn't planned on taking my friend into Mimis Bakehouse but when I saw the blue sign I just had to walk in the doors.  My friend went snap happy while I chose some treats for the road (well for after dinner with a cup of tea).  Another lovely day out seeing the sights and eating cake for lunch!

Malteser Slice and Rocky Road Blondie

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A Cake Break at lovecrumbs

My best friend from Canada is visiting this week.  For months we have been planning her visit, and for the last couple of months I have be dying to take her to lovecrumbs.  Yesterday morning, over tea and toast, we planned our day....walk up to Calton Hill and take in the views of the city (slightly overcast day, no rain...) and then make our way over to the Royal Mile en route to Cake.  We spent longer than anticipated on the hill (mostly since it was clear enough for a really good view of everything) so at Noon-ish I turned to her and said...It's Cake O'Clock...and cake is waaaaay over there (pointing).  We booted it over into old town and down into the Grassmarket...we'll come back and walk the mile afterwards I told her...up onto the West Port and into the lovely lovecrumbs.  

The wardrobe was stocked with cakes galore, scones, brownies and a huge crate of gigantic meringues.  My friend stood in awe...I know, I said.  

It was, as usual, hard to decide what to order...chocolate tarts, caramel tarts, rose and juniper (!!) cake...

chocolate cake...

In the end we chose lemon and rosemary and banana peanut butter.  I had the perfectly lovely lemongrass and marigold tea and my friend had a cappuccino made with soya milk.  We chatted about this and that and oooohhhhhed and awwwwwed over the cakes, and the atmosphere and the sweet little girl banging on the drum table.  I love taking people to lovecrumbs for their first visit...it really is like no other cake experience in Edinburgh.

Afterwards...with full cakey bellies...we walked the mile down to Holyrood to watch all the fancy dresses making their way into the Queen's Garden Party.  A wonderful day.  

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lovecrumbs...a trip to eat cake and restore my sanity

I've had a horrible week.  In fact it was so horrible by Tuesday that I knew that I would have to seek therapy in the form of cake on Friday afternoon.  A few quick messages back and forth with some fellow Cake Ladies and the time and place were set.  

It has been a few weeks since my last visit to lovecrumbs and I just knew that their laid back vibe, excellent cakes and fantastic choice of teas would soothe my soul.  As always, the wardrobe was well stocked with cakes, brownies and shortbread, and the sideboard held a gorgeous selection of tarts and scones. 

I had been dreaming of a large slice of layered cake all week, but...since I managed to force down 2 doughnuts and a meringue at a colleague's birthday brekkie this morning...I decided to go for a scone with jam and cream.  I had been tempted by the cheese scone, but after a millisecond I thought that I didn't really need to go super savoury.  Fruit scone with raspberry jam and cream won out, with a cup of Earl Grey. 

I'd not had the scones at lovecrumbs before, and was very satisfied with the size, texture and fruitiness and it was definitely the right choice.  As always the service was friendly and the attention to detail makes lovecrumbs unlike any old cafe.  It is unique. 

Speaking of unique...my friend sampled this chocolate salt and vinegar layer cake.  It look divine, and seemed to disappear...so I guess it was good! 

I emerged after an hour or so rejuvenated.  Cake with friends is the best therapy.  

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a farewell visit to lovecrumbs

Yesterday I met fellow Cake Lady (and Canadian) Sophia at the über kool lovecrumbs for a cake and a chat before she packs her bags and heads home to back and beyond British Columbia.  I was super excited to be meeting at lovecrumbs, since Sophia hadn't been before, and also...cause I seriously love their cakes and the whole atmosphere in the shop.  

A quick tweet out and we were joined by a couple other Cake Ladies and then another with a friend who just happened to be popping in off the recommendation of a Cake Lady (do you follow?).  Sophia and I were early so we undertook a "cake with a view" photoshoot (check out her website linked above) on the windiest corner in Edinburgh, and nearby some dodgy strip clubs, before sitting down and getting down to the cakey business. 

Sophia (and almost all those who joined us) had a tall slice of white chocolate and blueberry triple layered cake...let's just say that it was a complete cake when we arrived and it was finished by time we left.  It was tasty.  We sat around a gorgeous round table and gabbed away. 

As expected it was a tough choice deciding on my cake.  I hummed and hawed and in the end opted for the first slice of a gorgeous looking chocolate ganache covered chocolate cake with pink peppercorns.  It looked so pretty I actually asked the lady bakers if it would be ok to ask them to slice into it for me.  It wasn't a problem, the first slice is one of their favourite things to do! 

I'm not a huge chocolate cake lover, I really can take it or leave it.  The combination of the chocolate with the pink peppercorns is what called me to it (that and it looked absolutely gorgeous).  Somewhat out of character I took my time eating this cake (I know...something must be wrong with me...I blame the heat) and I am glad that I did.  The pink peppercorns were a lovely addition...spicy and warming.  Definitely a hit! 

Two sticky thumbs up for lovecrumbs. A lovely way to spend a hot Saturday afternoon bidding farewell to a new friend. 

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Post Exam Cake-up

Monday morning, bright and early, I took the bus out to my college to sit the most terrifying exam I have encountered since finishing high school (not to brag but my university exams were for the most part not terrifying...thank you arts degree).  I've been studying Intermediate 2 Maths (aka GCSE or Grade 11) in the hopes that I might do well enough to get onto a course here at Edinburgh University...my 3 degrees don't count for much without a "post the age of dinosaurs" maths credit apparently.  

After 2.5 hours of torture I headed back into town to meet some friends for a celebratory cake-up at our favourite little cafe Bon Papillon.  Although all I wanted after my awful morning was course after course of Stuart's lovely cake I had some soup and a herb scone to calm myself down before I got stuck into the main event...

Date, Honey, Walnut and Banana Cake.  

We spent hours chatting about this and that and before I knew it, it was 3:30! What a fantastic way to take my mind off my exam and to spend the rest of my day off from work.  

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Scandi brunch at Peter's Yard

You all know that I've been obsessed with everything scandi the last little while, so you can imagine how excited I was when a fellow scandiphile agreed to meet for my brunch at the über cool Peter's Yard Cafe. I've been for coffee a few times and have drooled over the savoury delights, but hadn't (until now) actually treated myself to anything.  

The place was heaving when we arrived, but after mooching around for a few minutes we managed to snag a couple of seats at the bar by the window.  The atmosphere was very relaxed and, although it is counter service, we felt totally comfortable leaving our jackets on out chairs when we went up to order.  There is a range of breakfast choices, including a bread platter with cheese and jams, as well as porridge...but I went straight for the herring smørbrød with a pot of lovely lemongrass and marigold tea. 

The bread was dense with a great texture and topped with lettuce, a very generous portion of herring, salmon roe and a large dollop of creme fraiche with apples and celery.  I easily could have eaten two..or more!

I think it is safe to say I won't be getting over this obsession any time soon. 

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lovecrumbs...the NKOTB

There's a new cake shop in town...

lovecrumbs lovely cake shop officially opens on Monday, but a friend in the cakey know took me along yesterday for their soft launch...what a great marketing word (it is almost lost on me).  Well...it was hardly a soft launch...there was a full selection of cakes, tarts and scones as well as Artisan Roast coffee and looseleaf teas from Anteaques.  

I don't want to call lovecrumbs a cafe...it is really a cake shop, a meeting place to enjoy a good slice with a cup of tea...it is relaxed.  Everything is served on vintagey eclectic crockery, the decor is totally vintage rustic and the display case tops it all off...it is an old wardrobe! (From Harrods in the days gone by).  

lovecrumbs is not just about the aesthetic...the same attention to detail and love has been put into their cakes.  It was really hard to choose where to start, the selection was excellent...chocolate tarts, scones, chocolate layer cake, carrot cake, flapjacks, brownies, madeleines.  I must stress the only problem was where to START.  The friend I went with appreciates a good cake even more than I do and we can easily have 2 courses of cake (and take some home).  I didn't snap any pictures of her cakes...I didn't want to breathe my stuffed up nose germs over them...but I am assured that the fruit scone with homemade jam was excellent as was the carrot cake (which I also ordered to go!). 

Lemon Meringue Tart 

Followed by a Violet Madeleine (to go with my violet tea) 

Take away box containing goodies for home...and something to SHARE with David. 

Carrot cake and totally to.die.for brownie 

I'll be back...in fact it is only a 20 minute stroll from my house so I am destined to become a regular.  I love lovecrumbs already.  

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coffee and scones...at home!

As I wandered around town yesterday looking in the windows of different cafes, counting my pennies in my pocket, my mind turned to the half container of buttermilk in my fridge (from the disastrous cornmeal blueberry muffins).  I need to use that up...why pay for a scone and a cup of coffee when I can make some at home??

So home I went...evaluated the supplies in the kitchen and got down to the task of finding a recipe.  My standby scone recipe from Canadian Basics called for one egg...I had no eggs...so on to the next recipe for Classic Scones  from delicious magazine a few months ago.  It is WI approved so I had to give it a try!

Looking at the ingredient list I couldn't help but feel a bit dubious...there were only 3 ingredients...self raising flour, butter and milk...no sugar, no egg...the proof is in the pudding, or so they say.  So I followed the recipe (substituting buttermilk for whole milk) and the results were great! Light, moist, tasty.

Best scones in Edinburgh?...I don't know.
Best coffee?...definitely not.