Hey!

Why don't we try to get some real community happening here. I've noticed recently that there are several new members that are from Toronto and area. However, I could be wrong that all of the members I've seen are from Toronto, Ontairo if there are several Toronto cities in the world.

Let's make up a list for roll call and see what transpires. There are a handful of us that meet occasionally. I'll add members IDs to this post in a list as more Toronto and area members introduce themselves.

//deleted LIST Updated 10/18/2021

I've been really into quality coffee for a while now, or so it seems. I got started with a Saeco Via Venezia in late 2008 and a Maestro plus. Fast forward to 2013 and I have a VBM DD v3 and K10 PB. The upgrade wasn't direct, but it was fast enough! As you can see from my 'interests' in my profile I have many other coffee related items that I've accumulated over the years.

So! If you wouldn't mind amusing other Toronto members with a bit of a song and dance while introducing yourself we (the current Torontonians that I know) would be happy to hear from you.

/EDIT 8/2/2013

Please PM me a personal email address if you'd like to be contacted for Coffee Tasting Gatherings.

another yyzer here. working through some "burnout" and an SO from al savador from te aro at the moment. still having fun with the lever, no plans for upgrade anytime soon.

Long time lurker on HB from Toronto. Started with a Krups machine in the early to mid 90's.

Hey! Another Tdot-tonian here.

I started with a Krups, then a super automatic Delonghi. Now I've settled on an Elektra Semiautomatica and an HG-one grinder I also use an Espro at work and am expecting a Lido grinder any day now.

As far as beans go i'm a big Social Coffee fanboy. They make world class beans and are minutes from work.

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Awesome to see some responses and a lurker coming out from hiding! haha Hughie it's pretty crazy that you went from a single-serve coffee maker to a siphon.

This group here have a great mix of gear. Especially, the L1 and HG1 which are two pieces I seriously considered. Would love to try them out one day.

Brian mentioned the coffee he uses. Where do you guys get your coffee? You doing a lot of international shipping to get some in or do you stick with what's available in Toronto? While I really like Social's offerings I've been too lazy to make shipping orders and Manic doesn't do the espresso blends I WANT from Social.

I've lately been using Epic which I purchase at Crema on Bloor. I've moved away from using Intelligentsia, which Manic gets 3 days post roast. The Analog is horrible straight up and the Black Cat just didn't do it for me. I used to be Intelligentsia all the way.

Any cafes you guys are attached to when you do go grab one out?

I started with a Silvia/Rocky combo about 7 years ago, and I am now with a Rocket Giotto / K10 Fresh since last year. Only started with the blog (blog.coffeestork.com) two years ago, but it's been great fun meeting people and learning more about coffee.

I used to be afraid of acidity, now I pretty much crave it along the time. I'm usually a sucker for cleanliness, sweetness, and fruitiness these days. Dirtiness and bitterness are usually things I avoid. I change up coffees all the time. Locally, I am not a fan of much these days. Occasionally I come across something I like, but usually my complaints are usually dirtiness, bitterness, and lack of complexity/sweetness from the local roasters - Social, Detour, the roaster formerly known as Te Aro, and the Pig Iron. My in town places to pick up coffee are usually Crema for 49th when in stock, although freshness and stock are undependable, occasional Black Cat from Manic although it's cross town for me, Mercury for George Howell, although it's expensive, and Manual Labour delivery which has delivered some really nice quality at the top of most people's budget. Fortunately I get coffees for the blog, and friends who travel and are nice enough to bring me back coffee I ask for.

If you like sweetness in your shot, you should try the Malacara from Social: http://www.socialcoffeecompany.com/prod ... -7-epresso

i generally don't stick to any one source of beans in particular. i like to mix it up so i rotate between beans from te aro/pilot, manic, fahrenheit (roasted by te aro), and recently tried some beans from the black canary. i haven't been back to lit since they stopped carrying stumptown but am looking forward to trying their new offerings. i travel a lot for work so i also have the opportunity to bring back beans from other cities including directly from the fount- portland/seattle.

Living in North Toronto, I find the bean situation rather lame for the 4th largest city in US/Canada. I've tried a few different Social beans a number of different times but haven't really found anything there overly exciting other than their prices. I'm not aware of any other place up here or in Markham/Richmond Hill that carries quality coffee. I used to have Epic shipped to my house but that is just too expensive as well. The last time I was in Crema, the Epic wasn't fresh enough for me and it's a hassle to drive downtown to get beans anyway.

I usually order in the US and have Black Cat shipped to my hotel as shipping rates to Canada are ridiculous! If I want anything other than Black Cat, I tend to encounter logistics issues as a number of the best US roasters seem to roast on Monday and ship on Tuesday so I need to remember to order in advance and allow for shipping time to my hotel, etc.

Right now, I'm using a bag of Londinium that came with my L-I bottomless portafilter (still waiting for my actual machine) and I'm really impressed with those beans and the HG one. Probably the best espresso I've ever made but those beans are expensive to ship from the UK so I may shed a tear when they are used up later this week.