A Date With Be-spoken: Best Coffee in Toronto!

I love coffee. When I go to bed at night, the thought of my morning cup lulls me to sleep. When I wake up in the morning, the thought of that very same cup jolts me out of bed. While I will write about my favorite coffees to brew at home in a different post, I would like to talk a bit about my favorite coffee shops in Toronto.

I tend to drink American-style coffee. While I love lattes and cappuccinos, there is nothing more satisfying that a lonnnnnnng shot of espresso or a great brewed coffee (with cream). I know this crazy talk offends the gods of java, but their logic is something I've never fully understood: Coffee purists advocate espresso-based drinks, but espresso as we know it today was invented in around 1900. Before that people brewed their coffee. Wouldn't the purists reject this newfangled gadgetry and opt for the ancient Ethiopian tradition of table-side roasting and service in clay pots? I guess my point is, drink what you like and leave the judging to nobody.

That being said, of course my selections are geared towards my taste. And that being said, I think my taste level is very high... so here goes. In no particular order, my favorite coffee shops in Toronto:

• Patachou (1120 Yonge Street, 416-927-1105) — I have a special place in my heart for Patachou. To me, everything about the place is perfect, from the food (especially the croissants and macaroons), to the décor (the perfect blend of old-meets-new French design), and yes, to the coffee. Served in very Parisian-feeling bowls, the lattes are definitely the most popular beverage consumed at Patachou; however, it's their Americanos that I crave. If you like a robust cup, order their double Americano and ask the server to not add hot water. Trust me, you'll be in heaven. Patachou's drip coffee is not to be ignored, either. I once brought a bag of this coffee home for Christmas and my family went wild for it. My sister-in-law now gets me to ship it to her home in Vernon (it's called the Patachou blend, if you want to ask for it by name). Added bonus: the crowd at Patachou is always the most interesting blend of people. You never know who you'll see.

• Caffe Brasiliano (849 Dundas Street West, 416-603-6607) — I swear a regular customer at Patachou recommended Caffe Brasiliano to me. Upon this recommendation I visited the venerable Dundas West location and loved it. When I raved about the experience to said customer, she claimed she'd never heard of the place. Go figure. I guess it was the hand of providence... funny, providence leads me to great coffee shops, yet I'm still single? I digress. I wouldn't say Caffe Brasiliano is the most elegant room in Toronto, or the food the most refined (actually I don't recommend the food); however, I am confident the coffee is some of the best you'll ever have in the city. Again, I am familiar with their strong double Americano — amazing. Added bonus: the bar seating at the windows facing Dundas Street is the perfect people-watching perch.

• Mercury Espresso Bar (915 Queen Street East, 647-435-4779, www.mercuryespresso.com) — Remember when I mentioned coffee purists in my introduction? I was thinking about these guys when I wrote that. In this case I don't really care where their coffee politics lean because their end-product is amazing. Truth be told though, Mercury Espresso Bar is one of those love-it-or-hate-it experiences. The music is always really loud and they play really hip stuff like... well I'm so unhip that I have no idea what they play, and you'll feel 50% more showered (and 50% less trendy) when you see the carefully disheveled baristas. BUT, and this is a big but, they really care about coffee. They are the grand champions of micro foam, the head honchos of créma, the captains of the latte art ship. Thank God for these guys, because nobody else on the East side knows how to make a decent cup of coffee. Added bonus: while the barista girl who wears over-sized glasses (I don't think they're prescription) and under-sized jeans will actively ignore you, she makes a mean Americano.

• b Espresso Bar (111 Queen Street East, 416-866-2111, www.bespressobar.com) — Where do the fashionistas of Toronto go for their daily jolt of java? I'm not sure, could you tell me? I need to start networking... just kidding. They go to the very Italian b Espresso Bar, of course! The place is always buzzing with fancy PR people, designers, magazine editors and well-to-doers, but this isn't the only reason to visit. Their coffee — both espresso-based and brewed — is amazing. And while they too take coffee seriously (often starting drinks over if they don't come out perfectly), here the customer is king. (There are no judgements when you order a small brewed coffee and load it with cream like me.) Added bonus: b Espresso Bar is perhaps one of the most beautifully designed cafés I've ever patronized.

This is in no way a comprehensive list. I'm a creature of habit, so my hunt for the perfect cup of coffee dissipates as I discover amazing outposts like these ones. I would love to know where my readers go for their favorite cup of coffee. Please comment!

Deal of the Week — Joe Fresh Style

Buffalo Check Wellies, $29; Felt Hat, $14; Knit Gloves, $9. All by Joe Fresh Style.

At Loblaws and Superstores across Canada.

Every season, I'm infinitely impressed with the way Joe Fresh Style provides shoppers across Canada with affordable — and very chic — fashions. While not every community may have a Banana Republic, Club Monaco or some other reasonably priced outlet, most centres have a Loblaws or Superstore that sells the Joe Fresh clothing line. (I really expect to see the men, women and children of middle Canada kicking it up a notch style-wise. No excuses!)

Ten years ago, the Canadian shopping scene was very different. If you wanted to find fashions for less, you truly got what you paid for — in quality and style. Things were different south of the border, though. The Target (tar-jay) phenomenon made thrifty fashion, well, fashionable. And it wasn't until Joe Mimran was tapped by Loblaws to create Joe Fresh that we Northerners could buy fashion forward clothing for miserly prices.

This season is no different for the Joe Fresh line. There are several amazing pieces available, especially outerwear, but I chose to highlight three accessories I think would punch up any outfit. While you may have to take a few moments to scope out the collection’s pleated skirts and ruffled shirts, try them on and make a final buying decision, you can easily breeze into the accessories aisle in between stops at the produce section and the deli and buy a pair of gloves or a cute hat. www.joe.ca

New Fragrance of the Week — Hypnôse Senses by Lancôme

I cannot stop smelling my wrist! As I'm sure you all know, I'm a fragrance hound. One of my favorite pastimes is going to the fragrance counter at Shoppers Drugmart (yes, you'd be amazed at their selection) and smelling as many perfumes as I can. Of course, the heady florals and spicy Orientals can overwhelm the senses; thankfully, the addition of coffee beans at most locations can easily double my daily intake.

But which fragrance is lucky enough to actually make it onto my wrist? While I may spritz several cards, wave them back and forth and nod my head in approval as the salesperson is explaining the gift with purchase, only one lucky scent makes it onto my body for the full day. Yes, one scent graduates to the true test — how will this perfume smell in eight hours?

It is 10 AM and I just sprayed Hypnôse Senses by Lancôme onto my wrist; however, my first impression of the famous French cosmetics house's latest offering comes before I click the atomizer: The glass bottle — reminiscent of a twisting female form — fits perfectly into my hand, and the soft-pink liquid inside promises to be as feminine as the bottle. (Please note that I will wear any fragrance — women's or men's — in the name of Be-spoken.)

The scent that emerges as I spray is slightly unexpected, though. It's spicier than I had anticipated, nothing like the peony-pink waft I thought I'd get. Instead, a deeper, more mysterious fragrance is left on my wrist. Suddenly, I'm a little classier than I was at 9:59.

At the heart of Hypnôse Senses is a combination of patchouli and osmanthus. The patchouli gives it an earthy, woodsy feel, while the osmanthus (a flowering shrub native to warm-climate regions of Asia) provides a unique blend of apricot and leather. Rounding out the fragrance are top notes of peppercorn, rose and mandarin, and base notes of benzoin and vanilla. While the fragrance is categorized as a chypre (woodsy, mossy fragrances that usually feature a citrusy top note), it's really a modern twist to the category, with added hints of sweetness and florals.

This perfume is made for the woman who wants to steer away from the new-wave crop of single-note scents on the market to a more traditional-yet-modern perfume that is at once complex and mysterious. While this is not the scent your mother wore, it is a little bit nostalgic of the days when women had signature scents, and were remembered by them. Isn't that what we all hope for — to be remembered?

The ad campaign for Hypnôse Senses — courtesy of artistic director Fabien Baron (also responsible for provocative campaigns for Calvin Klein) and photographer Mikael Jansson — certainly leaves a lasting impression. It features Canadian supermodel Daria Werbowy as a vixen with tousled hair looking mischievously into the camera. I imagine the setting to be a Parisian apartment, and Daria is about to put on her lover's white dress shirt and make coffee to drink in bed... Why do I equate coffee with sensuality?

Bottom line: I could see Hypnôse Senses being the fragrance a young woman would buy the day before she starts her first big job. While she doesn't want to give up her girly, youthful ways, she does want to make a serious first impression. To some, her scent would say, "I'm a confident young woman," and to others it would say, "I like to flirt." She could go from the office, straight to dinner, then dancing and her perfume would be fitting for all occasions.

Hypnôse Senses 30 ml - $52

Hypnôse Senses 50 ml - $70

Hypnôse Senses 75 ml - $92

Available at Shoppers Drug Marts across the country,

and at www.lancome.ca

Be-spoken Questionnaire, Monday August 31: Natalie Dawes

Allow me to introduce a new feature that I will be posting every Monday: the Be-spoken Questionnaire. Twenty-five questions to delve deep into the psyche of the stylish. Sometimes I look at people and wonder, "what makes you tick... why do you dress the way you do?" Now, dear readers, I will know, and so will you!

The first subject for the Be-spoken Questionnaire is Natalie Dawes. I can honestly say that Natalie is one of my closest friends. We've done everything together. One of my most vivid memories of our adventures together is the day we packed up my Toyota Tercel and moved from our small prairie town to Toronto. We didn't have jobs — or housing — lined up, but we followed our dreams and had so much fun along the way. During those years of friendship I've seen Natalie's sense of style blossom into a full-fledged fashionista. One of my favorite shopping pastimes with her is to sit back and watch her SPEND!

Natalie and I dressed up to dine at The Asiate in New York. Note Natalie's exquisite makeup application!

1. Name: Natalie Christine Dawes

2. Claim to fame: Umm. That's a tough one... I'd never claim to be famous, so how about what I'm proud to be: daughter of Jack & Jeanette, aunt to Kaylee, a true friend, mom to Louis Arnold and an up-and-coming communications professional.

3. If you could wear any designer exclusively, which one would you choose (money is no object)? Why? I'd have to say Michael Kors. His pieces are beautifully made, suit my aesthetic and stand the test of time. Although Chanel wouldn't be all that bad either!

A look from the Michael Kors Fall '09 Ready-to-Wear Collection

4. If you had to wear a mass-market brand, which one would you choose (money is tight)? Why? Banana Republic. They've got clothes for almost every occasion; I love their classic, slightly preppy style; and it's pretty well-made stuff.

Vivica equestrian flat boot from Banana Republic

5. What was the first clothing purchase that made you excited about shopping? Describe the item. When and where did you buy it and where did you wear it? My Gucci sunglasses. While not technically clothing, accessories are my number one thing. I bought them at the Edmonton Holt Renfrew while visiting Rick. I wore them everywhere — EVERYWHERE — because they made me feel like a star. Such great memories.

6. Which aspect of the entire outfit head-to-toe do you pay the most attention to? Accessories, for sure. Bag, shoes, jewels, scarves.

7. Which current trend has jumped the shark? Or, which current trend should be fed to the sharks? What does jump the shark mean? I don't get the first part of this question. Fed to the sharks...ankle boots. Absolutely detest them. [Editor's note: I will be taking out the "jump the shark" reference in future questionnaires — both people I've shown it to had no idea what I was talking about.]

8. Look into your Swarovski crystal ball. What do you think the next big trend in fashion will be? Elements of the 80s...cardigans, bright colours in outerwear.

Red Frill Trenchcoat by Anna Scholz, at Lola & Gigi

9. What’s the most beloved item in your closet, dresser, or shoe rack? My Louis Vuitton wallet. It goes everywhere with me.

Pochette Wallet in Monogrammed Canvas by Luis Vuitton — I was there for this purchase... New York, 2007

10. Fashion-wise, what’s the most versatile, bang-for-your-buck, must have item you could own? Do you already own it? If so, describe. If not, do you have your eye on a specimen? So many to choose from. The ones I own now are my Louis Vuitton bag and wallet. I don't think you can go wrong with a perfectly tailored, kick-ass Armani suit (yet to come).

Updated suiting from the Giorgio Armani Fall '09 Ready-to-Wear Collection

11. Best sale find? Give us the sense of how satisfying the markdown was. Black Prada heels from Holt Refrew Last Call in Toronto. I seem to recall getting them for about $100--regular price $500. I felt like a million bucks that day!

12. Biggest style blunder (merely saying you lived through the ‘80s doesn’t count, I want details: Where to start? Or end? Let's just say my entire high school career...blue, oversized framed glasses; teased bangs; a NKOTB t-shirt that made entirely too many appearances. I could go on. I just had no clue. In fact, I didn't have a clue until you and I moved to Toronto and you became my personal stylist available 24-7.

13. Where do you go to get your fashion or style-related information (blogs, websites, magazines, television shows)? First and foremost, Rick Zayshley and Be-spoken; Vogue; the Sartorialist.

14. Favorite department store(s): Bergdorf's, Macy's, Holt Renfrew (although I wish most of the sales people would get over themselves) and The Bay...who doesn't love Bay sales? Boutique(s): Right now, Lola & Gigi.

Inside the Lola & Gigi showroom in Toronto

15. Is there an item that you’re continually on the hunt for? Even though I have more than 40 bags in my collection, I'm always on the lookout for the next one.

16. Style-wise, are you more London, Paris, New York or Milan? Why? New York — no nonsense, serious style. I love the city and I love New Yorkers' style.

17. Word association time: Shoes — Christian Louboutin. Leather — I've got nothing. Basics — The Gap? Bags — Louis Vuitton. Jewelry — Chanel...I'm currently lusting after Chanel pearls (specifically the ones Anne Hathaway wore in The Devil Wears Prada). Sunglasses — I love my Louis. Underwear — hmmm. Often wish I didn't have to wear it. Makeup — MAC.

Black pearl necklace from the Chanel Spring/Summer '09 Collection

18. What was your first fragrance purchase? Why did you choose that one — what criteria did it meet? Would you wear it now? It was Polo Sport by Ralph Lauren. I think I liked it because it was fresh and not too flowery. While I probably wouldn't wear it today, those criteria still ring true.

19. What fragrance(s) do you wear now? Cheap and Chic by Moschino; Daim Blond by Serge Lutens; Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs

Cheap and Chic's Olive Oil-inspired bottle by Moschino

20. Memories are deeply linked with our sense of smell. Can you recall the scent your mother/aunt/grandmother wore? What was it? Describe the impression it gives/gave you. I don't know what it was called, but Grandma Whyte always smelled like a combination of roses and baby powder. To this day, I can her scent and it brings incredible comfort and wonderful memories of great hugs, great food and carefree summer days on the farm.

21. Can you recall the scent your father/grandfather wore? What was it? Describe the impression it gave/gives you? Neither my dad nor my grandpas wore any scent. When I remember my grandpas and when I think of my dad, I smell honest, hardworking, real men.

22. Is there a movie, an album, or some sort of creative work that inspires your style, or at least goes hand-in-hand with it? Rene Russo's wardrobe in the Thomas Crown Affair — I LOVED it. It was all Michael Kors. And I loved her kicking-ass-and-taking-names attitude and unashamed sensuality.

23. Past or present, real or fictional, famous or not, who is your style icon? Why? Is there an iconic look or photograph that comes to mind when you think of him or her? Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Clean, classic, elegant, beautiful and confident.

Holly Golightly after a night of being fabulous. I think her cat looks very much like Natalie's feline friend Louis Arnold

24. You’re about to eat your last meal on earth and you want to impress your host (or maker). Where are you going, what will you eat, and, most importantly, what will you wear? Of places I know (and since I've yet to make it to Italy and Paris), I'd say Capo in Calgary. Beautiful, simple food. Superb, unassuming service. And a room so well-styled that it complements the food and doesn't overpower the occasion. At the very least, I'd have the lobster gnocchi and the seafood entree and wear something that made me feel confident and fabulous.

Capo restaurant in Calgary

25. Any final words of wisdom? Final thoughts? Be a guru and tell us something deep. Savour every aspect of life. I'm just learning to do so and, so far, it's been enlightening and a blessing.

Continued reading:

www.michaelkors.com

www.chanel.com

www.bananarepublic.gap.com

www.gucci.com

www.louisvuitton.com

www.giorgioarmani.com

www.prada.com

www.bergdorfgoodman.com

www.macys.com

www.holtrenfrew.com

www.lolaandgigi.com

www.christianlouboutin.com

www.gap.com

www.maccosmetics.com

www.polo.com

www.salons-shiseido.com (Daim Blond by Serge Lutens)

www.marcjacobs.com

www.moschino.it

Thomas Crown Affair @ allmovie.com

Breakfast at Tiffany's @ allmovie.com

www.caporestaurant.ca

www.thesartorialist.com

www.vogue.com

Calling all public radio junkies — iPhone does it again!

I've had my iPhone for about a year now, and in that time I've downloaded many applications. Several of them are fun (I'm kind of addicted to Scrabble), a few are productive (like Evernote, a nifty way to organize thoughts and inspiration on the go), a few are downright impressive (the New York Times app is amazing!); however, two recent additions to the App Store — from NPR (National Public Radio) and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) — have really impressed me.

I am a public radio junkie, and love listening to random programing. You can learn a lot from people great and small, and NPR and CBC radio really take the time to delve into issues and let the stories get their time in the sun. Just today I listened in rapture as Konrad Ejbich waxed poetically on the merits of fine wine on Ontario Today. So you could imagine how elated I was to discover that these fine organizations have created applications for the iPhone. Now I can listen to live streaming broadcasts or specific shows on demand as I jet around town, workout at the gym or relax at home. CBC even offers the option to listen to television audio — now sports fanatics can listen to the game when they're away from the TV.

With the CBC app you can listen to Radios 1, 2 and 3 (I didn't even know that Radio 2 offered a station featuring only Canadian songwriters). As you can see there are several other options, including a favorites page that allows you to customize your listening experience.

I admit that I don't listen to NPR too often, partly because it's not accessible over Canadian airwaves; however, with the addition of this application to my iPhone I'm sure I'll tune in more frequently. I like that the homepage of the app is a news update. I swear I check various new sites ten times a day, and I like to check out the American spin on things. There's also something deeply satisfying about picking up 90.3 FM WMAH in Biloxi — it's like owning a shortwave radio.

I love to support these institutions — actually I'm continually impressed with how well CBC distributes their material through podcasts and their websites. I hope this new medium makes them accessible to a new crop of listeners... There, I've done my community service for the week. If you have an iPhone, download these applications. They're like culture in your pocket.

Domino, Of Thee I Sing!

January 28, 2009 — shock waves spread through the office of Kontent Publishing. Emails and calls, "is it true?... have you heard?..." The rumors were flying — Domino magazine was set to fold. "How could this be," the fashionistas at my office mourned. This is our home décor bible... the editors our redecorating gurus... the holy grail of stylish living.

I'm a lover of magazines. I visit my local magazine store every month to pore over the new array of glossy covers. "Ahhh, Nicole Kidman looks amazing in Chanel on the cover of Vogue; Christy Turlington is on W wearing Donna Karan," and so on. Regardless of the endless stream of tantalizing titles, until recently two purchases were always imminent: Vogue and Domino. Vogue to feed my insatiable appetite for fashion, Domino to feed my insatiable appetite for home décor. How would I cope with the absence of my go-to source for the latest and greatest in color schemes, fabric swatches and wallpaper trends?

To my relief, the makers of this wonderful magazine left an equally wonderful volume that will sit proudly on my bookshelf for years to come — Domino: The Book of Decorating (Simon & Schuster).

The book is basically a "best of" Domino magazine, but organized by room, and by aesthetic. Just look at the cover alone. Doesn't it make you want to redo your entire house in all bird-motif Chinoiserie? I'd have to say I seriously considered it! What I really love about the book — other than it's stunning photography and layout — is that the examples feel attainable. The rooms are real, lived-in spaces. And at the end of each chapter, an editor at Domino tackles a room of his or her own, details the planning/editing/decorating process, and then shows the results.

The book cleverly breaks down the steps to creating your ideal space: 1. Find your inspiration; 2. Determine your style; 3. Consider how you'll use the room; 4. Asses your stuff; 5. Draw up a floor plan; 6. Set a budget; 7. Research, research, research; 8. Create a design scheme; and, 9. Make a decorating schedule. As you read the book, you learn a lot about your personal style. It's nice to codify your likes and dislikes: "Oh, I'm a 'cool collector' with a touch of 'mid-century elegant' and a hint of 'rich and handsome,' but I'm not a fan of 'hollywood glamour'" Fancy!

I'm basically finished decorating my apartment, and I'm happy with the results. I put a lot of thought into everything I do — I love amazing food, I read excellent books, I have incredible friends — so why should my living space be treated any differently? I am, however, always looking for ways to amp up my surroundings, and complete ideas I've either started, or have intentions of starting. Fortunately, the book has several suggestions for "finishing touches" in every room. On page 102 and 103, there are several ideas for the dining room:

Don't you love these photos? Each one makes me want to transport myself into its world. Books in the dining room, who would have ever dared? Here is a picture of how my dining area looks at this moment:

Good, but not great. While it's clean and modern — I love the Farrow & Ball Blue Green on the wall, and the framed wallpaper samples —, there is a lot of room for improvement. Actually, one of the biggest improvements came when my roommate Jonathan purchased these great plywood chairs to compliment the mid-century modern table. Domino has inspired me to rejig this area. Stay tuned for the results... to be done on a shoestring budget, I must add.

For those who are lost in the realm of redecorating and home décor, my best advice is this: Don't be embarrassed to try to copy a room that inspires you. Practically speaking, there is no way the finished result would actually look "copied." And as you search for substitutions or modifications based on your budget, or architectural limitations, you'll inevitably end up creating a room based on your own likes and dislikes and you'll discover your own sense of style in the process. That is why it's important to garner inspiration from excellent sources such as this book. For all of you who are embarking on a project at home, or anyone who loves a pretty room, I implore you to buy Domino: The Book of Decorating. In my humble opinion, you may never need to buy another home décor book again, even though I'm sure you (and I) will.

Keep it Simple This Summer

I've been enjoying rediscovering simple taste combinations and good, fresh produce this summer. And I'd love to share with you a simple, yet delicious, lunch idea that takes advantage of the tasty cherry tomato:

1. Toss a pint of cherry tomatoes with a tablespoon or so of olive oil and place uncovered in a shallow pan in a 400 degree oven. Season with salt and pepper (I use Vege-Sal, which I will blog about some day). Bake for 20 minutes with the oven door closed, and another 5-10 minutes with it open until the tomatoes are slightly browned. (I like to do this to dry out the tomatoes a bit — it intensifies the flavor.)

2. Combine the roasted tomatoes with a can of good quality tuna and about 5 chopped basil leaves. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season to taste.

And there you have it. Serve with a piece of no-knead bread and you'll be surprised at the great combination of flavors. Of course, this dish can be adapted to suit your taste. I think it would go really nicely with orzo to make an elegant dinner.

Bon appetit.