Just Desserts: Cookie and Tart at Art of Cake

Black and white cookie - thick coating with a chocolate cookie underneath. Lemon curd tart with fresh fruit - not too tart, with a buttery shell. Shot of espresso. #yeg #yegfoodie #artofcake #nofilter #yegeats

A post shared by Paula E. Kirman (@livingsanctuary) on Jun 21, 2018 at 2:53pm PDT

Just Desserts: Nutella Creme Brulee at Block 1912

Nutella crème brûlée and espresso. #yeg #yegfood #yegeats #foodporn

A post shared by Paula E. Kirman (@livingsanctuary) on Nov 25, 2017 at 2:54pm PST

Block 1912 is a regular haunt of mine on Saturdays. I had a craving for dessert, so headed here for espresso and a Nutella creme brulee. I was tempted to try one, even though I have never been a huge creme brulee fan, after seeing an episode of the Baker Sisters where the women visit Block 1912 and owner Jorel shows how it is made (on the show, it is referred to as "hazelnut chocolate creme brulee, likely because of the fact Nutella is a trade name and this was not a commercial for it). First of all, I love Nutella, so the creamy, chocolatey filling was decadent and rich to my tastebuds. The use of caramel on top worked so well because it hardened into candy. As pointed out on the show, sugar is generally used in this dessert, which ends up getting a burned taste that I personally find sickening. However, this dessert was perfection and I am already craving more.

Just Desserts: Gracious Goods

I found myself in Belgravia and in need of lunch a few days ago, so stopped in to Gracious Goods. My Thai chicken wrap had a lot of chicken in it, as well as crunchy noodles, green onions, and lots of spicy peanut sauce (which was a bit overpowering at times). Beef barley soup probably was not the most obvious side and the flavours clashed somewhat, but the soup was incredible: piping hot, and full of beefy goodness.

However, the real star of my afternoon was the affogato. A huge scoop of chocolate ice cream was surrounded by two shots of espresso. The mix of temperatures and a flavour combination that resulted in a pleasant mocha would bring me back here just for that.

Coffee Break: Flat White at Second Cup

I first tried a Flat White at Transcend, and it quickly became my favourite drink there. It is a strong, short drink of espresso with steamed milk - sort of like a cappuccino without the foam. When I stopped in to my local Second Cup over the weekend, I was surprised to see their new Flat White being promoted. I gave in to my curiosity and tried it. The size was right and the two shots of espresso were fresh and strong - however, it was too hot. Flat Whites are not supposed to be as hot as a latte. Actually, the top part of the drink were about right, but it got hotter as I got further down the cup. The Second Cup Flat White is definitely a work in progress.

Coffee Break: Affogato at Cococo

Affogato, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Cococo Chocolatiers is the company that got Bernard Callebaut Chocolatiers out of receivership. The new Cococo Chocolatiers shop at 10103 124 Street sells Callebaut chocolate, decadent desserts, coffee, gelato, and some Cococo branded items too.

This afternoon, I was hot and wanted some gelato but also needed a mid-afternoon caffeine fix. The solution? Affogato! My vanilla gelato was so frozen the hot espresso did not totally melt it, and there was still plenty to drink after I made my way to the bottom of the cup.

Coffee Break: Espresso Milkshake at Zocalo

Espresso Milkshake, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

What do you get when you combine milk, real vanilla ice cream, and freshly brewed espresso using an old-fashioned milkshake machine?

Something incredibly rich, decadent, and with enough kick to keep you going for the rest of the day.

I am talking about the espresso milkshake, a seasonal treat at Zocalo at 10826 95 Street. Made fresh to order in a tall glass, this is one of the number one signs in Little Italy that summer has arrived.

Get one while you can.

Coffee Break: Americano Misto at Wild Earth

Americano Misto, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I paid another visit to the new location of Wild Earth in the Laurier Heights neighbourhood yesterday(142 Street & 85 Avenue). I tried an Americano Misto, which is espresso diluted with water about two thirds of the way up the glass, and finished with steamed milk.

While the word "misto" may conjure images of a light drink, this was very strong and bold. I enjoyed it more than a plain Americano, which I often end up dousing with cream anyways. The tall glass was hot to hold, but had a nice presentation.

Coffee Break: Espresso at Transcend Jasper Avenue

Espresso Shot, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I stopped in to the Jasper Avenue location of Transcend Coffee to do some reading and wait for a rally to start up the street at Beaver Hills House Park.

I had an espresso, as I needed an afternoon pick-me-up - and up I was indeed picked (that looks funny now that I have written it down, but I really did mean to say it). Very bold, very rich, very powerful. I was taken to the deepest depths of coffee.

Needless to say, it was very strong and not something I would have every day, but it was an expertly pulled shot.

Coffee Break: Espresso at Spinelli's Bar Italian

Espresso, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I have a confession: I have been doing shots. Straight shots. Often more than once a week. Sometimes, alone.

My name is Paula, and I am addicted to the espresso at Spinelli's Bar Italian (95 Street and 108 Avenue in the Italian Centre Shop).

Bold, deep, with just a slight accent of fruit, the espresso here is consistently good, never bitter, and very satisfying. I had always found straight espresso shots to be too strong, until now.

And, since caffeine is currently not available intravenously, this is the closest alternative I have found.