It's the holiday season!

Hello fellow coffee drinkers!

As you all start preparing for the Holidays, I'm sure that you would all just love to read all about who has the best Holiday coffee flavours. Am I right? I am pleased to announce that for the next few weeks of December, I will be taking the Holiday drinks by storm and finding the best Holiday drink in the coffee world.

My drink of the season? Eggnog latte! I realize that sometimes eggnog lattes are not always available, if this is the case, no coffee for this blogger.

The first coffee shoppe of my choosing is the one, the only; Starbucks! Baristas get ready for me! I am looking forward to this themed month, it's my favourite time of the year!

What other coffee shops do you want me to visit? Shoot me an email at thebeanmovement@gmail.com and tell me where I should go next.

See you next week xoxo.

Stay Caffeinated.

Don't forget to follow me on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement
Twitter: @TheBeanMovement
Gmail: thebeanmovement@gmail.com
Google+: TheBeanMovement
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Do you have any suggestions to help improve my blog? I'd love your feedback!
Email me: thebeanmovement@gmail.com

The Good Neighbour!

Hello to all my lovely and caffeinated readers!

I'm so sorry for being MIA in the recent weeks, my blogger hasn't been working!! There are a lot of new and exciting things coming our way in the new year; so make sure you stay tuned and keep reading to hear all about the crazy and unexpected adventure.

Also, I joined a brand new social media webpage called "Zomato" The app is super cool and useful for every foodie looking for a great place to hang out, pig out and go on romantic dates. Be sure to follow me on the Zomato app, so you can be sure to keep track of all my coffee (and not so coffee) explorations!

As you know, a few weeks ago I visited a little coffee shoppe called The Good Neighbour, don't take this name lightly kids, they really are The Good Neighbour and I mean this in every literal way possible!

The Good Neighbour is literally located in a neighbourhood (hence the name), the coffee shoppe looks like a typical home, inside of a typical neighbourhood. Once you enter the house (The Good Neighbour) you get an urban and hipster feel. Inside the coffee shoppe you will see the coolest looking people around town. The decor was filled with warm and deep colours, I got an industrial-studio feel from the decor. The tabletops were a light brown wood, there was a cute bar over looking the city streets and there were tubes of coffee beans hanging beside a chalk board menu behind the cash counter. It was cool and very different, definitely left an impact on the decor side of my brain. (1 Bean Point)

When I entered The Good Neighbour, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was filled with cheerful, hipster customers. I walked up to the counter to order my medium double double the man behind the counter was so nice and happy to be working. As he was making my coffee, I asked him many questions about The Good Neighbour and he was properly trained and knowledgable about every question I had for him. He explained that the coffee The Good Neighbour sold was organic and 100% free trade, he also mentioned to tell me that when customers buy coffee from them, they know for sure they are buying quality and aren't just "throwing" money away. (1 Bean Point)

The flavour you ask? Raw, organic and great! As all of you know, I am a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, which actually means, I love coffee and not only do I love coffee; I also adore a great cup of coffee. Not many people really take the time like I do to make sure to really know and understand what kind of coffee I am indulging in, and I can honestly say that The Good Neighbour's coffee was just very real. Real, not like the processed coffee we are all used to from the typical franchises around us, but real in the sense it didn't taste like the favour was tampered with. The coffee was amazing and tasted a little fruity, which kind of makes sense; since coffee beans come from a fruit and then are roasted to get their flavour. (1 Bean Point)


There was no drive-thru option, and there was no parking spaces available. I had to park on the side of the road. (0 Bean Point)


Price: $4.25. The price is high, but as the barista said; you are getting what you pay for: amazing, free trade and organic coffee; with no secrets. (1 Bean Point)




Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: 1 bean point

Ambiance: 1 bean point

Drive-Thru: 0 bean point

Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 4/5 total bean points!

In all, The Good Neighbour was so amazing! I love how they are so transparent with their customers. When you visit The Good Neighbour, you really do know exactly what you are buying and if you have any questions about the coffee, the baristas are willing to explain everything to you without feeling like you are bothering them.



What do you guys think? Have you been to The Good Neighbour? I'd love to hear all about your experience.

Reminder:
Coffee Culture's score: 4.5/5 Bean Points
Timothy's World Cup Coffee's score: 4/5 Bean Points

LavAzza's score: 0/5 Bean Points
McCafé's score: 5/5 Bean Points
Aroma Espresso Bar's score: 5/5 Bean Points
Faema Caffè's score: 3.5 Bean Points
Second Cup's score: 1/5 Bean Points
Illy Caffè's score: 4.5/5 Bean Points
Starbucks' score: 3/5 Bean Points
Tim Hortons' score: 2.5/5 Bean Points



Until next week! xoxo

Stay Caffeinated.




Don't forget to follow me on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement
Twitter: @TheBeanMovement
Gmail: thebeanmovement@gmail.com
Google+: TheBeanMovement
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Do you have any suggestions to help improve my blog? I'd love your feedback!
Email me: thebeanmovement@gmail.com

Coffee Culture Cafe!

Hello to my loyal coffee beans!

A big, huge, ginormous thank you goes out to all of you readers who have supported in the past blogging weeks! When I first started this blog I thought it would be nearly impossible to attract even just one single follower, a few weeks later, The Bean Movement now has over 1,000 followers on social media websites (yay)! Keep spreading the word, my goal is 1,500 followers by the end of this year! There's going to be a contest coming soon!

This week I went to Coffee Culture Cafe.

The store layout was so beautiful and cozy. There was a fireplace with chairs around it and tables; and all their seating arrangements were cozy booths. There were very few actual chair + table options around the store, which I loved. It was different from what I've seen so far, it kind of looked like a place you'd wanna go with your friends on a snowy day (or week, like we had here in Toronto) and drink hot chocolate (or a double double) and feel at home, warm and cozy. The colour scheme was dark brown and gold. I really loved it! I even took some pictures to show my friends! (1 Bean Point)

I walked into the Coffee Culture location and ordered my medium double double. I was stunned, there were two employees on cash! As one prepared the one customer's drink the other employee took my drink order. They were both so happy, nice and organized. It was such a pleasure to see such happy people working on such a gloomy, cold, snowy day. They (and my coffee) made my day! (1 Bean Point)

Flavour was exceptional. Oh my goodness, when I had that first sip of coffee I thought I had died and gone to Heaven (yes it was that good).  Literally, it was amazing. You are all going to have to try it for yourselves. (1 Bean Point)

There was no drive thru, and unfortunately the location was okay, but not the greatest. (.5 Bean Point)

Price you ask? $2.05, wonderfully priced! (1 Bean Point)



Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: 1 bean point

Ambiance: 1 bean point

Drive-Thru: .5 bean point

Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 4.5/5 total bean points!

Man oh man, Coffee Culture, you really blew me away! I hope you open up more locations so I can sip some more of you exceptional coffee delight, unfortunately the location I went to was a little out of my way, but it was completely and totally worth it! With the coffee you guys make, I know I will be seeing much more of you and I can't wait!



What do you think? Have you ever had a taste of Coffee Culture? Let me know! I want to hear from you!

Next week's location........The Good Neighbour! See you next week!

PS: stay tuned fellow coffeeholics! December is on its way. And with December around the corner, that means there's something special that happens in all of the wonderful coffee franchises. Can you guess what's so special about coffee shops in December? You are not going to want to miss it!



Reminder:
Timothy's World Cup Coffee's score: 4/5 Bean Points

LavAzza's score: 0/5 Bean Points
McCafé's score: 5/5 Bean Points
Aroma Espresso Bar's score: 5/5 Bean Points
Faema Caffè's score: 3.5 Bean Points
Second Cup's score: 1/5 Bean Points
Illy Caffè's score: 4.5/5 Bean Points
Starbucks' score: 3/5 Bean Points
Tim Hortons' score: 2.5/5 Bean Points



Until next week! xoxo

Stay Caffeinated.




Don't forget to follow me on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement
Twitter: @TheBeanMovement
Gmail: thebeanmovement@gmail.com
Google+: TheBeanMovement
Instagram: TheBeanMovement
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Thank you Stefanie Drew for the picture.

Do you have any suggestions to help improve my blog? I'd love your feedback! Email me at: thebeanmovement@gmail.com

Timothy's World Coffee!

Hello there my little mochas!

Random thought of the day, why in the world are we allowing coffee franchises to charge us $0.05-$1.00 more for a different type of milk? I think that is so ridiculous! When you are lactose intolerant or vegan (or have any type of reason for not having regular milk) and you have to pay more for the other milk options. That is so rude! I don't understand the logic at all. It's not the poor lactose intolerant customers fault for not being able to digest the regular milk... why are coffee franchises punishing the already punished? And the vegans, all they are trying to do is save the poor innocent animals lives WHY ARE THEY BEING PUNISHED?! It really frustrates me seeing this injustice. Why are these people being treated so unfairly? I really want to understand.


This week I visited (for the first time ever) a hidden treasure called Timothy's World Coffee! I say hidden because I really didn't know where Timothy's was located. I fixed my location problem with a little app (from the Apple Store) called Yood. I typed in the word "Timothy's" and it showed me the closest location to me, which really helped me out a lot this week.

I went to the Timothy's located inside of Vaughan Mills Mall. The location was a little kiosk (along with a patio) located by entrance number 6.

I thought the kiosk was so cute and decorated so nicely for the holidays (already!) with cute little pine trees (the fake ones, of course) and I'm almost certain there was Christmas music already playing in the background which really set the mood (Christmas spirit anyone?). The Timothy's colour scheme was red, navy blue, brown and white. Timothy's was able to carry their colour scheme nicely through their logo, cups and decor. (1 Bean Point)

When I went to the counter I noticed that they had the Timothy's Keurig pods on display, which was really nice to see! I think you were able to buy a pod to test it out for yourself, but I don't know because I didn't ask (does anyone wanna help a girl out?) The lady at the counter (has anyone noticed that the employees at all the coffee shops have been women) looked like she had her hands full, well her mouth full for the matter... She had food in her mouth as she was serving her customers, which I thought was so gross (especially since a piece of whatever she was eating flew out of her mouth... GROSS!). I (as you know) ordered a medium double-double. (0 Bean Points)

The flavour of the coffee was great! I really enjoyed their coffee blend. (1 Bean Point)


The price you ask? $2.25. SCORE! The price was definitely great. (1 Bean Point)

There was no drive through option! The location in the mall was great, so I don't see why they don't deserve a good bean point for that! (1 Bean Point)



Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: 1 bean point

Ambiance: 1 bean point

Drive-Thru: 0 bean point

Customer Service: 0 bean point

Total Score: 4/5 total bean points!

Timothy's you really are a hidden treasure! 4/5 on a coffee shop that I have never been to is amazing! I really enjoyed the entire Timothy's experience. I will be back!



What do you think? Have you ever had a taste of  Timothy's? Let me know! I want to hear from you!

Next week's location........ Coffee Culture! See you next week!

PS: stay tuned fellow coffeeholics! December is on its way. And with December around the corner, that means there's something special that happens in all of the wonderful coffee franchises. Can you guess what's so special about coffee shops in December? You are not going to want to miss it!



Reminder:

LavAzza's score: 0/5 Bean Points
McCafé's score: 5/5 Bean Points
Aroma Espresso Bar's score: 5/5 Bean Points
Faema Caffè's score: 3.5 Bean Points
Second Cup's score: 1/5 Bean Points
Illy Caffè's score: 4.5/5 Bean Points
Starbucks' score: 3/5 Bean Points
Tim Hortons' score: 2.5/5 Bean Points



Until next week! xoxo

Stay Caffeinated.




Don't forget to follow me on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement
Twitter: @TheBeanMovement
Gmail: thebeanmovement@gmail.com
Google+: TheBeanMovement
Instagram: TheBeanMovement
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Second Cup!

Heya my little bundles of coffee beans!

Special thanks goes out to all my followers who have sent me special requests of coffee establishments they want me to visit this week! From all the requests the majority of readers asked if I could review one particular place, this place being..... SECOND CUP.

So, as requested, this week I visited Second Cup and I was absolutely appalled by this particular store I visited. It was by far the worst establishment thus far.

This was my first time (that I can remember) ever going to Second Cup, I was expecting it to be similar to Starbucks and the ambiance was similar to Starbucks. The only difference was the Second Cup location, I felt was a cold and more sterile then Starbucks. I felt as though they were trying to be like Starbucks without actually copying them and it just didn't look good, warm and inviting; the way I think they tried to make their design. The store resembled my grandmothers house, it was really weird. Everything, and I mean everything, was either dark brown or white. There were dark brown couches with dark brown tables and chairs everywhere, there was also a random white wall standing on its own with an old-fashioned dark brown clock on top of it. In all, the ambiance was completely off, when I first walked into the establishment I felt like it was dull and boring and it made sense why I had never been there before; the music was so quite I didn't even notice there was music on at all; until I took the time to really listen.. it was just, in lack of better words, dead. (No bean point)

When I lined up at the counter there were two people ahead of me in line and there was only one employee working at the counter. The poor girl looked as though she was so overwhelmed that she was going to pass out. Finally, it was my turn (I had been in line at this point for over 15 minutes waiting) I first said hello and asked her why there were small symbols beside the Second Cup coffee blends, she then told me she had no idea why there was those "weird designs" she then told me how she was the worst person to ask because (even though she was working) she hadn't been a trained employee yet. I continued the conversation by asking her if she could make my medium double double with almond milk, she said "one second let me ask" I then see her leaving the counter and asking someone (who I thought was a customer) if she could give me almond milk with my coffee. The employee at the counter then came back and told me she could, she punched my order into the cash register and it came to around $7.00 and I looked at her (very confused) and asked why my drink was so expensive, she then looked and noticed she had put the wrong drink in the cash register and charged me for it twice. She proceeded by changing the order and charging me the correct amount: $2.15 for my medium double double. (no bean point)

Once I received my coffee, I wanted to see why she went to a customer to ask if I could have almond milk in my coffee, I then realized that it wasn't a customer she asked, it was another employee who was laying on the couch talking to one of her friend. I figured it was an employee because she was dressed in all black and wore a Second Cup apron. She decided it would be okay to lay out and relax while this poor girl who hadn't been trained yet was taking all the orders and making all the drinks on her own. This employee (who I would assume was there to train the girl at the counter) was sprawled out on a couch, during business hours, talking to her girlfriend and absolutely not doing her job. I was/am infuriated. (No bean point)

As I was about to sip my coffee I noticed my coffee cup was ridiculously dirty and it wasn't from my hands, it had been dirtied from who knows what before I bought it. Once I went home I put my coffee in a glass cup and drank it. The only good thing I got from this experience was the poor girl made a pretty good cup of coffee, so good for her. ( 1 bean point)

Although the flavour of the coffee was good, I think it was highly over priced considering how my experience went. If it were up to me, I wouldn't go back to any Second Cup location for the rest of my life. It was that bad. (no bean point)

No drive-thru option available. No extra points allotted due to poor location and nothing to substitute the drive-thru option. (no bean point)

Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: 0 bean point

Ambiance: 0 bean point

Drive-Thru: 0 bean point

Customer Service: 0 bean point

Total Score: 1/5 total bean points!

What do you think? Have you ever tried Second Cup? Let me know!

Next week's location.......... Faema Caffè! Stay tuned!

Reminder:
Last week: Illy Caffè's score: 4.5/5 Bean Points
Two weeks ago: Starbucks' score: 3/5 Bean Points
Three weeks ago: Tim Hortons' score: 2.5/5 Bean Points


Until next week!

Stay Caffeinated.


Don't forget to follow me on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement
Twitter: @TheBeanMovement
Gmail: thebeanmovement@gmail.com
Google+: amelia.plastina
Instagram: TheBeanMovement
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thebeanmovement

Illy Caffè!

Ciao my little shots of espresso! 

What's with the Italian? Well, this week I visited Illy Caffè. An espresso brand all the way from my home land of Italia. I'm not sure if any of my loyal readers have ever been to Italy or come from an Italian culture, so for those of you who don't know; In Italy, espresso is apart of the Italian culture and life style. Every meal in Italy involves a cup of a nice espresso to help digest the plate of pasta (or pizza) they just ate.

With all of that being said, Illy Caffè was absolutely amazing. Best coffee I've had in a very, VERY long time (ever since my last trip to Italy). As I drank my $2.65 medium double double it took me back to the mountains of Tuscany where I sipped my cappuccino thinking about how I really wished there was an Illy Caffè in Canada. My dream came true.

This week I visited the Illy Caffè location at Yorkdale mall.  The overall look of the coffee shoppe was so beautiful and modern. The Illy colour scheme is red, brown and white. The shoppe was inclosed in glass walls and had many tables and chairs overlooking the mall halls. (1 bean point)

When I entered the shoppe I was greeted almost immediately. Once I was greeted, the Illy barista took out a sheet of paper and asked me for my order, he then proceeded to write it down on the paper and started making my drink, as he was making my coffee, he gave the sheet to the cashier who then cashed me out. After a few short minutes, the barista gave me my drink and directed me to the table behind me; so I could put my own cream or milk. (1 bean point)

For a luxurious Italian coffee brand, the coffee's price was very reasonable. (1 bean point)

The coffee was absolutely delicious. I could, for once, actually taste the favour of the actual coffee bean. I don't know how to describe how great it was, but I can honestly say it was the best coffee thus far. Way to go Illy! (1 bean point)

Unfortunately, there was no drive-thru option provided. Seeing as it was located in a mall, and they had no other option, I will award them half a bean point for the convenience of their location in the mall (right before the food court), unless anyone objects. (.5 bean point)

Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: 1 bean point

Ambiance: 1 bean point

Drive-Thru: .5 bean point

Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 4.5/5 total bean points!

For right now, Illy's only location is in Yorkdale mall. I am really hoping they will start to expand and become one of Canada's leading coffee franchises. They have my vote!



What do you think? Have you ever tried Illy Caffè? Let me know!




Next week's location.......... IS YOUR CHOICE! send me an email (or comment on below) to let me know where you'd like me to visit next!

Reminder:
Last week Starbucks' score: 3/5 Bean Points
Two weeks ago Tim Hortons' score: 2.5/5 Bean Points


Until next week, Arrivederci!

Stay Caffeinated.


Don't forget to follow me on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement
Twitter: @TheBeanMovement
Google: thebeanmovement@gmail.com
Instagram: TheBeanMovement
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thebeanmovement

Starbucks!

Hey my little beanies!

This week I visited Starbucks.  Now, Starbucks is known for their different types of seasonal drinks; who knew they even offered "normal" coffee? Well, I for one did not. With that being said, This week when I ordered my double double coffee; I have to say I had a great experience!

For those of you who don't know, Starbucks is known for being one of the more expensive coffee brands around the world. Starbucks is not only a coffee brand, but also a fashion statement. The question is: is Starbucks really as good as they say they are? Are they worth the prices they charge?

When I went bought my coffee the line up was long, and it took a while to make my drink. What I found impressive is all the employees were very kind and seemed to really enjoy their job, which made me really enjoy being there. (1 bean point)

When I received my drink, it was at the perfect temperature so I could drink it right away. The coffee tasted really good! One thing I really liked about Starbucks is they give customers different milk options so they can really deliver to a very diverse group of customers. ( 1 bean point)

The store was very coffee- themed which was cool to see. They had art work that had been made with coffee burlap bags. Starbucks also has very pretty decor; their stores are filled with cool couches and wooden chairs. The Starbucks locations are very appealing to the eyes, you can very clearly tell they worked very hard to please the consumer. (1 bean point)

The Starbucks location I went to didn't have a drive-thru. (no bean point)

Starbucks is good, it is also high-priced. I would say that Starbucks is too expensive compared to their competitors since they are a fashion statement, that is what keeps them alive. (no bean point)



Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point
Price: 0 bean point
Ambiance: 1 bean point
Drive-Thru: 0
Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 3/5 bean points



In the case of the double double coffee I had from Starbucks, I'd say that it was not worth the amount of money I payed for in means of flavour, but if I take everything into consideration, they do provide great ambiance and customer service; which makes the entire Starbucks experience perfectly worth every cent.

What do you think? Leave your comments below!


Next week's location..... Illy! Tune in Next Thursday for a new blog post! 


Reminder:
Last week Tim Hortons score: 2.5/5 Bean Points


Until next week, adios!
Stay Caffeinated. 

Don't forget to follow me on Social Media! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement

Twitter: @TheBeanMovement

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thebeanmovemen

Instagram: TheBeanMovement

Google+: thebeanmovement@gmail.com

Tim Hortons!

Hello my loyal coffeeholics!

Here we are again, week two; a lot has changed since we last spoke. 

I now have 113 Facebook "Likes", 91 Instagram "followers" and 44 Twitter "followers." I just want to give you all a big thank you! It means a whole lot to me that you are all spreading the word and following me. 

Now, on to the good stuff. This week I went to Tim Hortons, and let just say I was actually very surprised. 

Timmies, as most Canadians, is my go-to place. I typically absolutely adore the flavour of their coffee and I especially love their new dark roast blend, but this week when I payed Tim Hortons a visit; I ordered my typical Double-Double (Dark Roast style, of course). I  then noticed that my coffee was extremely sweet. Turns out, it was a triple triple. The lady at the counter wasn't very happy with me noticing her mistake, and when I started talking to her about my love for coffee and about my experience with the Dark Roast (and how I usually adore it) she looked at me, starred looking very unimpressed.. which I thought was pretty rude. By her reaction, I did not think it was my place to ask for a new coffee; so I left. 

Since during past visits I've had the Dark Roast Tim Hortons Double-Double, and since I know it is usually wonderful, I will give them .5 of a bean point. 

Who can complain about their price? I know I can't! I payed: $1.65 for a medium double double. (bean point)

The ambiance of Tim Hortons sort of sucks. I am not a fan of the layout they set for themselves. Everything in the store typically looks old and dirty. Their colour of choice is brown, which is fitting since coffee is also brown. However, I believe they over use the brown colour. (NO bean point)

Drive thru option: Available (bean point)

The customer service at Tim Hortons failed for me this time, sorry. (NO bean point)

Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: .5 of a bean point

Price: bean point

Ambiance: 0

Drive-Thru option: bean point

Customer Service: 0

Total score: 2.5/5 

In all, I was left unimpressed by Tim Hortons. If it were my first time in their establishment, I don't think I would go back. Usually when I buy a coffee, I'd like to at least hear a good morning or see a smile on at least one person's face; since you not only pay for the product, but also the customer service, and in this case they were both majorly lacking.  Tim Hortons' prices are not the most expensive, but according to what I payed for I do not think it was worth the money.



NEXT STOP...... Starbucks! Tune in next Thursday for updates!

Ciao for now! Stay Caffeinated. 

Don't forget to follow me on Social Media! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement

Twitter: TheBeanMovement

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Google+: thebeanmovement@gmail.com