Nespresso Cafe!

Hello there my lovely readers, me again.

This week has been so crazy, literally crazier then my typical overly-caffeinated life. I really had no idea where to go this week to fulfill my coffee-fanatic needs. I then spoke to my mom, she told me of a "cool" place in Yorkville named "Nespresso." She goes along by saying "Amelia you have to see the experience, you can tell it's Italian design (she was an interior designer in some part of her lifetime).. it's just a beautiful experience." Guys, my mom became emotional, literally with tears in her eyes...So with that, I decided I should give in to my mother's begging (constant begging) and go on a mother-daughter coffee date.

On our way to this magical land my mom describes as Nespresso, we were driving along minding our own business, we stopped at a red light (just like any other normal human being would do at a red light) when all of a sudden, a scary (actually petrifying) man knocked on the passenger window (I was petrified, thinking we were both about to die) and the man proceeds after I screamed in his face by saying "hey lady! You have a flat tire!" As if my life couldn't get any worse, we called the car dealership who then told us that we would need to be towed and the tow truck wouldn't arrive for another 3 HOURS. 3 HOURS!!! Man, was I ever mad.


3 hours (and a bit) later, the tow truck came and we were off set to find Nespresso on foot, just like the "good old days." GREAT MOM, I LOVE TO WALK (there's a reason why I blog about coffee and not fitness). Finally after a 45 minute walk in -20 degrees, we finally found The Nespresso Cafe. Actually, now that I think about it, they call themselves the "Nespresso Cafe Boutique." I have two words to be able to completely describe to you what the Nespresso Cafe was like and here they are: Nespresso understands. Guys, I don't know if you have been to the Nespresso Cafe, but it was worth every flat tire in the world, every minute of waiting, every different type of frost bite I got on my body and every step that I walked in the freezing cold Canadian winter. It was absolutely stunning. (1 Bean Point)

I took it upon myself to post pictures of the amazing boutique and here they are:

The Nespresso Cafe Espresso Bar.

Nespresso Cafe seating. 

Nespresso Cafe menu and monogrammed table. 

After being completely frozen over *singing the cold never bothered me anyways from the Disney movie, Frozen* we finally go in the warm Nespresso Cafe, there was a hostess at the front desk, who then sat us down at a table, gave each of us a menu and a glass of water with lemon. After I took a photoshoot of the cafe, menu, tables and pretty much anything with the letter "N" on it, the waitress then came (who by the way had a beautiful English accent) and took our orders. I ordered a medium Cafe Macchiato (and asked for it to be as hot as it could possibly be made). (1 Bean Point)

This was then brought to the table: 

And I literally almost fell out of my chair. I was trying to stay cool, calm and collected. I think I played it off well though, don't you worry. The flavour and presentation was absolutely impeccable. (1 Bean Point)

The cost? $7.50. Yes, I know, it was a pretty steep price, but considering the experience it was worth every penny. (1 Bean Point)

There was no drive thru option, but the location was perfect. Nespresso is located right on Yorkville, which makes up for the high prices. (1 Bean Point)

After my amazing cup of coffee, water and chocolate, I took a tour around the Cafe and saw that they actually sell almost all of their machines in their Nespresso Cafe, along with millions of different pods. It was such a cool concept. My mom was right, those Italians, they really do know what they are doing.


I know that I've mentioned this before, but I will say it again. I've been to Italy and I have personally seen with my own eyes what the Italian coffee experience is like, Nespresso nailed it. I have also been to France, and I feel as though Nespresso was an Italian and Parisian cafe styles mixed together. I felt like I was in both Italy and France at the same time (is that even possible?). The presentation, style and flavour was impeccable. Nespresso understands. 

Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: 1 bean point

Ambiance: 1 bean point

Drive-Thru: 1 bean point

Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 5/5 total bean points!

Overall, I was extremely impressed by you Nespresso. I love you Nespresso. You make me proud to be Italian. I hope you open up many other locations around the world so we can share with everyone what a true coffee experience looks like. You are classy and fabulous. Keep up the outstanding work. Love you long time. 

Reminder for the medium double-double challenge:
The Good Neighbour: 4/5 Bean Points
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!

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Starbucks Eggnog Latte!

Hello my little beanies,

So nice to be back on my blogging quest. I am so sorry my posts have been less frequent, the holidays have been a bit on the cray side.

As promised, new and exciting things have been happening to The Bean Movement. As of today, I am an official blogger on a online magazine called "Generation Nothingness" (http://gnothingness.com/). I will be writing all about coffee trends, news and other cool coffee topics twice a month! Stay tuned to my social media websites, I will let you all know when my posts have been published on there. Below you will see a screenshot of my Generation Nothingness profile.

I know that by now, most of the holidays are over, its officially 2015 (crazy how fast time flies), school has started back up and diets are being planned; but I still just LOVE the holidays. I love the way the malls are during the holiday season and I love how festive people are. Now, being a coffee addict, I also really love how coffee shops change it up a bit during the holiday season, I love how they change their cups, their flavours and they customer service is on its game too.

Now as you all know, for the winter season my goal is to find the coffee shop with the best Eggnog Latte. The first place on the blogging list was Starbucks.

If it wasn't for Starbucks, I can honestly say that I wouldn't even know there was such thing as an "Eggnog Latte" they were the first that I heard to have such a thing (a very long time ago, aka pre-blogging days) and I can say that because of them, I have the pleasure of looking forward to having an eggnog latte almost every day of the holiday season (don't judge me, I'm addicted).

Starbucks tends to never disappoint in the eggnog latte section of my life, they are consistently encouraging my eggnog latte addiction and I do not hate it.  Now, unfortunately I tried to write this same blog post last year ( LOL, get it.. last year? It's 2015....) but I had a little set back. The Starbucks I visited RAN OUT OF EGGNOG!!!!!!!!!!!!! My heart was broken for about a second, then I decided to have a wet cappuccino (aka the love of my life).

Thankfully, this week when I went to Starbucks, they were in high stock of the eggnog for me, and this is how my story begins....

I went to Starbucks and the lady behind the counter was actually so sweet and cute. I literally loved her, she brightened my day! She took my order, tall eggnog latte, and actually ASKED me how to spell my name; instead of guessing and completely bombing it, which typically makes me want to get my name legally changed to something "normal" and easier to spell. (1 Bean Point)

When my lips touched the lid of the magical eggnog latte, I thought my mouth tasted what heaven tastes like. Needless to say, the flavour was perfect, creamy and brought me back to the first day I every tried an eggnog latte (I think it was 2008?). It was amazing. (1 Bean Point)

The price? $3.75. That hurt my bank account... I feel like Starbuck's prices keep rising and my bank account keeps getting smaller and smaller....... (No Bean Point)

The Starbucks location was prime and had a drive thru, which makes me very happy when it's -20 outside (not kidding, it was literally -20.) (1 Bean Point)

Now, I didn't enter the Starbucks this time, so I didn't get to vote on the ambiance. The point is given to them because I know it's amazing in there and because I chose to not enter, which isn't their fault.



Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: 0 bean point

Ambiance: 1 bean point

Drive-Thru: 1 bean point

Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 4/5 total bean points!

Overall I am very, very impressed by you Starbucks. I love your eggnog latte, and as I said before you are the reason I know it exists so I owe you my eggnog latte addiction. I am hoping your prices may lower... even just by a couple of cents, and if it does you deserve a 5/5!! Keep up the great work! Love you longtime.

Reminder for the medium double-double challenge:
The Good Neighbour: 4/5 Bean Points
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!

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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
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Do you have any suggestions to help improve my blog? I'd love your feedback!
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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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Zomato: TheBeanMovement

Do you have any suggestions to help improve my blog? I'd love your feedback!
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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
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LavAzza!

Hello again my little caramel macchiatos! I hope that you all are keeping well!

Throughout the weeks I have been getting questions regarding WHY I would take one coffee experience and create an entire brand perception right of the bat. My answer to this question is simple:

The coffee industry is very, VERY competitive these days. I swear there are millions (not a fact, maybe just a sprinkle of exaggeration to set the mood) of different coffee companies trying to make it in this very competitive industry and just cannot make it out alive.  Through my own experiences, I have learned that every time someone walks into a location; to any sort of retail establishments they are looking for the whole package. Customers want a clear balance between price, quality and experience, but are being manipulated by marketing ploys to believe that a certain coffee brand is better without giving the other shops a fair chance. Many of the now popular coffee establishments "pride" themselves for wanting to provide an amazing customer experience, so in turn are able to jack up their prices and say that they are not only paying for the coffee, but also for the coffee-drinking experience. Now, my job as a coffee-blogger (and coffee lover) is to sort out those who really are not providing the "coffee-drinking experience" as they promised. I hate to be lied too, and I would hate for anyone to be taken advantage of. That is why this blog is a "movement"; my goal is to provide customers the knowledge they need to be able to distinguish which coffee franchises are worth their money, and who is not worth their money. Now, I am not saying in any way that even though I had a great experience in one place, it means everyone will have that same experience (and vice versa), I just want to bring awareness to the fact that everyone should get a fair chance in proving themselves to their customers and that every experience counts. You only get one shot at a good first impression.

Now onto the good stuff,

This week I took a trip over to LavAzza and man, oh man do I have a story for you! Buckle up!

Now as many of you already know from past blog posts, I am Italian and have been to Italy. I have also had the pleasure of having a real Italian coffee-drinking experience. LavAzza is an extremely popular Italian coffee brand, so when I went to their location I was expecting to see the typical Italian coffee-drinking experience I had in Italy. I was sadly mistaken.

I walked into the shop (by using their wooden, broken-down stairs) and saw the lady working at cash which on the phone with one of her friends. Not only was she on the phone with her friend, but she was also watching a work out video on the giant flat screen tv the LavAzza location had. When the lady saw that I was ready to order I asked if she could serve me a medium double double, she told me that they didn't have that on the menu, but the "caffè macchiato was just like it". I ordered the caffè macchiato, she then says "do you want this size or this size" (while holding two cups that look to me like they were the same size) I answered "whichever is suppose to be the medium". The lady then turns to her large coffee machine and starts pressing buttons and pauses. She then turns to me and says "oh, I forgot. It's a slow day, so I am cleaning the big espresso machine, but this one right here is just as good." Without a second for me to answer she started up her Keurig machine and presses all the buttons necessary. I then look at her and ask if the Keurig coffee pods she was using her at least LavAzza, she said yes. I looked on the Keurig website, and they do make LavAzza coffee pods (thankfully).  (0 Bean Points)

The store was all painted in a royal blue (when I say all, I mean all. The outer bricks were also royal blue to match the inside). The inside of the store was modest, with broken mirrors on the walls; coffee machines and coffee beans were on shelves along the back of the store (still in their Canada Post boxes). There were muffins sitting on a plate on the cash desk that were not covered. The tables and chairs were black. Honestly, it was disgusting. The only thing that was new-looking was the menu. (0 Bean Points)

The flavour, oh man. It was awful. I couldn't even describe it to you, it was just so bad. (0 Bean Points)


This price for my Keurig "LavAzza" coffee was ridiculously high. $3.95 for a cup of coffee that I could have made at home with my own machine. (0 Bean Points)


The LavAzza location had no drive thru options and zero parking, so I had to park in an apartment building's parking garage. (0 Bean Points)


Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 0 bean point

Price: 0 bean point

Ambiance: 0 bean point

Drive-Thru: 0 bean point

Customer Service: 0 bean point

Total Score: 0/5 total bean points!

LavAzza, what happened? I was so looking forward to our encounter, but you have failed me. Please take my words of criticism and allow yourselves room for improvement. When you guys are great, I will be back.



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

Next week's location........ Timothy's! See you next week!

Reminder:
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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Aroma Espresso Bar!

Hello my little caffeinated readers!

Didya notice the new look? If you didn't I changed the look of my blog! I hope you like it. I realized although birds are cute, they didn't suit the whole coffee-blog persona. Let me know what you think!

This week I gave an espresso bar a little visit and had a taste of their medium double double. What's the espresso bar called? Aroma Espresso Bar.

Aroma is one of the locations many people have been emailing me to try for weeks, and let me tell you; I am extremely happy that I listened to those requests.

I went to the Aroma located inside of the Promenade Mall food court. In the food court was an area marked up that was sole property of Aroma. There were beautiful wooden railings surrounding the area in a rectangle and inside the rectangle, there was an espresso bar (which was made out of wood, it looked like they had just split a tree in half and made a bar out of it) along with their "patio". The patio was beautifully located and organized. (1 Bean Point)


The patio had beautiful modern red chairs and dark brown tables. On the bar there was a glass box that held muffins. On the bar, there was an extremely large container of water with lemon that Aroma offers their customers free of cost. I noticed that they were also hand-made loafs of bread on a shelf, which is definitely not seen very often these days. The colour layout was dark brown and red, which resembled their logo colours. The ambiance was beautiful. (1 Bean Point)

When it was my turn to order the woman at the cash greeted me nicely as I ordered my medium double double coffee. Once I ordered my coffee, the lady at the cash asked me for my name and wrote it on the cup, she then told me that I could make myself comfortable at the bar while I waited for my coffee to be finished. As I waited for my drink, I prepared myself with some lemon water. The lemon water was such a sweet touch Aroma gives their customers and I think other coffee shops should join in on that movement. Beside me there were other customers getting their drinks, one of them bought 8 drinks for his co-workers (very sweet, I know) and I noticed that the coffee tray holder was completely different from the other places I have every gone too! Aroma's tray had 4 cup holders, which were in a box-shaped container with a hand on the top. The best way I could describe to you readers what it resembled was a beer container. It was so cool! The Aroma employee then went on a microphone and called out my name (so cool), gave me my drink and handed me a chocolate and said that it was a complementary chocolate from Aroma to the customer as a way of saying "Thank you" for buying coffee from them. That was extremely unexpected and such a cleaver and sweet sentiment Aroma gives out, so thank you.  ( 1 Bean Point)


The flavour you ask? AMAZING! Literally the best coffee I have ever tasted before in my entire existence. (1 Bean Point)



The price of the coffee? $2.35. The price of the coffee in reflection to the ambiance, location, flavour and customer service was fair. (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: 1 bean point

Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 5/5 total bean points!

Aroma, you left me without words. You were beyond my expectations and raise the bar higher then any other. I was beyond happy with the service, flavour, ambiance, price and the patio. I will be coming back, many MANY more times. You are now my go-to spot! If you haven't yet tried the Aroma experience yet, you are truly missing out.



What do you think? What do you like about Aroma Espresso Bar? Leave a comment, I want to hear from you!

Next week's location........ McCafè! See you next week!

Reminder:
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
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Faema Caffè!

Hello my fellow coffee drinkers!

Thanks for reading up about the madness we call the coffee world. Coffee is a crazy thing, or a crazily amazing thing to those who love it as much as I do. I don't know about you, but when the time comes that my lips touch the cup filled with coffee, or when I wake up in the morning and the first thing I smell is a freshly brewed coffee, or when my mouth is filled with its first sip of caffeine; is when I am the happiest. So as you can imagine, this journey so far,  has been a great one for me.

Now, before I get to the good stuff, I just wanted to clarify what happens to coffee shops that don't have drive-thu options. Coffee shops that don't have a drive-thu are still eligible for a perfect score, if and only if, they have a great location. As an example, Illy Caffè didn't have a drive thru option, but they were amazingly located in Yorkdale mall. The only issue I had was with their "patio" it was located at the side of the store and wasn't set up in an inviting manner. If the patio had been more inviting, they would have received a full score. Any questions? Send me an email! I'd love to hear from you.

This week, as you may all already know, I visited Faema Caffè.

I really liked the Faema Caffè concept and thought their coffee tasted great. Faema really captured the Italian essence of what a coffee shop should (and does) look like in Italy. It has Italian floors (I actually have the same flooring in my kitchen) the bar area was clearly designated and nicely displayed all their Italian food options. In the back of the store they had many different types of Faema coffee machines and coffee beans displayed for sale and their tables and chairs looked exactly they way they do in Italy. The only thing I can complain about in the ambiance is that I had absolutely no idea where I was suppose to go to order my drink. There was no sign and no one greeted me at the counter to show me where I was suppose to line up. ( .5 Bean Point)

Once I figured out where to order, I ordered my medium double double. The employees were so sweet and started a conversation with me.I told them that I had my mom waiting in the car, and that I going to call her to see if she wanted a coffee and they told me it was no problem, they could wait. They then asked me if I had ever had their coffee before and if I wanted any milk other milk option, they even put cocoa sprinkles on top of my coffee. (1 Bean Point)

The coffee was not cheap folks, it came to a total of $3.95. I understand that the market they are targeting is more of an older audience who know how to appreciate the Italian heritage behind the actual coffee, not the typical fast-food on-the-go coffee places I'm used too. (.5 Bean Point)

The coffee was worth every penny, I think the words my sister used to describe her cup was "it almost brought me to tears" she's a little dramatic, but the flavour was really great. (1 Bean Point)


Drive-Thru option was not available and the location was not the greatest. I went to the Faema located beside Vaughan Mills mall, it took me a good 20 minutes to be able to find the store because there are so many of the same buildings that look exactly the same that I didn't know where I was suppose to go. The parking lot was also completely full, thankfully my mom drove and waited for me in the car. (0 Bean Point)


In all, Faema Caffè was a great place! I loved everything about it except for a few minor details. All I think they need is lower their prices (even just by a little), make it clearer where people should line up and lastly, put their logo on their cup! Good luck to you Faema! I am rooting for you!


Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: .5 bean point

Ambiance: .5 bean point

Drive-Thru: 0 bean point

Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 3/5 total bean points!

What do you think? What do you like about Faema Caffè? Leave a comment, I want to hear from you!

Next week's location........ Aroma Espresso! Stay tuned folks!

Reminder:
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!

Stay Caffeinated.




Don't forget to follow me on social media!

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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
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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. 

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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! 

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Welcome to the Bean Movement

Hello fellow coffeeholics!

If you are like me, and can't go a day without your freshly brewed beans, or your day cannot possibly begin without a cup or two of coffee. Then I am the blog for you. I'm here with all your tips and tricks for all your coffee needs. You may be an Espresso, American, Dark Roast, flavoured coffee, latte, or Colombian brewed coffee lover- whatever gets you through the day. I'll be here to keep you all updated on all your local coffee needs.

For the next couple of weeks I will be going to coffee shops in Toronto; comparing the flavours, prices, ambiance, drive through options and customer service. Each category gets one point, also known as a bean point, if satisfied. If I am unsatisfied, they do not get the point for that category. The highest possible score is 5 bean points.

The rules: I have to go to a different coffee shop each week and order the same drink each time. The beverage of my choosing is a medium double double.

NEXT STOP……Stay tuned, I will be posting every Thursday with updates.


Who has the best coffee? Follow me on my journey as I find the best coffee in Toronto!

Stay Caffeinated