We Go a Coffee Shop Mama?

Fiona asks me this at least daily.

This has become a favourite outing of ours {though not too frequent for financial reasons}.

We aren't really picky, most cafes do the trick.

As with everything though, we have our preferences.

I wanted to share our current top 3.

1. Cafe Tiramisu.

Kid-friendly coffee shops have become big business.

The first we went to in town was Cafe-o-play.

The place is fantastic for the kids but it's really an indoor playground that serves coffee.

Cafe Tiramisu is different.

It's a beautiful cafe {& much more} that has a play room in it.

It's a treat to go for the kids but also for the parents.

2. Wild Earth

This is our neighbourhood cafe and we feel very fortunate for that.

I was prompted to do this post because of the great stop we had here today.

They have amazing coffee but what we really can't get enough of is their bakery.

{Try the White Chocolate Raspberry Scone, trust me!}

There is no kids area but they have a great little basket of kids books.

And really, if we get some baking and a seat by the window, that's plenty of entertainment.

3. Da Capo

We only go to the smaller location on Whyte because it's closer to our place, I have heard great things about their 109 St location though.

I wanted to mention this one because their product is great.

I am also a big fan of the Roots on Whyte Building that it's in.

I also should really mention that if you haven't tried Transcend it's worth it.

Another great cafe is The Wired Cup {a favourite of a good friend}.

This is also a great gift shop.

When I was getting prenatal acupuncture at Whole Family Health {to attempt to turn Cedric} we also were really taken with The Quirky Art Cafe.

They do caricatures on site and have a bunch of art supplies to keep the babes busy.

These ones aren't on our list because the locations aren't really on our usual routes.

If they're on yours, lucky.

Any that you want to add?

Mason Jar Coffee

That's right, mason jar.

A couple of days ago my french press shattered.

I was devastated.

I have come to love my french press.

I've done drip, espresso and even had a short stint with instant.

{In my first trimester with Cedric I couldn't stand the smell of brewing coffee.}

I have found that the press produces the smoothest cup.

{I'm sure the half and half doesn't hurt.}

Just go buy another right?

I probably would have if the kids weren't in bed already.

Ok then just take out one of the other methods.

I almost did.

But I had just had a bunch of beans ground for the french press.

Besides I just didn't want to go back to these other methods.

I thought "I'm sure I can simulate a french press."

And so was born my version of Mason Jar Coffee.

{Patent pending, not really.}

1. Boil water.

{I know the visual is really helpful right?}

 2. Get your supplies.

Mason Jar

Coffee (course grind)

4"x 4" piece of porous fabric

{I used tulle since I had a bunch leftover from some projects a couple months ago.}

Chopstick

Cloth of some sort

 3. Put coffee in jar.

I usually do a heaping tbsp for each cup (250ml) but that may be a little weak for you.

Many websites say 2 tbsp for each 250ml in a french press.

 4. Pour in boiling water.

This is getting complicated, I know.

 5.  Put the lid on {not the ring} and let steep for about 5 mins.

You should have that nice bloom on top.

 6. Give it a quick stir {I just used a chopstick} and the grounds will sink a bit.

 7. Place the fabric in top.

 8. Screw the ring over the fabric.

9. Pour! 

This is a 2 hand job so I have no pic but I think it's pretty self explanatory.

The jar does get hot hence the washcloth or something to hold it with.

That's it.

I even tested this method out on my former-barista sister yesterday and she gave it a thumbs up.

I love the fact that I didn't spend any money on this or add more gadgets to the house.

{I am a little anti-gadget for those who don't already know this about me.}

It's a keeper.