Yorkville Espresso Bar - CLOSED

Cafe: Yorkville Espresso Bar

Address: 3 Yorkville Ave.

Phone: 416-515-7366 x 28

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 8 AM - 8 PM, Sun 10 AM - 6 PM

Website: www.yorkvilleespressobar.com

Wi-Fi?: Yes

Study Appropriate?: Yes

Stamp Cards?: No

Interior

Menu

Drinks - Soy/Almond/Lactose Options?: Yes to all
- Offers 1%  and 3% organic milk
- Roasted coffee beans from Rufino Organic Coffee and Hale Single Origin

Food - Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free Options?: Vegetarian and gluten-free only
- Everything made in-house, including spreads, dressings, and rubs

Review

My Order: Hot Chocolate, $3

I had a meeting at Yorkville Espresso Bar for the first time. It's a small cafe attached to an adjacent kitchen that doubles as extra seating for patrons. The Kitchen Studio is a cooking school, catering company, and a private/corporate event space. It's also perfect for filming and photo shoots. If you are curious, you can learn more about the kitchen here: www.yorkvillekitchenstudio.com.

When I received my drink, I was surprised for a second because I thought the barista had given me the wrong order. Usually hot chocolate would look like hot chocolate, not like a cup of latte! Luckily though, it was not a mistake and it was delicious. I overall like how quaint the cafe is. I think it's a nice spot in Yorkville and can be overlooked if you aren't seeking it out.

[Event] The Gentlemen's Expo

Show: The Gentlemen's Expo
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Dates: November 14-16, 2014
Website: www.gentlemensexpo.com

I got to attend the second annual show of The Gentlemen's Expo last month. The show is targeted towards males in their 30s and 40s with an impeccable taste for fashion and the finer things in life. There were notable guests at the show, including Bruce Croxon (Dragons' Den) and Vikram Vij (Top Chef Canada). There were free straight razor shaves for those who didn't want to participate in Movember, courtesy of Dove Men's+.

As a female attendee, this show did not appeal to me as it would have if I were a male in my 30s with exquisite taste. In contrast to The National Women's Show or Delicious Food Show, there were very few vendors. Considering that this was only its second year, the lack of vendors is understandable. I think after a couple more shows, when it starts to gain momentum with the public, there will be more exciting attractions.

However, I ran into a couple of acquaintances who work/own the brands that were there. Shout outs to Man Products Inc. and Yo Sox! Do check them out, they have some pretty cool stuff. The best part of this event for me personally was that I got to win $7 from the lottery!

Touhenboku Ramen (Entertainment District)

Restaurant: Touhenboku Ramen
Address: 261 Queen St. West
Phone: 416-596-8080
Store Hours: Mon - Sun 11 AM - 12 AM
Website: www.touhenboku.ca

Interior

Menu

See full menu here: www.touhenboku.ca/menu/

Spicy Touhenboku Ramen, $10.50

Review

My Order: Garlicky Touhenboku Ramen, $10.50

Touhenboku Ramen is a ramen restaurant on Queen Street West. My friend wanted to try it out because she loves ramen. I passed by this restaurant many times but never paid attention to it. I was up to give it a shot.

We arrived on a Sunday evening and it wasn't as busy as I expected. There were a few patrons but overall, my friend and I had our space to chat without having to worry about the noise and crowd.

At Touhenboku, you customize your ramen. You get to choose the type of noodles you want, the seasoning, and more. Extra toppings cost extra. All ramen comes with nori, scallions, mushrooms, and an egg. If there is a topping that already comes with your ramen that you do not want, you can substitute it for another topping for free (excluding Chasu meat). It's perfect for people who like to customize their food to their preferences. I usually choose a spicy dish but I decided to change it up this time. I ordered the Garlicky Touhenboku Ramen and was satisfied with my choice.

Touhenboku Ramen is a good spot to hit up if you love ramen.