I'm not much of a coffee buff. I can appreciate a good bean, but I'm not too high maintenance. I can appreciate a full spectrum, from freeze-dried instant stuff to a high quality, freshly ground, meticulously brewed cup. I think there's a time and a place for everything, from a shot of espresso to a syrup-laden iced monstrosity. My one qualm with Canada is the lack of availability of my go-to from back home: the flat white. I won't go into technicalities as I'd be out of my depth, but I think the general idea is a very small, strong coffee, with silky steamed milk. I suppose it's not too far off a latte, but they're always just a little too big. You could emulate the strength by doubling up on shots, but the charm is in the size. The appeal was how the little cup fit perfectly in the hand. I popped in here after an early-morning workout, and could tell by the vibe of the place that they were putting their coffees in some seriously small cups. You could complain that it's a real overpriced-glamourous-downtown-coffee-shop trope, but if you're looking for sheer volume, these are not the kind of places you could be looking. "A small oat latte, please", I said to the fella behind the counter, trying to contain the hope and excitement beginning to bubble up in the pit of my stomach. Worth noting that they all look like they're very cool in there, which I imagine would be intimidating if you were uncool. I couldn't tell ya. Out the door I went with the tiniest paper cup in hand, into the rain. In between scrambling with my two bags and half-broken umbrella, I took a sip. Wow. It was like going back in time. It was silky, strong, the perfect temperature. I sat down on a cold step on the side of the street and drank the whole thing with a cigarette. People were looking at me like I was insane, but I paid them no mind. I had the whole thing gone in about 4 minutes flat. I am sitting at my desk in work, basking in the afterglow of it all. Thank you for giving me a taste of home - I can't wait to drink so many that I can take them for granted again, just...
Read moreI had the absolute pleasure of visiting Small Victory Coffee Shop and encountering the incredibly talented barista, Alina. Let me tell you, Alina's craft and passion for coffee are nothing short of extraordinary.
I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and what I received was a work of art in a cup. The flavor was an exquisite blend of rich espresso, velvety steamed milk, and the perfect amount of pumpkin spice. It was like sipping on a cozy autumn day wrapped in a warm embrace.
What truly sets Alina apart is her attention to detail and dedication to her craft. Her latte art was not only visually stunning but also a testament to her skill and commitment to making every cup special. The presentation alone was enough to make my day.
But it wasn't just the beverage that made my experience exceptional; it was Alina's warm and friendly demeanor. She exudes a genuine passion for coffee and a desire to make her customers feel welcome and cherished. Her infectious enthusiasm brightened my day and left a lasting impression.
If you're ever in the area and looking for a coffee experience that transcends the ordinary, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Small Victory Coffee Shop and seeking out the talented Alina. Your taste buds will thank you, and your spirit will be uplifted by her unparalleled coffee artistry and hospitality. Alina truly is a gem in the world of baristas, and I can't wait to return for another cup...
Read moreExcellent bakery and coffee shop, leaving you wanting more! Our order was taken promptly and while the place was busy, we managed to find a seat at the bar counter.
We ordered: salted caramel cheesecake, cappuccino, latte, chicken pot pie, and mushroom tart. The pot pie was filled and not soupy at all; the pastry was light and there was chicken in every bite. The tart was delicious! If you love mushrooms, then you must order the mushroom tart! I very much enjoyed the latte, after our meal, I still had a good latte after taste that happily reminded me of a good breakfast.
We enjoyed that mushroom tart that we returned for lunch and ordered it again, along with their roasted pepper chicken sammie with bacon. It was the perfect bread to meat ratio.
The sweet: the salted caramel cheesecake was good, nothing to brag about but the pistachio cream cronut was divine! And they do not skim on the pistachio cream! The vanilla could have a slight more vanilla flavor to it. Over all, we had a great experience, the staff are friendly.
The food menu is not obvious to see when you walk in, as it's only at the counter when ordering so don't get distracted by the window display. The good news is, they do post their food menu online, so def...
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