java jive coffee factory - edmonton, ab

java jive coffee factory

9929 77 Avenue

780.432.9148‎

I think by now that if you follow along with my adventures, you know I'm a coffee kind of guy. So recently when I was leaving Whyte Ave, I noticed a sign advertising coffee on 99th street. Making a quick right hand turn, I decided to stop in at Java Jive Coffee Factory for a quick look.

I don't know a ton about the history of the coffee scene in town, but it seems to me Java Jive has been around for long time. Offering freshly roasted beans from all over the globe, it's slightly odd location may be why I only seem to stop in a few times each year.

With my camera handy, I thought I would take a few pictures. Besides freshly roasted coffee, of which they offer a big assortment, they sell green coffee beans, machines, and accessories. Not the biggest store front, Jave Jive isn't about sitting with your laptop for hours on end, it's a straight to the point business. In a world with coffee shops on every corner, it's almost refreshing. Get in, get out.

And with coffee all around, and welcoming staff, it's pretty hard not to leave without something. For me, it was a bag of freshly roasted beans from Costa Rica.

Why not take a peek the next time you near Whyte, maybe you'll find a new coffee to try. Time to grind!

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starbucks via coffee

I stopped in to see my friend and barista extraordinaire, Sarah, yesterday. It feels like ages since I've had the shot of java courtesy of the crew at the South Point location, so it was nice to catch up. As we chatted about life, Sarah mentioned that today is the big launch of Starbucks new instant coffee, VIA.

To celebrate they are running a little in-store promotion. From Oct 2nd to 5th, you can hit up your favorite location and take the VIA Challenge. I take it from our discussion, you will be able to run a 'taste test' between VIA and their regular brewed coffee. You will also get a $1 off coupon towards your first purchase of Via. Which Sarah tells me, comes in 3 or 12 packs.

I've tried both varieties, Colombian and Italian, and they are pretty darn good. I didn't think about it until our conversation, but as a baker these instant packets will be handy to have around for more than one reason. If you aren't a baker and you want to change up your regular hot coffee, why not mix your VIA with cold water, cold milk, or hot milk for something different. Let me know if you try it.

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dacapo caffe - edmonton, ab

dacapo caffe
8738 109 street
780.433.5382

And just like that, the cooler weather was creeping into our lives here in Edmonton. So the Thursday before last, with the rain damping some spirits, I took a break and headed over to DaCapo.

Well known for gelato in town, they also offer a tidy little menu and a selection of great coffee based beverages. Our timing today was spot on as they were an hour away from closing for a private event when we walked in.

A clean, straight forward setup, the seating is situated in a U-shape around a clean, modern counter. Service was fantastic, and while my two DaCapo first-timers lingered on the decision making process, I was ready to sink myself into a Americano. Oh who's kidding, why not partake in a quick sample of rum raisin gelato...delish!

My cohorts eventually pulled up stools, and I waited to see their choices. Tiramisu to go with a latte.

And a piece of black pepper, ginger, cinnamon biscotti with...

I've totally lost it. Maybe a cappuccino?

Good times were had by all, while we enjoyed our beverages and treats. Do stop in if you get a chance, as it's a perfect place to sip a coffee, hang out with those crazy hipsters, or just watch the world go by.

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jojo's cafe - edmonton, ab

JoJo's Cafe
8004 Gateway Boulevard
780.437.5555

I learned about Jojo's after perusing a recent copy of Vue Weekly. Jojo's is located inside La Piazza Dasee (a flower store), just south of Edmonton's ever popular Whyte Ave. After my initial attempt to sample some goodies failed due to the late evening hour, I succeed on my second attempt by stopping by mid afternoon.

There were no customers when we walked in so we had a perfect opportunity to look around and take in the shop. I think it has a clean and crisp look; you won't find enticing chairs to comfort your bottom for hours on end. Instead, you are left to choose from a handful of high tables or sit at the bar facing Gateway Boulevard for all the car watching your heart desires.

With no customers, and all the employees up a few steps on the La Piazza side, it took a few minutes before we were served. It did however allow us to look over the offering and be ready when the young lady came pleasantly around the corner. A seemingly classic selection of items; coffee based drinks, teas, iced beverages, gelato, and a few baked goodies were available for the picking.

I decided on a regular Americano, seeing as the owner apparently learned his craft over at Transcend,

while my two partners in crime on this day opted for the highly touted iced Fresh Red.

While the Vue Article mentions Ray Monroe as the manager and barista, he wasn't behind the counter on this occasion. Regardless, the young lady delivered a great tasting americano. The fresh red's lived up to there hype and were consumed in record time, although I'm sure the 30 degree weather didn't hurt the cold beverages cause. I took a sip at one point and can see why it went down so easily. A nice combination apple juice and rooibos tea, it pack just the right amount of sweetness while leaving those great rooibos flavors in your mouth.

On the way out, I noticed a little display where you can pick up some coffee and tea. You can even purchase red espresso so you can reproduce that fresh red bevy at home. I get all of my rooibos at Steeps, but I might just pick a bag of red espresso up one day and try it out in my machine at home. Overall, Jojo's offered a nice reprieve from the heat. A sharp looking establishment, where you can get your liquid fix, chat, watch the traffic go by or shop for some flowers for your loving partner. Why not stop in next time you are on Whyte. Oh, and my favorite flower is a Gerber Daisy ;)

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the week that was and is - may 20th, 2009

Snow Snow Snow. Where the heck did this come from. I have a feeling my first garden is quickly committing suicide........

• Check out todays Edmonton Journal Bistro section for a break down of our very own Little Lebanon.

• The back page of the May/June City Palate is all about Slow Food Edmonton's presentation of Indulgence. I remember hearing and/or reading about this before...but any local peeps want to fill me in with any details. Is this something to partake in?

• I also just recently discovered chomparoundalberta. What a great idea to discover out of the ways locations, eateries, fresh produce and more They even have itineraries for you to follow with lodgings and everything!

• Our local Technical Institute, NAIT, has started advertising for their epicurean boot camps. I would love be 'sponsored' for a class like this, as the price point ($2,295 for 5 days) will hold back many home cooks. I mean really; that's almost a semester of University. If you do have that kind of change hiding out in your couch, NAIT is offering 3 camps - Culinary Boot Camp Level 1, Level 2, and Pastry Boot Camp.

• I've always wondered why we can't get great street food in Canada and I think the government has some crazy legislation to do with it. Even with all the hoops they had to in Toronto, the first day doesn't sound promising.

• The Evolution of TV Cooking via Time.

• Eat the Head! Pretty funny T-Mobile commercial with shrimp.

• KFC is running a halal trial in a limited number of UK stores - "We have worked with the Halal Food Authority to understand the requirements involved in supplying and producing halal approved products. We are delighted that the HFA have certified KFC's products in these stores, and the store environments, as halal."

• Bacon, bacon everywhere. I've heard of bacon ice cream, but never bacon and egg ice cream or bacon and beer happy hour! I smell road trip!

• Cheerios, the new drug in town. I wonder if the hipsters are hiding boxes and creating a black market. ^-^!

• Another reminder, Harvey's Free Hamburger Dayis fast approaching. Sunday May 24th, from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, you can stop by and eat lunch for nothing. And, if that isn't enough, why not try the new Tim Hortons iced coffee for free on May 21st between 12 PM and 5 PM; apparently it's "a creamy, sweet blend of Tim Hortons coffee on ice."

• Right before this silly cold weather I picked my first tomato. I didn't realize what I bought was a cherry tomato plant..you know the whole being new to gardening thing. It doesn't matter however, because the tomato was delicious and I'm looking forward to more!

• I was the recipient of a few samples of Starbucks Via instant coffee. I haven't cracked one yet, but I enjoy the last checked box (Anywhere). Anyone sample yet?

Lets all collectively cross our fingers for warmer weather!

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starbucks southpoint - edmonton, ab

starbucks southpoint
3227 calgary trail
780.463.4300



My local barista, and friend, decided to give her place of work some promotion in my weekly update comments. I have no problem with this because it was a good thing for everyone who may read this and not just her work. She invited anyone to stop by and sample their new breakfast sandwich offerings and Pikes Place coffee for free yesterday.

I stopped by to find Sarah outside in a gazebo chatting up a steady flow of customers. The weather wasn't perfect for keeping the sandwiches warm so you had to walk in to sample. So much for a free drive-by meal :). Having already eaten, and busy with errands, I thought I would do my duty and snap a picture of the new offerings - I didn't know there was a wrap option.

And a closer look at the new sandwich options. Let me know if you get a chance to try them out, as I'm curious how they will sell or compete with other brands.

* I did not receive anything to post this, besides my free sample of pikes place roast coffee.

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leva cafe bar - edmonton, ab

leva cafe car
11053 86 Avenue
780.479.5382

A busy day of errands had me all over the city and created a mid afternoon coffee craving. Coming back to the south side wasn't going to cause much of a direction change, so I decided to hit up Leva.

They have been proudly serving the University area since 2001. They promote themselves as offering an Italian style coffee experience with a holistic approach. Besides supplying your caffeine fix they offer quite a few daily food items, think - soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, gelato, and sweets, all of which utilize local and/or organic ingredients.

Being mid afternoon I had no real desire to test out the heavier food options, so instead it was an americano and a pumpkin tart. The coffee was good. I don't really know how else to review it, as bad coffee is just so obvious. The pumpkin tart was a solid choice, although not the most adventurous. I thought it might curb the the sweet tooth but I found this version wasn't sweet at all. The crust was light and flaky and the whip cream topping added some much needed sweetness.

With Leva out of the way from my regular stops, I don't get down there often. I'll be sure next time I am in the area to stop in and try a more indulgent piece of chocolatey goodness.

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starbucks southpoint- edmonton, ab

Even though I have an espresso machine at home, it doesn't always do the trick. Sure it makes a great shot, even if I have to clean up, but there is no one to talk with. So on mornings when I'm feeling particularly sprightly, I know I'm just a short drive away from a good laugh, conversation, or at the very least..people watching. Thanks Sarah, you are a wonderful barista. I'm glad you enjoy your job so much; I think it would be great if most people could feel that good at work. Below is my one of my two usual options...Can anybody decipher the Starbucks code.


venti, 6 shot, americano, no room, sugar free hazelnut - like heaven in your mouth!

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miss silvia

Today, like many of those before it, is made a little more enjoyable with a fresh espresso. I feel lucky enough in my time to have picked up a Rancilio Silvia, a machine I highly recommend for the home. I'm not a sweet coffee or tea drinker, so I keep it pretty simple. Espresso's straight up or an American with sugar free hazelnut; thanks to a friendly and very neighborly barista I have good access to coffee and knowledge.

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