Espresso high-street

Strengthened by the recent arrival of Wicked Cafe as an anchor at Smithe, the Hornby Street area is quickly becoming quite the cross-section of major Vancouver coffee offerings.

Already covering said territory is Mink (at Hastings), which is probably known more for their chocolate and subsequent cocoa-espresso blends then any other cafe downtown. Fairly limited hours, but nice on a rainy afternoon when in the company of those who don't hold the same (if any) appreciation for coffee. A block south and then east on Pender is Scuie, which, in addition to a great Italian menu (see previous post), can also serve up a wonderful post-lunch espresso. Noting the numerous Starbucks dotted along cross-streets and under office buildings, you'll come across one of the more prominent ventures in the city in Cafe Artigiano. With their old and new world espresso creations being described as "almost too strong" by those with a pallet seasoned more often by the green mermaid, there is really no comparison when it comes to overall quality of experience right through from bean to beverage. With a number of other Artigiano locations situated both around downtown and in the Metro, a stop in is perfect anytime, especially when you have time to take it to stay.

Wicked's first location is still tucked neatly on 7th Ave, straddling Granville Island and the busyness of Broadway. They pull their shots from the highly acclaimed Intelligentsia beans out of Chicago and finish off the entire experience in their warm interior with an informed and friendly team and a number of great cafe food staples. While this corner shop has built and maintained allegiance throughout it's current neighbourhood, it remains to be seen if such atmosphere can be created within it's new downtown context, one which is often more fleeting and fickle.

Note:
Not to exclude or discredit any of the smaller one-off locations that also occupy this strip and have created their own following, such as Glass City or others, truth is I lack proper assessment of these places due no prior opportunity to experience them. Hopefully sometime soon I will be able to offer up a fair and complete evaluation of the happenings along Hornby.