Out & About #376 | Ark + Anchor (Round 3)

​Back-to-school season always means a monstrous load of new material to struggle with, assignments to finish, and tests to cry over. For the average commuter, it is also synonymous with earlier mornings and heightened stress levels.

​The sole spot capable of providing relief during hectic study periods is the same destination I declare worthy of a visit to Hamilton: Ark + Anchor Espresso Bar

Purposely omitting a cup of coffee prior to arriving on campus, I ventured down streets that are all too familiar at this point, soon arriving at the coordinates of caffeinated paradise.

The Stay & Study Special included two cups of drip coffee and an item by the name of Bread and Spread. The spreads were organic, and customers had the options of peanut butter, raspberry jam, cream cheese, and butter. I chose raspberry jam and cream cheese in favour of a sweet-savoury hybrid; the second cup of joe I requested to be brought to me at a later point in time

​I made my way upstairs and settled into my preferred corner of the communal table. A monogrammed ceramic mug containing a dark, aromatic decoction soon arrived. In accompaniment was a microscopic pitcher of milk, which I had requested in case the roast was too acidic for my liking.
The first sip soothed away these woes, for the coffee was bold and rejeuvenating, yet calming at the same time. The title of "Espresso Bar" was well justified.

​A platter of four lengthy bread slices and my two choices of spreads arrived afterwards. Each piece retained an adequate amount of air bubbles to clutch onto the toppings being spread on its surface; underlying was a slightly yeasty taste reminscent of sourdough, complimenting the sweetness of the raspberry jam. The cream cheese was, as expected, of a full-fat storebought variety, but nonetheless satisfying paired with the dish's other components.
The carby slivers, while untoasted, resulted in minimal flour fallout.

​Nearing lunchtime, an additional purchase of an Egg Salad Sandwich was made. At $6.50, it was quite pricey for a standard sandwich item. However, these thoughts changed once I caught sight of the final product.
Originally a classic vegetarian cafeteria option, Ark + Anchor's rendition was several notches above the stale specimens from La Piazza.
The lovely inclusion of dill and subtle slivers of pickled veggies was a great way to "level up" a standard egg salad sandwich. Moreover, it eliminated any hints of the creamy, sickly aftertaste other establishments fall victim to as a result of mayo overuse. Superb and satisfying, the item far exceeded my expectations.

​Half of the sandwich had been enough to fill my appetite, so I delivered the remainder back to the counter. Prior to this, I had also drained approximately one third of the drip coffee - this time with the addition of milk. It was discovered that the beverage was delectable both ways.

The unfinished halve was kindly wrapped up for me in tin foil, then placed neatly in a brown paper bag with a small square napkin. The thoughtful packaging ensured that consuming the item later in the day would be hassle- and mess-free.

​Again I re-iterate: one cannot go wrong with Ark + Anchor. As of current, it's the single cafe in Hamilton I openly adore and advocate.