Out & About #621 | Third Wave Coffee + Baking Things

We all aspire for long weekends to be just a teensy bit longer, but, of course, that's just wishful thinking.
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Escorted with a heavy dusting of snowy precipitation and countless delays across the commuter train network, the return to work was of utmost wretchedness.

The day was made milder with steadily climbing mercury levels and cocoa-containing treats from Impact Kitchen. Claiming to be one's "daily source of nourishment" for the body, mind, and soul. ​

Work days without a certain prehistoric creature feel off, almost unrewarding at times, especially considering my natural tendency to obtain two-person portions.

A walk to St. Lawrence commenced on a day of moderate climate. The trip was not aimless, though I did leisurely pop into Metro and the market just prior to the destination of highlight.

Third Wave at King and Church was the designated point of interest. A new café in the neighbourhood with a name nodding to the BTS of coffee origins, the quaint space was small powerhouse on a mission to deliver substantial quality.

​​A high ceiling, tall glass panes, and two forms of illumination yielded the impression of spaciousness - a clean, minimal design to summon organic thoughts, and a place for creative juices to flow freely. No more than several small tables surrounded a concrete pillar. Delicate pastries and a row of beans adorned one shelf, while bakery items were positioned in a separate display case.

​Conversing with the barista during my time of visit, I learned of the meaning behind the mural. A grueling two-to-three-month design discussed in detail between the owner and an OCAD graduate, the thoughtful piece depicted how the process of coffee was supported Mother Nature, as well as various endangered species and other organisms. Third Wave prided themselves in working directly with coffee bean farmers, and then roasting at Hatch in Markham. Beans were sourced exclusively from Yemen - an unconventional location for the resource. This was particularly intriguing as many other similar establishments would source from a variety of areas around the globe (Guatemala, Ethiopia, etc.)

​The barista introduced some of the shop's signatures upon my request: the Pour Over and Almond Croissant. Apparently the Raisin Wheel wasn't below average either, with a croissant dough base and succulent filling. Inside the clear cabinet, a Salted Caramel Bread Pudding, Butter Croissant, and Almond Croissant, Pain au Chocolat, and Financier could also be spotted. Supply of sustenance originated from two separate bakers who would craft their creations off-site, then deliver daily.

Owing to the owner's Middle Eastern roots, saffron and cardamom additions were also listed on the menu, along with tea and espresso-based offerings. Given the tranquility during the lunchtime period, I opted for an off-the-menu twist: A Latte with Vanilla Syrup (from vanilla pods!) and a sprinkle of scarlet cardamom. The result was a comforting, foamy blend with a slightly bitter aftertaste, which I later found to be the ideal complement to their array of baked goods.

​The Almond Croissant was flaky, brimming with filling, and not overly sweet. Neither did it leave behind too greasy of a trail. Despite taking to the item on a relatively full stomach - at room temperature too! - my appetite revealed no signs of satiation.
Notwithstanding this statement, the Financier was truly the pièce de résistance. Absolutely phenomenal with a fine crumb and smooth, crisp surface, it was precisely the epitome of French pastries in the city. Elevating its profile was a seemingly matte chocolate ganache on its underside, which was initially firm to touch, but then moist and gooey upon biting - truly a taste of the heavens.

​Sauntering about the PATH provided a glimpse of fluffy Easter previews.

​Some office snacks were also consumed over the course of my soulmate-less afternoons.

An unexpectedly warm Friday was commemorated with CoCo's Panda Milk Tea and a basil/olive-flavoured (?) box of PRETZ that was nearly Hickory Sticks-like in texture.

​Of course, one cannot exclude the weekly visit to Kindred for hip hop basics.

Baking endeavours of the weekend commenced shortly after.

​A sudden shortage of ripe bananas prompted the materialization of a gritty Coconut Bread w/ Sea Salt-topped PB Glaze, then obnoxiously runny Berry Muffins.

Neither proved to fill the insatiable void for banana bread. Emerging on Sunday morning was a Banana Walnut Loaf - with a dusting of desiccated coconut, because why not? I didn't have millet on hand, nor quinoa, so a heaping tablespoon of oatmeal cereal mix was dumped in instead. ​The loaf appeared dry at first, but moistness soon permeated its interior.

​A recipe for buttermilk had gotten my gears turning yet again, though I can faithfully declare that Matcha Mochi Waffles will not be attempted again. Not in the foreseeable future, anyway.

(Mind you, I ultimately chucked the buttermilk for vanilla yogurt.)