Coffee Review : Blenz Coffee in Horseshoe Bay 5/5 Beanz
Blenz is the Canadian answer to Starbucks. I would like to say it is a better answer than Starbucks to whatever question you happen to be asking. Maybe it’s the rebellious spirit, or the fact that they were in Horseshoe Bay first, but whatever the reason, they draw a good coffee. Or, in my case, a decaf americano. I know, a bit wussy, but it is good coffee. It has a nice body (not too big though), and a thick taste, not like drinking coloured water.
The coffee shop at the end of to bay.
This particular Blenz sits on the waterfront and is a last stop of sorts before the ferry to Bowen Island, Nanaimo, or the Sunshine Coast (at least I think that’s where they go). It has a wonderful view of the bay, and a backdrop of mountains, something not every coffee shop can claim.
The view out the front door.
But onto the coffee. They have the standard allotment of coffee drinks, then several that I haven’t seen anywhere else. They use a Belgium chocolate for the hot cocoa and mochas, and it is certainly something special. Much richer and more flavourful than what one has come to expect from such drinks. They also have an extensive collection of loose-leaf teas, which you may either enjoy in the shop or bring home to enjoy later. These are no second class remnants, it’s actual tea!
mm… pasteries. and sandwhiches… and cookies…
And then there’s food. Everything from rice krispie treats to sandwhiches to cup cakes. Any and everything one would desire to pair with their delicious coffee or tea or chocolate based beverage. They also have several hot options, sausage rolls and others that are a great snack.
And then there’s the atmosphere. The seating area is a bit oddly shaped, there is a triangular table in the middle which is a bit weird, but there is a bar in front of all the windows, which is a great place to watch the ferries come and go. It’s even more exciting / terrifying when they crash through the marina.
Overall, worth the trouble of visiting if you’re in the area. If you’re not, find a reason to visit West Vancouver and come watch the ferries for a while.
Visit the Horseshoe Bay Blenz at 6334 Bay Street, West Vancouver, V7W 2G9. Or on the phone at 604-922-3776.
Food Review : Thomas Haas 5/5 Engines
Thomas Haas, in North Vancouver BC, is a delicious spot to frequent. It specializes in hand made chocolates, which they make in the back room. They have a great selection of small chocolates, from the traditional dark chocolate to passion fruit chocolate balls. They also have a selection of baked desserts and pastries (twice baked chocolate croissant anyone?). And they have really good coffee (destroys anything Starbucks can offer, and blows away most coffee shops I go to. Even better than the Albina Press ) to go with their great pastries.
The inside. Very, very busy!
The also make great hot chocolate. They have three kinds, “normal” (with scare quotes because if you bring it home, dilute it by half because it’s really, really strong), dark and Aztec. The Dark is super, super dark (and delicious!) and the Aztec has some spice in them (like mexican hot cocoa). You can either get it to go, or get it for there.
Not this Thomas.
It is a great place to just sit and take in the weekend.
The staff is very friendly and will get to know you by name and by order if you frequent the place. I have bumped into the owner, Thomas Haas, a few times and he is a delightfully friendly man who takes great pride in his work.
Push a button and hope for chocolate!
The funnest part of Thomas Haas, however, is one of the walls. It has chocolate in it. But only if you’re lucky! There are four trap doors in the wall that are sometimes full of chocolates. It’s always fun watching excited little kids run up and sometimes get a chocolate.
Apparently they’re not closed sunday or monday, just sad…
The biggest problems with Thomas Haas stem from it’s popularity. Parking is a bit tight, and the place is generally packed to the gills. But, that only means it’s ass-kickingly awesome. So, if you’re in the area, go and enjoy!
A funny delightful box for cake.
Visit them online at http://www.thomashaas.com/. Or in real life at Unit 128, 998 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, BC, V7P 3T2, or call at 604-924-1847.