Coffee came to North America in 1607 , though it was not drunk for the first time until 1668 . As of 2008 , 14 billion cups of coffee have been poured and according to Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada , coffee has become “ the most popular hot beverage in Canada ” and is the number one beverage amongst foodservices in the country .
With the rich culture found in Windsor , finding a place to enjoy a cup of joe is just a matter of knowing what you ’ re looking for . The variety of coffee shops in our area offers something for everyone : interesting characters , a variety of coffee blends , even somewhere to study or read in peace .
Jay Verspeelt , a local coffee-goer , says these shops are more about the new people you can meet . “ Beverages act as catalysts for sociable conversation . The whole reason those places exist is to further camaraderie ,” said Verspeelt . “ I do like to work at cafés and bars when I can , but usually it ’ s the conversation that gets me sidetracked .”
Linda Zagaglioni , owner of Taloola Café in Windsor , says seeing people communicate and create bonds is what she loves about running a business . “ We ’ ve seen people develop friendships here which is really great .”
Be considerate , though . Zagaglioni has encountered difficulties with people taking advantage of the café .
“ Customers sometimes have come up and asked the staff , ‘ I know that that person ’ s been there for a long time and we want to eat , we want to sit down and eat !’”
Having a place to study and relax can be useful but mind your manners . Are you buying products while using the space ? And there ’ s no need to be territorial : offering to share your table might even be the beginning of a beautiful friendship .
Maciejka Gorzelnik of Windsor said she visits Milk Coffee Bar because it ’ s where she can get away from her busy home life and enjoy a different environment .
“ I have a hard time getting work done at home . There ’ s too many distractions and I just can ’ t focus . Mind you , there ’ s plenty of distractions at cafés but I tend to still be able to focus on my work ,” said Gorzelnik . “[ At Milk ] it ’ s a different atmosphere there . You meet such interesting characters at a place like that . I feel like it fuels my creativity .”
It ’ s the relaxed atmosphere that appeals at the Green Bean Café near the University of Windsor . Kitchen manager Sue Pillon says it also creates a sense of support for the surrounding community . “ We ’ re not under a coporate umbrella ,” says Pillon . “ So we can do what we like . It works here , because we have all students , and what do they like ? They like to listen to some of their own people playing
SALUTE ESPRESSO BAR 2090 Wyandotte St . E ( lower )
Demonstrating the true craft of specialty coffee and provisions .
Proudly serving WHIPSAW COFFEE . Windsor ’ s newest artisan roasters . www . saluteespressobar . com
36 The HUB - August 2013