Cafes
Hank's
Hank's manager Angie just wants people to know their location, that's all. So maybe 9 1/2 Church St is a weird address, but when you're the delightful sidekick to Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar, you could go addressless and people would still find you. And anyway, Angie feels it in her bones that Hank's will be one of Toronto's best coffee houses soon enough! Bones that are warmed by Hank's hearty stews, sandwiches, in-house cookies and pastries, *drool* ... but I digress. Where were we?
Oh, yes. So Hank's opened around Thanksgiving, occupying a small space directly beside JK Wine Bar. In fact, open the door to find the washroom and bam! There you are, amongst JK diners. On busy nights (Thurs-Sat), Hank's opens up to JK overflow, serving classy old school cocktails (Manhattan, anyone?) and bar snacks (like roasted almonds or marinated olives, both $3).
But enough about that wine bar, pshaw - this is about Hank's, and their commitment to cafe greatness. With two champion baristas on staff (Samuel was voted one of Toronto's best in Now Magazine), locally sourced foods, free wi-fi and a welcoming atmosphere, the Hank's crew are succeeding in bringing something different yet oh-so-familiar ("simple, good, soulful food") to the neighbourhood. And it's all under $12!
Angie says it feels like the first time this side space has had a soul - and with it comes comforting food "like your mom would make". Daily soup, stew, sandwiches built with St. John's bakery breads, baked goods and meats prepared in house, a straight-forward beverage menu skillfully prepared with Intelligentsia beans. Much thought is put into what they sell, with the goal of appealing to what the Esplanade locals might like. For instance, they'll soon add take-away items like meat pies to the line-up, perfect for condo dwellers around the corner.
Let's not forget that Hank's uses Green Shift cups and containers - everything is recyclable (even the straws!). A place with brains and soul - sounds good to me.
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they charge that so they can afford interior designers and elephant teapots, the things that make it a nice place to go to have some tea
that said, i'll be sitting home and having tea too
Maybe it's not every day fare (for me it's certainly not) - but you'll certainly never be let down by a $7 egg salad sandwich, should you ever spring for one.
Ever make home-made mayo from free-range, locally sorced eggs?
I worked in the Annex at a place that had 10 dollar egg salad
sandwiches.
This one is probably a bargin.
And for all you people rationalizing the high cost of locally sourced, free range, organic, hand massaged, rice pilaf fed, manicured hens: you guys are looped. Just over the holidays in Kitchener, I had an egg, bacon, potatoes and toast breakfast for under $6. Oh and it's all from Mennonite farmers.
Anyhoo, Hanks sounds great, I like the menu, and I'm looking forward to trying it.
these prices are definitely what i'd expect for the quality i'd be getting.
Jamie Kennedys is going to clean up if Sam is running the machine there.
Place is called Dina's. Home cooked, farmer's breakfast. God damn it was good.
I just don't see how a sandwich shop can make better coffee than Starbucks or Lettieri, both of which are just around the corner, and by the sounds of it, much cheaper.
I think everybody is being slightly fooled by the prestige of Jamie Kennedy.
It's not like one "barista" can make better coffee than another if they all use the same machine and grinds.
Im sure the sandwiches are great, although it sounds pricey, but I'll stick with my Starbucks.
They are famous for coffee for a reason.
and if you have ever been by to try the food, you would not think of it as just another sandwich shop. check it out at least once and see for yourself. I was convinced my first visit, and now I'm hooked!
your right about the coffee and probably nobody makes a better burger than mcdonalds. Think about it.
Starbux and Second Crap do not have good cookies or coffee (or food in general). Hank's delivers on all fronts. The St. Lawrence Mrkt area has been lacking in the coffee/cookie/sandwich department for A LONG TIME. For me, Hank's is a much-welcomed addition to the 'hood. Best meal so far was the corned beef stew, which is sublime goodness on a cold winters day.
The staff are genuinely nice too, which is rare these days.
If you think $7 for an organic sandwich is expensive, you should not go to Hank's, you will likely not appreciate what they are trying to do. Stick to crappy Dempsters sandwiches, trans-fat laden cookies and run-of-the-mill coffee. Whatever floats your boat.
I wanted to give that a whirl, it sounds yummy.
To all of you skeptics and ESPECIALLY those who like Starbucks, MANY THANKS for making Hank's a great place to go for those of us foodies who really do appreciate. I am not saying anything other than if you don't like either the food or the price... just stay home and have your own tea or egg sandwich :o))) This is a little gem and I am scared that one day there will be a line up so PLEASE do not force yourself to go SIGH.
I'm not to fussed about the food, I'm a coffee guy and Hanks is fantastic.
I've lived between Vancouver and Toronto on and off for the past 6 years and have rarely been served consistently perfect coffee from anybody but Samuel.
That's saying a lot, Vancouver is probably the coffee capitol of Canada, and home to many champion baristas.
To put it plainly, Samuel is the Jamie Kennedy of coffee.
Thank you to everybody for the kind words and support of our food and coffee at Hanks, and to the unbelievers, we would love to get the chance to change your minds.
I'm glad to see that people appreciate my coffee, however I can't accept the comparison to Chef JK.
To compare would be egregious.
Jamie Kennedy has been a chef and culinary visionaire for as long as I've been breathing oxygen, so I think I have a long way to go before being compared to the accomplishments of JK.
There are baristas in the city doing exactly the same things I'm doing every day.
I have great shots nearly every time I go to Crema, Lit, Darkhorse, Mercury, Bisogno, Wild Thing (sorely missed), and of course Manic. I'm sure there are so many more, I just frequent the ones mentioned.
But really, making good espresso is tedious work, it just does not compare to the demands and knowledge of a chefs work.
I drove 4 hours to take a coffee course through the Canadian Barista Academy and it was well worth the drive and the money. For those who think they know coffee and think starbucks is better than anything please take this course... you will find some valuable lessons that will stick with you for a looooong time. Sam keep up the good work bro...I just wish that more people understood what it takes to make a good shot...
PS>>>>> Tim Hortons is the WORST coffee in the world,
Tony
I know. It's organic, locally sourced food by trained professionals. Sure, sure. I get it. I'm in marketing as a profession. I get packaging things up, sugar coating it and selling it.
At the end of the day though, $9 for a small sandwich is still expensive no matter how you slice it (no pun intended). Whether it's organically made by Mennonite martians or churned out on a listeria infected production line it's still $9 for bread and stuff.
But here's where my tuned turned.
JK actually responded to the public's opinion and adjusted his price point. In my eyes, that's great business sense and it's the reason why JK's been in business for a hot minute. And that's enough to persuade me to go back.
Don't get me wrong, the food is going to be top notch if it comes from the Kennedy kitchen. And the coffee, well, i won't even get into that. Bias aside (Sam's a good friend), I can honestly and objectively say that he pours the best coffee in the city. Hand's down.
I'll be going back.
And did I hear that Starbucks was cheap? They don't call it Fivebucks for nothing. From the board pic, it looks as though their latte price is on par, and the vast majority of Starbucks coffee isn't even fair trade.
Looking forward to eating a $7 egg sandwich next week and 'chirping like a yuppie'!
They are famous because they have the backing for advertising and can constantly be in your face. They have money to take over an entire street corner. They are famous in the same sense that Bush is famous.
Please do yourself a favour and at least check out Hank's and many other small cafés offering organic/locally grown and good for the environment items.
I thoroughly enjoyed my meatloaf sandwich, beets,(loved the beets) local beer and great coffee. I was buying for 4 and we all enjoyed a hearty lunch.
I went to the washroom and could not believe the fancy bathrooms these Toronto cafes enjoy!
We all had a wonderful relaxed lunch, and I remember the good food, drinks and friendly staff and the good company I was enjoying. I don't remember the price, it wasn't an issue.
I am not a high paid yuppie, just a retired maritimer enjoying your great city. I couldn't understand the complaining I was reading here.
You are lucky to have a gem like Hank's.
There is no comparison. To be honest I was a non believer but after tasting locally grown oraganic strawberries and tomatoes I am a big believer.
Starbucks? Are you joking me?I am guessing you never had a really good cup of coffee than. Your better off going to Timmies at least there coffee is cheap.
To everyone out there: a MacDonalds combo is easily $7 and they don't use anything real.
There is so much talk about the price. Have anyone considered the fact that a normal MacDonalds combo comes to $7?
To someone that said Starbucks is famous for a reason. That reason is money and marketing. Your better of going to Timmies at least they are cheap. Please go to any of the local wonderful coffee shops in toronto they are much better quality and around the same price as your beloved starbucks.
I was non believer when it came to local & organic food more expensive for what reason I thought. But after trying local and organic strawberries I was shocked how good it was.
I guess I am talking about more than Hanks. I just want to encourage people to try local and organic food. You tongue will take you for it.
well update after my visit to hanks today~
Egg Salad sandwich - not worth it's price although it got reduced from 7 bucks.
Meat Stew I think it changes everday, mine was lamb and barley - Very good although little salty for my taste - Bowl is good for light lunch.
Spiced Almonds 3 bucks - you can make better at home
Pork Terrine 3 bucks - Good to try although I don't think it goes with coffee.
If your in the area, go have a latte it's nice.
You clearly know nothing about coffee if you think that every place that can serve up a hot cup uses the same machines, the same grind, and the same quality coffee. If that is what you believe, then why don't you save yourself some money and go to Tim Horton's or make your own instead of spending $3 on a brand.
I would agree that Hank's is upscale. My criticisms, which were not harsh (intentionally), had nothing to do with the quality of anything. I stated that the coffee was perfect. The barista knew her stuff. And I stated that all I ate was a macaroon. But I have no doubt that the food at Hank's is up to snuff. I'm a fan of Jaimie Kennedy, big time. I'm a foodie. Half my working life has been in restos. I didn't cook (just a fair bit of prep and lots of dishwashing) and I came late to an appreciation for food, informed by politics, but I have it. I have chef friends. I've been into the wine bar with one of them. We both loved it, although $35 for a glass of wine is exorbitant. And I work at a site where there are two wine merchant businesses.
I mentioned the price of the wine in restaurants to the daughter of one of those merchant owners and she just knowingly stated that she never drinks wine in restaurants because it's ridiculously marked up. I say that before someone jumps on me for that little comment, which would be the only thing I might say against the wine bar by way of criticism.
Perhaps posters should be a little more thoughtful and clear when they post. Maybe I wasn't the object of the hostility expressed. Especially if your post is going to be hostile toward another poster, be clear about who and why, would be my suggestion.
This is what shows.
I just wanted to say that if the posts, following my review of Hank's, were directed at me, then they made no sense. I 'agree' that Hank's is upscale. I didn't even comment on the food or the prices, which I'm sure is good. (I happen to avoid meat, so I wouldn't be eating much that's on the menu.) I only ate a macaroon. I also noted that the coffee was perfect. And I happen to think that the barista, who I had read about before venturing into Hank's, knew her stuff.
I'm a big fan of Jaimie Kennedy. I like what he's doing. I've been into his wine bar with a chef friend (half of my working life has been in restos) and we both liked it fine. The wine was pricey, but as someone in the wine business noted to me, wine in restaurants is highly marked up. (I work on a site where there are two wine merchant companies and I can ask anyone questions about wine anytime, and do.)
Posters, especially if they are going to post something negative about someone else, ought to be clear about who they are complaining about and why, would be my suggestion.
Later...