Cafes
Juice & Java
Juice & Java, despite its name, is more than just drinks and coffee. In fact, as I was scanning over the menu boards at the east-end Beaches café, I was told by one of the regulars that I would have to try a crepe in order to truly appreciate Juice & Java. "They're phenomenal," he said. "I love the apples and brie."
Juice & Java has several options of both sweet and savory crepes, such as its lemon and sugar ($3.95), Nutella, banana, and berries ($7.95), and grilled chicken with sundried tomatoes, lettuce, and red peppers ($8.95). All of its crepes are made to order, so while my veggie crepe with sundried tomato hummus was being prepared, I sauntered around the café to explore its vibe.
Juice & Java struck me as an ideal place to work or study, with lots of comfortable seating on its second floor. With its purple-painted ceiling, the second floor loft has a few booths, black armchairs, tables and chairs, and an electric fireplace with books such as Murder for Profit and The Odyssey of Homer on its mantle. In the summertime, Juice & Java sets up seating outside so customers can enjoy their all-natural smoothies in flavours including Mango Tango and Blunana Bliss ($4.99) amidst the dogs and pedestrian traffic of Queen Street East.
When my crepe was ready, I settled at a table by the fireplace and opened the guestbook that was positioned on the shelf. Juice & Java has been in this location for over a year, so I expected lots of detailed reviews. What I got were several entertaining glimpses into people's private lives (one comment read, "Going on vacation with a man I no longer love"), some bible verses, lots of poetry, drawings, and exaltation of all things Juice & Java. "Best smoothies in the land!" "I love the egg salad sandwich!!!" "We are very lucky to have you as a part of our community."
I, on a similar note, felt very lucky to be devouring my crepe, which was warm and fresh, and very much living up to the hype. The homemade sundried tomato hummus definitely made the combination, both tangy and unique, yet familiar. Paired with one of Java & Juice's coffees or teas, I could see myself spending many an afternoon getting lost in the scribbled anecdotes of The Beaches' neighbourhood community.
Photos by Dennis Marciniak
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And my friend tried the so-called, home made soup ,which she said was watery and flavourless!
I'd rather drink a Starbucks if I haven't got the time to get to The
Red Rocket or Te Aro on Queen.
This place is doomed to suffer the same fate as the Second Cup, formerly it at this location!
As for coffeeman's response, I think the coffee at Red Rockett and Te Aro is as crappy as the houses in Leslieville.
As to the Starbucks comment- well, it is the largest coffee shop in the friggin world! I guess that is their secret- sell crappy coffee and the customer will come back time and time again right?
Bailey. Beach Customer and local.
My home is there also,does that mean that I have to settle for crap just because the person
serving it might be nice?
get over it !
In my opinion and many, many other regulars, the coffee is great! Apparently, Robyn had a very good experience while visiting. We address any issues our customers have. We try everyday to keep it going. We are proud of our store and thankful for our customers. So, thank you once again to Robyn, Dennis and all of our customers for supporting local, independent business owners that really care. I welcome all feedback.
Craig. Yes, the real co-owner.
We are looking into whole wheat crepes extensively. Probably available in spring.
Craig.
Other than "your opinion" what makes your coffee "great"? I would really like to know,why I found it so inferior?Maybe you can tell me why I have it so wrong ,and "many,many regulars" think it's the best.I am very curious about your coffee knowledge and the product you are serving. Please enlighten me and all my fellow coffee lovers!
Thanks!
Craig.
YOU HAVE NOTHING TO SAY ABOUT YOUR COFFEE?
I GUESS YOU AREN'T THAT PROUD? DEEP DOWN YOU MUST AGREE WITH ME?
I'M SURE SOME OF THE BETTER COFFEE SHOPS WILL SELL YOU WHOLESALE BEANS AND OFFER A FEW TRAINING SESSIONS.
ALL THE BEST CRAIG!
ex·ag·ger·ate
verb,
1. to magnify beyond the limits of truth; overstate; represent disproportionately: to exaggerate the difficulties of a situation.
2. to increase or enlarge abnormally: Those shoes exaggerate the size of my feet.
–verb (used without object)
3. to employ exaggeration, as in speech or writing: a person who is always exaggerating.
Teri.
give people a reason to try it?
there's allot of competition out there.
All the best big eddie.
Craig.
Hey Juice and Java, beware of Suziecue!
needless to say we took "JJ " off our list.
I hardly think that a "p-hair" made it's way up and on your crepe. What a bunch of bullshit! I get my sandwiches to go aswell and I haven't had any issues. They make everything fresh, so "p-hairs" don't seem to be flying through the air. I am only commenting because I found your only contribution to the blog to be so ridiculously destructive. I hope they sue your ass to the stone ages.
JJ, keep it going!
I was completely taken aback by the way the owner spoke to his new employee. It was obvious to me that she was new to the place, and was just finding her way around. The owner barked orders to her and he was altogether rude. I will probably not return, as I can't bring myself to support that kind of abuse.
Dear J&J owner guy... don't you know the customers can hear you when you berate your staff?
And yes, Craig is an absolute asshole of human being and should be disgusted with himself. Worst employer ever.