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<title>blogTO Recent Comments: Hank's</title>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/feed/recentcomments/?11855</link>
<description>Comments recently made in this post on blogTO</description>
<copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
<lastBuildDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:33:53 PST</lastBuildDate>
<item>
<title>Jackie</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I spent five hours at Hanks today and I have to say from the early afternoon lunch rush to the winding down of a late afternoon tea, Hanks was a splendid and relaxing experience. Everything you want to order is either written out on a chalk board or spread out on the counter in all its glory, gleaming from the sun peering through the window panes. The food is fresh, comforting and quick- all which is essential for the lunch drop in. They even wrap your to-go's in Hanks own diner style doggie bags. It's not cheap fare but you're paying for good home made style eats. They even make their own nutella spread. I stayed for awhile working on business with a friend and we made our way from lunch to late afternoon snacks and tea. I had the potato leek soup which was hearty and aromatic. My friend ordered the egg salad sandwich which had a punch of dill. For snacks I got an oatmeal cookie, which the barrista raved about as the best (not the best but still tasty) and I paired it with a tea which sounded like it would be on the menu of an Asian bathhouse but in retrospect was elegant and perfumed with jasmine and green tea leaves. It also came served in the belly of a white elephant...what a fun way to drink tea. The service wasn't bad either. I was a little thrown off by the main barrista at first but a friendly server was attentive and helpful in making our stay comfortable. There is free internet which was really nice. The ambience is inviting through the light decorative colors adorned throughout the cafe and warm from the sun trickling in through the windows. Overall, Hanks is definitely worth the spending some time and money in -it's a nice change from overcrowded, ordinary lack-lustre cafe and lunch spots.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c719552</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c719552</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:09:52 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Arby</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Well, That's strange. I did a post that didn't appear. Then I noticed that my paragraph breaks don't show in my posts here, even though other posters' comments look fine, and so I posted the above tester. That post showed up and my post before that, in response to some others who seemed to be talking about me, didn't. Was it flagged and held back? For very mild criticism that wasn't really criticism?

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...]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634981</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634981</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:09:57 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Arby</title>
<description><![CDATA[
P.S. I don't know why my posts don't show the paragraph breaks I insert. I'll try two spaces on this end, with this, and see whether that works. Sorry for the eysore.

This is what shows.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634974</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634974</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:58:53 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Arby</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I don't even know whether the comments following mine are directed at me, but I might add a word or two in case they are. They don't make sense if they are.

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.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634972</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634972</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:57:27 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Marsha Lecour</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I last posted here on March 7. I have been to Hank's a few times since then. I quite enjoy going to Hank's just to "hang out" with a book or a newspaper. The staff is always friendly, the food is delicious and well-prepared, and the prices are right. I support Jamie Kennedy fully in his efforts to access local and organic foods. I always feel totally comfortable at Hank's or the Wine Bar. One time I ordered fries - these are not served at Hank's. So I just went to the Wine Bar next door, sat at the bar and ate my delicious fries. Life is good!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634950</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634950</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:32:48 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Carrie</title>
<description><![CDATA[
**Error: their]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634190</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634190</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:45:37 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Carrie</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Starbucks is famous because they have good marketing skills and uniformity throughout there 10354695435 stores in the world. Reality check.

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. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634189</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634189</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:45:06 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Carrie</title>
<description><![CDATA[
It's not Tim Hortons! It's called an upscale cafe... get over it.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634183</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c634183</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:39:14 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Arby</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Well, Hanks is interesting. The barista who served me was female. The cup was perfect. When I asked her what it was, she said Black Cat, and was going to say more but I said "Ahhh. That was great. Thanks," which she clearly appreciated. I only had an espresso and a macaroon./ The place was busy and, for me, not comfortable. You've got to be with someone in here. It's just that way. Even if it was dead, there really isn't any ambience. It's all business. It's odd. The one possiblity for making the space work like a coffee shop (which, I guess, may not have been the intention) would be to have windows that allow folks to see the life outside, rather than windows blocked by machines and servers and counters, as Hanks does./ And when I popped in, sort of, one night after 7:00pm - everything else good closes - I was too shy to enter even though the door was open. The place sounded like it was hopping and the lights were down low. It was very intimidating. I believe that it's currently being used as overflow for the attached Wine Bar. I didn't want to make a fool of myself walking into a situation where everyone is into a fine dining experience and there I am looking for coffee. Really, How does that work?/ Maybe the answer is: 'Not for long'. The Star reported that Jamie Kennedy is facing some challenges these days and may want to sell some properties, including Hanks. We'll see.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c632771</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c632771</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:07:40 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>anonymous</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Marketing can easily be a reason.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c627573</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c627573</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:04:29 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bon</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Really Good latte, Good Clean well organized space, Nice and friendly staff. 

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. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c602280</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c602280</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 16:27:25 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bon</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I am yet to go here but I am quite excited too. 

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~ ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c592410</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c592410</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 15:10:42 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bon</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Have you tasted anything organic or local? 
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. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c592399</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c592399</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 14:53:46 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sam</title>
<description><![CDATA[
chickens..... each egg would potentially be a full roasted chicken cheep for the price.....]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c590221</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c590221</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 14:42:25 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Glenn</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Dropped into Hank's for lunch mid March while on a March Break excursion. My daughter recommended we do lunch there. 
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.
 ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c567479</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c567479</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:13:35 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>angela</title>
<description><![CDATA[
You have got to be kidding me! Starbucks? Famous for a reason? 
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.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c546053</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c546053</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:11:50 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Marsha Lecour</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I personally know Jamie Kennedy. This gentleman walks his talk. He is VERY PASSIONATE about making a difference in Toronto, in Canada, and in the world about the quality of the food that he and his staff source, prepare and serve to his customers. He has integrity. Yes, he's a businessman, but at the same time, every food item is carefully chosen by him and/or the people working with him. I would much rather pay a little more for food that I know has been prepared from scratch, is organic (when possible), etc. You are what you eat. Would I prefer a Starbuck's vegetarian sandwich or a vegetarian sandwich from Jamie Kennedy - really, there is no decision here - it's simply a no-brainer.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c500296</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c500296</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:39:07 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>jwb</title>
<description><![CDATA[
With all the talk of 'exhorbenant' prices, I don't think anyone has mentioned the fact that Hanks uses Intelligentsia beans and green shift cups, etc. Intelligentsia pays their farmers 25% more than fair trade and has excellent social/environmental policies. Not to mention their beans are fantastic. So, they cost a little more. As do the green shift containers. Personally, I'm willing to pay for that.

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'!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c461627</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c461627</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:29:05 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>chenyip</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I'll admit, I was a doubter at first.  If you scroll up, you'll see some of my posts questioning the price point of Hanks.

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.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c441169</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c441169</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:19:31 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Tony</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Sam is one of the best Baristas out there in the world of coffee. He is an individual who makes a perfect espresso everytime. For people who know coffee (those starbucks lovers obviously dont) understand that making a perfect espresso takes pride and dedication. Starbucks is good at smiling to customers but does not make the customer smile after they sip their espresso. Everything they do is automatic and with a push of a button. It is like driving an automatic car, its a bad way to drive and not fun at all. Using manuel machines and using a proper tamper, grinder etc are just one of the many steps on getting started to making a good shot.(Never cheap out)

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]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c428465</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com//2009/01/hanks/#c428465</guid>
<category>Toronto, </category>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:10:20 PST</pubDate>
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