Is your Karma good?

Club Atmosphere

Busy, popular, good location, cozy... These would be the right words about Karma cafe on Plac Zbawicziela in Warsaw, Poland. You know, first time I walked through this square I was impressed by how beautiful it is. It has a circle shape, a wonderful church building, several cafes around and just this special atmosphere of peace. It feels like time has stopped there. Mostly young guys and girls are chatting over a drink, some rest in simple outside chairs, cars and trams keep passing by. Perfect spot for meditation. 

This particular weekend was different though. I couldn't park close cuz all the streets leading to the square were blocked by police. I could tell some event was happening there. I walked one block and began hearing music. Hm, maybe a concert? I finally saw a crowd with signs and lemonade in their hands. It was some kind of a protest against a new bill politicians were about to implement. It could ruin the atmosphere of peace I was looking for. Yet, I took the free lemonade anyway:).

It seemed sitting outside wouldn't have much sense so I went inside and took my place in a line at the bar stand. Wow, baristas seemed very busy, even too much. I kinda felt guilty taking their time. No, I actually didn't. But it did give me a feeling this place was really popular with people. Orders kept coming without a pause. 

The Probat roaster 'sits on a throne' in the very center of the room. There are bags with green coffee and special buckets with the beans already roasted. I saw some equipment for the drip coffee so went for it asking to give me Rwanda and a croissant. They had both automatic and hand drip option, and I guess barista gave me the automatically brewed one, cuz it wasn't really that good. I must say I did expect much more in a coffee shop with a roster inside. The coffee was kinda plain and not acidic. Neither was it fruity or flowery, whatever you call it. I could definitely sense it just didn't turn out well. I know that taste for I often do something wrong myself at home and then coffee is not very drinkable :). So this time I will skip buying a pack of roasted beans. Maybe next time.

On the other side, you can tell I am enjoying my time there. Love those comfy couches, wooden chairs, pillows on what is actually a stage for music performances! And I am actually not the only one having a good time. Opposite to me sat a young couple who complemented their coffee with white wine. Near the window a blond girl had her cocktail and made some notes. On the other side of the room a mother with a tiny little baby was taking her chance to have a break from all those duties moms go through while the little one was sleeping. Another couple came with a black dog, which was craving my croissant but this time (unlike Relaks on Puławska) I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of eating it to the end. 

Magazines and newspapers of all kinds are a way of keeping you in there for long. Lights on the ceiling tell me that at night there must be some concerts. It is now on my list when my little son grows up and I finally can go out with my lady late at night:).

Drawings on the walls make a gallery of works by Dominik Narowski. I bet many would appreciate that art. Some fun and clever stuff in those. Those pieces have price tags in case you like it and want to take it with you. 

My time in Karma was a real treat. I found a quiet and at the same time busy place. I took a break from the huge volumes of information hitting us every day at work and through gadgets. I assume everybody who was there find their own reason to spend couple zloty on coffee, drinks or food. Even though coffee wasn't a success, I have a strong feeling it might next time. Give it a shot.

Coffee Festival and Rock&Roll in Łódż !

Now you're talking!

After attending the coffee corner at Warsaw exhibition I was a little disappointed. Too many expectations, I guess. Worth going anyway. Later I came across another coffee event. This time in Łódż city, middle May, an hour and a half trip away from Warsaw. This coffee fest was visa versa. minimal expectations, maximum result!

Straight on entering you go through a Rock&Roll area. Sweet idea! Why not enjoy some good music while getting drunk...on coffee))). Okey, what is in the next room? I glanced at the itinerary and was still wondering what actually was happening there. My biggest hope was to find new coffee and valuable information for my obsession (read hobby:)).

René is a roaster from Brno, Czech Republic shared some of the current challenges with water in coffee brewing. He was presenting Rusty Nails micro roastery. I never really went deep into water quality issue but it seems like there is still much to learn and try. I'm no chemist but the main thing I learned from this guy was that water can be soft and hard, and the most suitable for coffee is the one which is not too soft or too hard, in the middle of the scale, so to say. 

Rusty Nails did a good job presenting the water seminar so I stopped for couple minutes at their corner and tried some tasty coffee husk drink. It had a pretty good taste, not that sweet and a bit sour at the same time. Must be fantastic for hot weather! I'm getting a pack, and also a microlot arabica from Peru. Nowadays it is popular to create your own packaging, so it was not a surprise to see a 270 gr pack (not 250 gr standard pack).

These are the Wroclaw guys from Wroasters company. Great chat and tasty coffee! I'm low on budget already. My coffee tank is full now. Let's keep moving, for there is lots to see. My wife Tetyana is on her search for tea. I am curious if they have any at the fest.

Another Wroclaw roastery called Blueberry Roasters had a really cool boutique at the fest. On top of coffee, they had a fun looking lady selling syrups of various tastes and tea. Coming from a slavic country, we have a special love for tea as a main drink for any season basically. At this stand we found ALBERT tea and bought a little of chinese green Sencha. There were also other more expensive options slightly too much for our budget).

I must admit we saw and drank so much that some of my impressions are mixed in my head now. Yet what I definitely will not forget was the drink made with green tea in it from this tea stand. It reminded me of a fresh fruit and vegetable drink. Unbelievably yummy! If only the lady was in the mood to tell us their secret ingredients! Not the case.

In between all the coffee drinking we stopped by the creative corner with many cute little things to see and buy. Then had a chat with a lady selling water filters and had really tasty water with fruit and vegies in it. I guess that was the trick to make us believe these particular filters make any water taste awesome). Selfy box was quite fun too! Not easy to catch the right moment if you are not looking into the camera, ha-ha. 

Another dream of mine finally came true! I had the chance to hold and play with Comandante grinder. This German brand makes some of the best ever manual coffee grinders. And I see why, the cost like gold (around 1000 zł/250$ per one). Maybe some day I'll be that lucky to own one. In the meantime my thoughts are on checking out Zassenhaus grinders (also steel burr but cost around 100$) to replace my current small one made by Japanese Hario.  

When we made it to the chocolate fountain, it was already cold and hard. Ahhhhh...No luck was also finding a restaurant for it was Trinity and most places were closed. For such occasions, McDonalds is always there. I never thought I would be happy to eat at a fast food so much))). However, the Coffee Festival at Łódż city was a real treat! I absolutely loved it. I wish I could make it to the Krakow one too. Well, next year it is on my calendar. We basically drove only the main street and saw this gorgeous tram stop and a cute old house right next to the festival's location. The first one reminds me the stained-glass windows in Kraków churches and the second brings up the best memories of pretty old red swedish houses. I bet you would think of something too when out there. Poland has indeed a lot to see. 

RELAX #2 - feels like home

Happy people brew coffee that makes you fly

Have you heard of Third Wave coffee shops? Well, I've been to one couple days ago. It can be described as contemporary, urbanistic, cool by some people while others would see it as too minimalistic, not very comfy, and short on food in the menu. While I was about to have a chat with a Canadian friend of mine, I was also very curious what this Relax Cafe Bar on Złota 8a St. was like. There is a nice coffee shop with a similar name (just differently spelled) on Puławska St. However they are different, and I am happy about it. The more great individual local shops, the better, right?

My friend was already drinking his Flat White. I asked barista named Kuba if he had some suggestions on coffee to have. That would usually be a test to see if barista actually cares about his job, coffee and customers in general. I must say, Kuba surprised me. He came up with certain variations on brewing Kenya in an Aeropress just a day before. Of course, I wanted to try! Can't reveal all secrets, but what impressed me was the 94 Celsius water temperature he used for it. I know abou the tendency to go as high as 92-93, but I come across 94 for the first time.

Those might be details, yet they define what you get in the cup. Was it good? Talks on coffee and ways to make it got me so ready to try it and see for myself if I actually like it. You would probably agree with the idea of good service meaning a lot. But when you see passion, you just become a fan. This guy went to a coffee contest, watched colleagues perform in brewing, got his ideas and experimented with those in his coffee shop. Add a smile to that and you have a happy professional making you a cup of delicious coffee.

Making pauses in our conversation to have a sip of coffee I would at times lose the thread cuz Kenya kept taking my mind away. My main concern with preparing Kenya is that it can come out too acidic or sharp. In this case, it was complex in a good way, kinda multilevel and reasonably acidic.
The cafe itself is quite cozy with 4-5 tables inside and few more on the outside, couch seats, art on the walls.  Cookies and panini available as well as popular soda drinks like Fritz Cola and similar.

At some point I found myself buying a pack of Rwanda by Karma roasters (Kraków) after chatting with another barista Michał who joined Kuba at the bar stand. In case I'm short on brewing tools, they have some basic ones also. You know what struck me the most? Third Wave places like Relaks go further than just making you a cup of tasty coffee, they educate you on it (if you want it, of course). I was driving home with new coffee beans, new ideas on brewing, new info about local roasters and simply happy I had a fabulous time!

P.S. Thanks Tim for taking me there and for a great chat!

TO LUBIĘ

Specialty Coffee From Dominican Monks In The Old Town

After the entertaining game of parking in Warsaw old town I was very much ready for good coffee. Stopping at one shop simply by chance turned out to be an outstanding experience. It kinda felt like opening that old wardrobe in Narnia movie. Coffee shop named 'To Lubię' which means 'Love it' is a treasure box indeed.

Even though there is an open area with umbrellas so common for most cafes, we felt like sitting inside. Was it windy or a bit chilly, I can't really remember. Anyway, the cafe itself is a tiny room on the ground floor and a slightly larger one upstairs. It totally feels like home in there!

I was so envious that lady was first to sit on the window sill! Man, it must be comfy up there. Actually, it was already reserved for the later time also, so I had no chance anyway. What a great way to utilize a window area. I've seen some before but this one looks like it actually is popular.

I couldn't stand the temptation to go up this cool old staircase. As if climbing up a tower. Oh, it actually is one. The shop is located in  the Dominican church tower. How cool is that!? However, second floor is couple tables, toys for kids, toilets and windows to enjoy the old town. I am a fan already. Yet, coffee must stand up to the challenge too, not just the facility. 

The menu has a shape of a small booklet, clear enough for my beginner's polish language))). Coffee comes as espresso, milk variations, additional tastes of honey, cinnamon, chili pepper  and so on. Hot or cold. These guys buy their beans from Kofi Brand, a local Warsaw roaster who works with specialty coffees. We had Brazilian Arabica and it was good. I mean it had both bitterness and acidity in a balanced manner. I enjoyed my double espresso, for it cost only 1 złoty more than a usual one. Ladies had americano with milk and my little son got his favorite meringue.

Coffee in To Lubię deserved to be on my list of favorites. Yet, what totally nailed it were the desserts. Oh my word, these guys do some magic cuz both chocolate cake and prunes pie were delicious. Moreover, baked apple pie with ice-cream on top made us speechless. 

To spice up the impression I will just add that one can buy wine and honey drink in bottles there. Apparently Dominican monks still make that popular in Poland honey drink. It is a great way to warm up in winter just like hot wine. Not sure about summer recipes though. Now you simply have to come feel the atmosphere, sip some good coffee and forget about all the trivial stuff while having dessert!

The One and Only?

OMG! Awesome Cafe Alert!

This was a day of improvisation. The only thing planned was having coffee and a good walk was a must. Having 75 parks in Warsaw doesn't make the choice easier. However, on dropping the kid at preschool we decided to check out the park near the big Narodowy Stadium which tourists see for the first time usually from the old town. I did too. 

We went to Francuska Street cuz it just has some charm in the name. I expected something french in that area. Walking this street reminded me of small resort towns with most buildings 2-3 levels only, narrow and cozy streets, little traffic and more pedestrians than cars. Something in the air simply kept putting thoughts of rest into my mind. Actually, there were couple embassies of exotic countries which made that voice even stronger))). Man, it is high time for a vacation!

We kept passing various breakfast options till we stopped by The One. What a brave name to pick for a restaurant! A joke or a challenge? Let's check it out. I must admit I wanted to prove them wrong at first. But what you see in the pics here kept fighting with my suspicious mind.

Kids area is a strong weapon to win parents as customers. The toys were not cheap or damaged. Little house, toy car, lawn mower... all just smelled fresh new. The waiter confirmed they had opened 3 weeks ago!

I know this blog is about coffee, but I wouldn't be fair if I ignored their food. As far as I can judge, it was great. My wife and I were offered only breakfast menu for it was an early hour. We made our orders and totally enjoyed it. Guess which one is mine here))). Eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms...I gave in very quickly.

Coffee came as an addition to the food for 1 zł (about 1/4 of a dollar). When it is that cheap, I don't expect it to be great. I thought we would get some usual Lavazza. No, this time it was Hausbrandt. Yet, very similar taste you would get when drinking a non-specialty coffee. So, to be safe I asked for americano with milk and my pretty date got her cappuccino. And added sugar. It was alright, but not something I would enjoy every sip of, you know. That's why we continued with tea. And it turned out much better and, by the way, in very cool cups! First try to use it wasn't very successful))). However, the waiter was really nice to show us the trick. The great thing about the cup is that you can get the tea leaves from water easily and enjoy your drink while it doesn't get too bitter or strong. Find it on teatea.pl or click on the image below. I already want a set of these!

I can go on talking about The One for hours. Instead, I will go there again for lunch and supper. Yes, I don't have high hopes for coffee anymore, but I found my perfect place to relax, enjoy the food and great service, look at a tall willow tree and think about stuff. Might be THE one for me till I find something even better. 

P.S. Perfect place for a date)

P.P.S. The grill is already on the menu

Grycan desert shops - part 3

Ice-cream with a legacy

GRYCAN chain of ice-cream shops is present in every mall or other popular spot among people in Warsaw, Poland. No wonder it was among first ones to make espresso for me. They don't do filter coffee, so I've had a dozen of espressos and milk drinks there. It takes only a 5 minute walk to the closest one and at times the distance and timing is what matters most.

I must say these guys take coffee seriously investing into quality grinders and espresso machines. The kind of coffee used is similar to other coffee shops without an ambition to surprise or please you with it. Simply coffee, no adjectives to it, you know. Grycan is about ice-cream and desserts. They are good at it indeed. There are at least 15-20 different tastes to ice-cream offered. I've had yogurt with mango, chocolate, pear, pistachio, and what not. Love it! Even if it is not as awesome as one made by italians, yet pretty decent for a local brand. Combinations of pies, ice-cream and similar are often revised and don't look boring at all.

Coffee is a commodity though. As for me, I have to add sugar and milk. I stopped having black coffee for it does taste better with milk here. There is a bonus system of 'have 8, get 1 free' available. Yet, somehow it is not offered on constant basis. Another thing I've noticed is that Grycan shops are often very busy which is a good thing, but when they are you can wait very long for your turn to order. After several times of waiting I simply don't stand in line and go somewhere else.

I must admit today was different. Though not attacked by customers but this one Grycan shop had 4 workers out there covering all areas: coffee, ice-cream, fresh juice and the rest. I went for a double espresso with milk and got similar taste as usual. It is good to know what you are getting, yet I'm not pleased with this coffee. It is rather a rough kind for those who like to wake up quickly and work hard right away after a cup like this.
What is great about Grycan is that it is easy to recognize even from a distance and you always get great dessert there. Keep up and please get some different coffee. I'm sure you would win some new customers!