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!

VINCENT Bakery

Classic Italian espresso and a cool porch for smokers

I've passed by this bakery more than once. To my mind, Chmielna Street in Warsaw, Poland is The place to go for a drink or food. This time my fam made it to Vincent. Fresh bread and its varieties always smell amazing. No wonder the door was kept open.

First half of the place is very inviting. Big vase with lilies, a stand with plenty of pastry, croissants, even open sandwiches and a glass of red wine. I was lucky I had just eaten. Otherwise, my credit card would be in serious trouble. Tall tables with bar chairs could be a good spot to sit and watch the walking street but not for a family with a small kid, so we went deeper in.

Does anything stand out in this picture for you? Outdoor furniture used inside looks a bit strange. Anyway, I did like the table which was a combination of wood and metal. I know where these chairs along with chaise-longues fit real well. Smokers porch! I totally see myself there relaxing with a cup of coffee and a...oh, I don't smoke anymore. However, that armour style coffee table is real cool. And the patio is so quiet, simply perfect to sit back and think about life.

Espresso macchiato and a cappuccino on double espresso proved Vincent to favour classic Italian coffee. It is bitter and must go with sugar. Actually many people prefer this kind of coffee. Not me, but that is my problem). Cappuccino's milk foam lost shape a bit too quickly but cream cheese dessert with fruit saved the day! It is now the very thing I am coming back for. And croissants, of course.

Overall impression is a positive confusion. Vincent Bakery welcomes you in by bakery products, surprises by strange decor solutions, yet makes you a fan by one thing you like there. By the quantity of newspapers on the press stand and visitors present inside on a holiday when 3/4 of the city are on all kind of resorts, I can tell this place is never empty. Check for yourself what makes you a fan.