It’s been some 40+ years since Starbucks debuted its first coffee outlet across from the Pike Place Farmers’ Market in Seattle, WA.

Since then, the whole of the Pacific Northwest has witnessed an explosion of big-name and independent coffee haunts popping up over hill and dale, sidewalk and shopping plaza.

These days, Seattle is easily rivalled by its sister-city, Vancouver when it comes to the commercialization of nervous system stimulants served hot, cold, or frothy, often in jumbo-sized vessels once associated with the milkshake trade only.

With thousands of coffee establishments now at our disposal, we Vancouverites have come to know our joe on a pret-ty personal level. Meanwhile, with an ever-evolving demand for the best in what java has to offer, coffee entrepreneurs are continually looking for ways to differentiate their brand so that customers not only enjoy the comforts of their favourite brew, but will instantly know where to go to satisfy their deep-roast cravings.

Here in the Great White North, making the most of morning coffee and afternoon pick-me-up routines involves so much more than a simple preference in ministrations. The trick to optimizing one’s coffee experience, as Vancouverites have discovered, is in pinpointing one’s state of mind. So the next time you’re feeling a little “European Escapist” I invite you to seek out either one of the following West Side favourites.

COCO et OLIVE Fine Foods and Cafe

In a word: magnifique! Joanne and Didier Facchin have drawn on their French sensibilities and their superior creative instincts in order to design one of this city’s most delightful little gems. Stepping into Coco et Olive is like stepping into a favoured little cafe on the outskirts of St. Raphael. There’s a certain authentic French charm about Coco et Olive that many bistros reach for, but few can capture.

Chef and food stylist by trade, Joanne Facchin has an impeccable eye for detail as well as a perfectionist’s standard for execution. So it’s no wonder the cozy, rustic ambience at Coco et Olive, however bien réussi, is brilliantly upstaged by the fare. Joanne and Didier are known for their wildly experimental flavour combinations and exciting food pairings so that Joanne’s “secret recipe cookies” are simply heaven in a disc while the fruit cake topped with St. Andre cheese effectively reduces me to tears. In fact, I’m welling up just thinking about it, Mon Dieu!

Looking for Lavender sugar? Celeste figs? A cappuccino the way you had it along the Mediterranean that day? Then look no further than the picturesque little Cafe on Main Street. You’ll be bawling your eyes out in no time.

Coco et Olive is located at 3707 Main Street, Vancouver, 10am – 5pm

TRoom Bakery & Kitchenware

T Room Bakery & Kitchenware is a relatively new addition to West Point Grey – a bold venture considering the amount of bakery-style outlets already doing a brisk business in this area. Who knew that West 10th was beyond foodie saturation? And who would have ever expected that a place devoted to “tea” could be so successfully “coffee”. With its delicate chandeliers, white leather feature banquette, and charming fresh flower arrangements on every table, T Room has carved out its own, distinctly Modern European niche.

In less than 3 years on the scene, T Room’s devoted clientele has already voted it one of “The Best” in its category, as surveyed by The Georgia Straight. One of the reasons for the accolades is owner Isabelle Li’s careful attention to a consistent and clearly communicated image. Customers looking for a pristine European aesthetic, impeccably well-mannered service, and a wonderful array of superlative, home-made goodies, know that T Room hits every note, every time.

Do yourself a luxurious favour and treat yourself to a steaming Latte and two truffles at T Room. The experience is simply euphoric. (And don’t forget to browse the Le Creuset and Calphalon, because if you’re high on caffeine and confections, who could blame you for a teensy, cast-iron procurement, or two?)

* Sadly, our neighbourhood T Room Bakery has closed its doors in order to focus on the catering side of the business. Big loss for Point Grey residents, but an even bigger gain for all the lucky ducks attending events catered by Isabelle*