Relay Coffee Roasters

Drinks and Sweets to go

Lattes.  I LOVE a good latte.  What I don’t love are lattes from chain stores but living on the edge of the city means a good latte is a fair distance away, or so I thought.  One cold day near winters end I was craving a solid latte but my go to shop was closed, the idea of traveling down the escarpment was really unappealing this day so I used trusty old google to search for somewhere a little closer… and there it was Relay on Concession St.  Now that I could do!  Off my son and I went.

Relay at the Farmer's Market

It was so easy to find, right on the corner of East 23^rd and Concession street with metered Parking right out front - and there is a wide parking lane for those like me who need to know what parking is like before venturing to new places.  The coffee shop is adorable with seating for those wishing to sit in and enjoy a cup of something or you can take your favourite beverage to go.

As the delightful barista made my vanilla latte and my sons steamed hot chocolate – which came in the cutest wee cup! – my son was mesmerized by the pour over technique as a fellow patron’s coffee was being made.  I really think that is part of the charm in small coffee shops.  Each and every one has a different technique as does each barista so the flavours from shop to shop are unique.

This past summer was a busy time in my life and I wasn’t able to get out for my favourite drinks often at all.  Relay had offered free delivery one week for their bottled iced beverages, I inquired about the service though I was doubtful as very few places will deliver to our area.  The response was quick and sure enough and it was a yes!  I was thrilled.  When you are a parent (or just busy in life) it’s the little things ;) .

Cold brew delivered

If you are like me and enjoy a sweet treat with your drink Thursday through Saturday Relay has Donut Monster awesomeness!  Treats from Hotti Biscotti, Cake and Loaf and other delicious places can often be found to accompany your drink as well!

What makes Relay extra fantastic is they are one of the shops in Hamilton that roast their own fair trade organic beans.  Spending money on a hand crafted drink that supports not only our local economy but the people who grow the beans feels much better than throwing money into a large corporation.  Not to mention the taste – there is no comparison! 

Relay definitely should be on the “must try list” of everyone in the greater Hamilton area.  Pleasant service, wonderful drinks – what more could one ask for?   If Concession Street isn't close enough Relay is also located in Hamilton Farmer's Market.


Happy Sipping!

Relay Coffee Roasters Website:
http://www.relaycoffee.com/

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/relaycoffee

Cold and hot beverages this summer

Cake & Loaf Bakery

The patio of Cake & Loaf Dundurn on a sunny day

I discovered this AMAZING bakery winter of 2015 after a visit with my family to the Mustard Seed Co-op.  As we were about to check out I noticed this super cute chocolate bar stand and I’m a sucker

for chocolate so I had to try a chocolate Peanut Butter bar.  Waiting to eat it wasn’t an option; I opened it as soon as we got in to the car.   It was instant love – the BEST chocolate bar I had ever eaten.  I saved the tag so I could look up this wondrous place where these were created when we got home.

Jensen Cheddar, iced caramel latte and essential button ;)

After finding Cake & Loaf with the help of social media I knew I had to check out the shop on Dundurn in person – the upbeat vibe and beautiful pictures were more than enough to draw me in.  My first visit was wonderful!  The counter staff is phenomenal.  Helpful, patient and the barista skills outstanding!  My personal favourites are salted caramel lattes (iced or hot) and the Dundurn fog is perfection.

One of the things I love and appreciate most about this fantastic bakery is their commitment to the community through supporting local businesses as much as possible and fair trade when it’s not.  So many wonderful local treasures are used behind the scenes and are for sale on the shelves in store – places such as Teal’s meats, Parkermanns fine tea, Vintage and Detour coffees, From these Roots, and Jensen cheese.  There is nothing better than biting into a sweet treat or a satisfying savoury snack that you know was baked using the kindest ingredients, from scratch and with love!

Awesomely talented staff member Amanda

Another thing I think is wonderful is living wage for the employees!  That is so hard to find in the service industry and as a former customer service employee I know this all too well.  It’s uplifting to know that the employees are cared about and not just another number doing their time.

The new Cake and Loaf website is super user friendly and you can see what menu items are available each day making it easy to snag your favourite lunch or bread selection!  The new cake builder is also awesome and helpful for planning that special cake for celebrating anything and everything.  I have also had fantastic help via email with cupcakes and beverages for a party, ordering special cookies and placing same day holds over the phone.  

After being a regular of Cake and Loaf for over a year now I have tried many different things and not once have I been disappointed.  They are constantly creating new and exciting menu additions in both the sweet and savoury departments – Hello Mac and Cheese Pulled Pork pie which is nothing short of scrumptious and that Unicorn bar… SO good!  Our most purchased items are the take home soup jars in the fall and winter (nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of homemade soup), Jensen Cheddar bread (makes the best grilled cheese on the planet) and chocolate chip cookie packs!  My children LOVE the pizzas and cookies. 

Some of the market treats

I frequent the Dundurn shop but Cake and Loaf Market (located in the Hamilton Farmer's Market)– new this year!- is their sister shop and perfect companion with its own flavour!  Breakfast burritos are delicious and the waffles on a stick offered Friday’s and Saturday’s would steal anyone’s heart!

Every occasion in this house involves a little Cake and Loaf from birthdays, to holidays and teacher gifts they have something for everyone!  I am so happy to have discovered Cake and Loaf, I admire the drive of Josie and Nickey and enjoy interacting with the exceptional staff.  I look forward to watching the business grow in the years to come! 

Thanks for Reading!

PSA:  This Saturday September 17, 2016 Cake & Loaf is celebrating their 5th Anniversary!  Check out their facebook or Instagram for details :) 

Grab and go cakes & other sweets

Cake and Loaf Bakery's website: 

http://cakeandloaf.ca/

And facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/cakeandloaf/?fref=ts