District Coffee Co. opened its doors to downtown’s caffeine addicts this week. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably already been. Sharon (Only Here for the Food) detailed their family and friends event last week which got me even more excited to try. I will disclose this first and foremost: I’m no coffee expert. Nowhere near. I like a cup of cream and sugar with a side of coffee, although I was a former coffee addict in my university years. Since then, I have mastered cutting down to a cup of hot chocolate in the winter months. That didn’t stop me from waking up early for a coffee date with Joe yesterday though! That is correct, I live in the north side of town, drove in with downtown traffic, grabbed a coffee, and drove back to write this and go to work… in St. Albert. Hashtag, foodieproblems.
District Coffee Co.
Located on 109 St and 100 Ave in the Peace Hills Trust Building and neighbor to the Italian restaurant Allegro, the District Coffee Co. storefront is a little shy. I blame the dark, reflective mirrors. It would be nice if they have completely clear mirrors so pedestrians could see the hustle and bustle! Hopefully when the snow melts and it gets warmer it will be a bit clearer and if they place patio tables outside, it will promote traffic. Or word of mouth is fine too. Whatever works.
Counter
Pastries
Details
The coffee shop is small, accommodating only two tables and a long bar stool counter top for “to stay-ers”. I was hoping for cozy seating, much like the past Mercer Warehouse’s ROAST Coffeehouse and downtown’s Transcend (may they rest in peace), but it seems like their mainstay will be to get people in and out. Coffee, coffee, coffee. They do offer freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, soups, and pot pies for lunch. I agree with Sharon, loved the fact that they pay attention to little details, from souvenir Alberta plates to wooden trays.
They feature Calgary’s Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roast, as opposed to their sister business, Elm Cafe‘s 49th Parallel Coffee from Vancouver. I ordered a latte to go, as did Joe. Great coffee from my perspective; Joe agreed, and I’d like to think he knows more about coffee than I do since he’s one of those downtown caffeine addicts.
Lemon Meringue Pie
To Go Boxes
Classic Cinnamon Bun
I was interested in trying the baked goodies! So much selection and all looked delicious. We decided on a lemon meringue pie to start, obviously the best way to start breakfast right? Yum! Joe would have preferred a thinner crust but the lemon custard was on the looser side, so I disagree. That would just compromise pie integrity! Joe also took a cinnamon bun to go for work, but I managed to steal a bite. The glaze was hardened and made the exterior into a sticky toffee (wash that down with coffee!), but the bun itself was very well done. I recommended Joe to maybe reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds to see if the glaze would re-melt.
Toasted Marshmallow Rice Krispie
Toasted Marshmallow Rice Krispie
I saved the best for last. Brittney was the first to tell me about the toasted marshmallow rice krispie, having tried it earlier in the week.
That toasted marshmallow rice krispie was so good, I sent an inappropriate text to a friend.
I second her opinion! The rice krispie itself isn’t too sweet, and the marshmallow topping was nice and fluffy. I liked this the best of all three pastries we ordered. Joe even said he would come back to District Coffee Co. just for this. Winner! Thanks for tweeting about it Britt!
Last Bite
Guess who got the last bite? Hmph. I noticed they were sampling the freshly baked rice krispie as I was leaving… I want moooooore!
Open Bakery
The back section is dedicated to a long counter for their baking. Whatcha making there… ? A nice concept and a great way to showcase as downtown-ers wait for their coffee.
We were there for only 15 minutes as Joe had to head off to work but in that time, I can tell you a steady stream of people were picking up their morning cup of joe. Beautiful cafe and I hope they extend their hours for the weekend as that’s the only time I’m in downtown! Next time I want to try their pot pie! Congratulations to District Coffee Co. and welcome. What do you think YEG? Give it a try and support local businesses and maybe you won’t miss that “Play Again” Roll Up the Rim cup!
District Coffee Co.10011 – 109 St
(780) 705-7788
Facebook: District Coffee Co.
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