FAREWELL, CUMBERLAND FOUR.

Cumberland Four

So many memories. Yorkville's Cumberland Four Cinemas officially closed its doors as of Sunday night after having opened back in July 1981 under Famous Players, to be operated eventually by Cineplex in 2005. With the storied Four Seasons Hotel also having ceased operations recently, this can seen as the end of an Era in a corner of the City which may know a thing or two about spotting a Star.

I myself have many fond memories of the Theatre - seeing Movies which still to this day stick with me even though some of those Dates I went on there didn't, and I remember sneaking into "Double Features" with Friends when money was tight back in the day.  How could I forget about the time I got into a heated argument with my Dad while in University, taking-in a Movie there to blow-off some steam? Magically somehow by the time I got home everything was cool again.  

I saw many of my favourite Movies at the Cumberland Four including the likes of Juno, The Reader and Dreamgirls. I also recall having seen many a Celebrity there with Screenings once being held at the Venue during TIFF. My last Celebrity Spotting there was in April 2010, that being Joel Edgerton.

Rumour is that the Theatre will be transformed into a Nespresso Boutique Store.  The Switzerland-based Coffee Retailer is known for its high-end Espresso Makers and Capsules and the Location is said to be ready Fall 2013 after some remodeling.

Farewell, Cumberland Four.  Thank you for the being there.

xMRWILLW

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

STARBUCKS HAPPY HOUR IS BACK: HALF-PRICE FRAPPUCCINOS

Starbucks Frappuccinos

It's back!  Starbucks is inviting all of us to celebrate Happy Hour beginning this Friday, May 4, 2012 through Sunday, May 13, 2012.  The Promotion which runs between 3 to 5 PM gives you Half-Price Frappuccinos and especially exciting this year is that there will be a new Mocha Cookie Crumble variety!  Note that this is valid only at Corporate Stores.

Slurp, slurp.

(Photo credit: Starbucks)

"GOSSIP GIRL" STAR KELLY RUTHERFORD LOVES THOR ESPRESSO BAR

Kelly Rowan & Kelly Rutherford in Toronto - February 2012

Taking a quick break from filming Gossip Girl, which just celebrated its 100th episode, Actress Kelly Rutherford spent her weekend in Toronto doing a bit of shopping on Bloor Street yesterday and it would even appear that she has found herself a favourite Coffee spot in our City!  

Rutherford took to Twitter to espresso her love for Thor, situated just south of the Thompson Hotel.  She Tweeted, "In Toronto... Best coffee at Thor! Yum!". On that note, Rutherford also had Dinner last night with her good Friend - another famous Kelly, of the Rowan variety. Rowan, known best for her work on The O.C., happens to be engaged to the 16th richest Man in the World and richest in Canada, David Thomson.  No relation to the Hotel, of course.

Rutherford currently resides in New York City, last visiting Toronto back in May for an appearance on The Marilyn Denis Show.

(Photo credit: Kelly Rutherford)

2011 STARBUCKS "RED CUPS" ARE OUT!

2011 Starbucks Red Cups

Are you reddy?  Those of you Mavenati who know me well will know that this actually is something I look forward to every year!  Starbucks' latest line of Red Cups for the Holidays have just hit the stores and although they really aren't that different from last year's, donning a similar font and aesthetic, I love 'em!

Have you gotten yours yet?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TIM HORTONS COMMENTS ON $25 GIFT CARD HOAX

Tim Hortons addresses $25 Gift Card Hoax

If you logged onto Facebook yesterday, chances are you received an update on your News Feed from your Friends telling you about a $25 Free Gift Card Offer from Tim Hortons. Canada's number one Coffee Chain took to Facebook to address this as a hoax. What's even more telling is that if you now click on the link for the Card (http://www.timhortons-voucher.com), it re-directs you to a $100 Subway Gift Offer today. Now come on, that's gotta seem too good to be true!

Be careful, Mavenati. You don't know what these sites do to your Facebook Profiles and Computers when you click on them. Generally a good Rule of Thumb when you see offers like these is that if they don't come directly from the Web Domain (i.e. http://www.timhortons.com) of the Company directly, you should proceed with caution. 

As an aside I prefer Starbucks and my own home-brewed Organic Allegro Coffee anyway! But I will never turn-down a Timbit.  Nope.

KURTIS COFFEE

Kurtis Coffee Espresso Roast

Mmmm. A while ago one of my kindhearted Readers was generous enough to hand me a bag of Espresso Roast after reading what a Coffee Fanatic I am. I put the bag away in my Freezer and didn't get around to it until today... and I must say I'm actually impressed!  And I'm v. difficult when it comes to Coffee.

100% Certified Organic and rather flavourful with notes of Cocoa, Kurtis Coffee brews a delicious cup of Espresso. And most of all, it's local.  Their Espresso Roast is a good alternative for those who find Starbucks perhaps a bit too bold for their palettes?

Having originated in 1978 and having served independent Grocers and Cafés around the City, Kurtis Coffee  recently struck a deal to be carried exclusively at the higher-end Sobeys Urban Fresh stores around the Greater Toronto Area.  You might even spot them at your local Winners also.

If you're looking for something to do on a Saturday, visit Wychwood Barns Organic Market at St. Clair x Christie which usually opens from 8:00 AM til 1:00 PM in the Summer.  They house a fuller selection of Coffees and Espressos from Kurtis Coffee. which you might not be able to find in stores.

Visit the official website for Kurtis Coffee here.

HALF-PRICE FRAPPUCCINOS AT STARBUCKS

Starbucks' Mocha Coconut Frappuccino

Yes!  Best time of the year.  Between May 6-15, 2011 from 3-5 PM, Starbucks will be celebrating Happy Hour.  Frappuccinos will be half-priced for everybody!  More importantly, Starbucks will be bringing back my favourite - the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino. *brap! brap!*

RSVP here on Starbucks' Facebook Frappuccino Page.

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, STARBUCKS!

Happy 40th Birthday Starbucks!  In celebration of our favourite Coffee Chain's special day, they are giving away some treats to their loyal customers who buy a beverage between March 10-12, 2011.  Although stock and dates my vary, you can get a Starbucks Petite Pastry: Cake Pop, Mini Cupcake, Sweet Square or Whoopie Pie with the purchase of a beverage between 2:00 to 5:00 PM.  Cups donning their new Logo will debut today also.

I am anxious to try their Cake Pops, although I'm pretty confident they aren't better than mine.  I'm just saying!  Anyone who disagrees is cut-off!  LOL

To many more years of delicious and convenient Americanos and Lattes.  Love you, *$!

Watch Starbucks' new 40th Birthday Television Spot in full below:

LITTLE NICKY'S COFFEE

Little Nicky's Coffee and Donuts

My latest obsession is 1930's-inspired Little Nicky's Coffee, tucked away at the corner of Peter x Queen in Toronto's Entertainment District.  Brewing nothing but Organic Fair Trade Coffee, their bold and robust Dark Roast is something to experience.  Paired with Organic Cream and Raw Sugar, you are getting nothing but the best and a Size Large is in-and-around the $2.00 mark - cheaper than a Grande at Starbucks.  It was so good that I left, savoured, pondered and decidedly went back for seconds.... before caving in and ordering a half-pound of Grounds too!

Asides from Coffee, they also an array of Homemade Baked Goods like Cookies and Muffins  also, while catering to the Lunchtime Crowd with an offering of Sandwiches.  The one defining item on the Menu here is their Homemade Donuts - irresistibly aromatic, moist in texture and finished with a light dusting of  Powdered Sugar; a half-dozen simply isn't enough. 

Little Nicky's Coffee is located at 375 Queen St. West.  Thank me with a dozen of those Donuts.

STARBUCKS INTRODUCES NEW WORDLESS LOGO IN MARCH

The Evolution of the Starbucks Logo

She's getting a sexy makeover!  The famous Starbucks Siren is getting a new look with the Coffee giant announcing today that they plan to simplify their Logo by removing the words "STARBUCKS COFFEE".  Employees in Seattle were the first to see the new design earlier today, marking the fourth time the Logo has changed since 1971.

PRODUCT WATCH: DeLONGHI RETRO PUMP ESPRESSMO MACHINE

DeLonghi Retro Pump Espresso Machine

I am completely obsessed with CSN Stores right now and found a great deal on an Espresso Machine by DeLonghi - half price! Anyone who reads my Blog will know what an Espresso lover I am and my day simply cannot begin without it. I'll be sure to post a review of it as soon as I get it.

In addition to Espresso Machines, you need to check out the wide array of Home Furnishings and Appliances you can order online at competitive prices. You can even get Bar Tables and Stools there, which is pretty crazy! Many items include Free Shipping too.

Don't forget to check out the family of CSN Stores online here!

WHERE TO GET A GOOD COFFEE IN TORONTO

The age-old question of where to get a good cup of Coffee in this city just might not be unsolvable after all.  I'll admit it - I'm a bit of a lush.  I don't do Brewed Coffee unless I have to absolutely and there are no other options.  I am of the mentality that I'll pay the extra dollar for the Coffee if it tastes that much better and it's served to me like a dignified human being.  I love Espresso and after having invested in a no-frills Espresso Maker myself two years ago, I just haven't been able to go back ever since.  My father loves Instant Coffee out of convenience and it makes me cringe when I go back home and he tries to serve me a cup of that stuff. And don't get me wrong - I'm loyal to Starbucks like fans are to Oprah, but sometimes I like to try new things and treat myself. Perhaps I can recommend a few fantastic spots if you ever visit the city. 

In the heart of Yorkville is five-star The Hazelton, which is pretty much where every celebrity in-the-know stays now.  The hotel has easily surpassed Four Seasons Hotel as the place to stay for the Hollywood Elite with its chic ultra-modern decor and moody dimmed lighting.  Situated in the hotel is the marvelous ONE Restaurant, which the likes of Geri Halliwell, Kylie Minogue, Emma Bunton and Sarah Jessica Parker have enjoyed.  The service is outstandingly friendly and if you don't feel like partaking in the pricey fare, a delicious, fully-bodied Cappuccino or Latte can be enjoyed at $6 with a twig of Biscotti.  You're paying for the experience you must remember and while you're there, why not pair it with a delicious Coconut Cream Crumble topped with Lime Powder?  It's decadently creamy and full of chewy goodness, coming highly recommended by the staff.  All desserts are $14, but there is an assortment of pastries served throughout the day like Pain au Chocolat and Muffins at approximately $8 a pop.   You might as well go all out though and go for the desserts by renowned Pastry Chef Tony Accettola.  You just never know who you'll see here.

 (Cappuccino at The Hazelton, Coconut Cream Crumble)