SASKATOON - It came as a challenge. Upon first moving to Saskatoon a relative of mine challenged me to a monthly coffee date but it had to be a place neither of us had been to, it should be local and it had to include a great cup of coffee.
There is no heated or strong debate here, this reporter loves her coffee so this was an easy challenge to accept.
While a quick click on Google showcases 20 coffee shops in Saskatoon, I can assure you there are more to experience. Google seems to come up with the magic number of 20 because when I searched how many Tim Horton’s and how many Starbucks locations were in Saskatoon, this is also the number that came up.
I assure you, coffee shops I have experienced also come with those who deliver the fine art of speciality coffee. Many of these visits also included a plethora of freshly baked goods to enjoy with the coffee delight.
Whether you appreciate the latte art that comes with a speciality coffee or you are all about the rich aroma and superb flavour of your cup of java, many coffee lovers like to keep things grounded. This might mean that they find it more important to like the flavour, or the company they are sharing a coffee break with, while others want the flair that only baristas can deliver.
The social media platform Instagram, and probably others, are full of photos of people who have appreciated their latte art or speciality coffee, wanting to share their experience so others can try it out too. Or, perhaps they are sharing their happiness factor so that it may generate other happiness moments for those who see their photos.
We have experienced on our coffee adventure quirky atmospheres, tropical paradise, city vibes, or feeling like we are in a family’s kitchen or living room. And to date, not one of our coffee crusades has included a negative experience.
We have introduced some of our discoveries to family and friends and I can ascertain that one or more of these coffee shop discoveries have resulted in return visits or flagged as a favourite.
Summer time we upped our game and started making bi-weekly dates to encounter the patio scene for coffee shops. The city’s coffee offerings did not disappoint.
Prioritizing quality and personalized customer service, while offering unique, artisan coffee blends all while creating a welcoming atmosphere are key measures that local coffee shops take on.
Supporting local not only benefits the local economy, it fosters a sense of community. They can also contribute to the cultural identity of the neighbourhood they are part of as they offer events, local artists and pop-up shops that showcase entrepreneurs or home-based business, arts and crafts.
You know what else that can be great about supporting the local coffee culture - real cups, eliminating the carbon footprint of disposable take out coffee containers.
Atmosphere is part of the ambiance as it helps accent the experience. Artwork, unique and antique furniture, flooring and flora all culminate to enhance the coffee date. Changing it up for each season makes it fun to revisit.
One of the coffee shops I have revisited and taken family and friends to is because their outdoor space reminded me exactly of Sesame Street as you felt a sense of belonging and that you knew the people in your neighborhood, just like Bob McGrath sang. The panoramic view of a charming community with families out with strollers, bikes, dog walking or just taking a stroll exuded safety and happiness.
Coffee is not just a drink in a cup, but in Saskatoon, it is part of the city’s culture and it's what connects its citizens in whichever location they choose to patronize and support.
