With locations on both College St. and Roncesvalles Ave, Lit Espresso Bar delivers excellent Direct Trade coffee to Toronto’s West Enders. Not to be confused with Fair Trade coffee (its more compassionate, but seemingly less tasty cousin), Direct Trade coffee is a way of importing coffee beans with great speciality in an attempt to maximize the quality of the product the consumer enjoys. This means particular growers in specific regions are directly contacted by the coffee shop, and once certain flavours have been examined and agreed upon, those beans are exported in low volume. This translates into a very finely controlled product that delivers excellent results, however, at a slightly higher price. If you enjoy the art of coffee both literally and figuratively, this is your place.
In speaking with a few people who are regulars at Lit, it was brought to my attention that in addition to the excellent coffee, they also sell discount cigarettes. I felt compelled to pursue this lead, as I was going there anyway, and have very little to do with my time these days. In fact, if I began smoking it would be my second most active hobby, sandwiching somewhere behind golf and marginally ahead of Rogers on Demand.
In walking to the well-appointed counter, replete with various pastries, I was greeted by an attractive young female whose enthusiasm screamed ‘newly hired’. After exchanging pleasantries, I sheepishly asked if I could grab a pack of smokes, not knowing what to do if she said “sure”. My request was met with profound confusion. She indicated that she was a new employee (male intuition), but she didn’t think they sold them. I tried to stop her there, but then she turned and asked two other employees who looked at me as if trying to find Waldo. It was very awkward, the coffee shop equivalent of the awkward high five.
As I was off balance from the above confusion, I quick-ordered a dark roasted drip coffee without looking at the chalkboard menu. Chalkboard menus always appeal to me, as it indicates to the customer that there is some fluidity, perhaps even daily variations in the menu selections. While waiting for my coffee I took a closer look at their menu, and it was impressive. There were several appealing drink choices that were presented with thoughtful simplicity. They also play silent movies for those who wish to sit down and enjoy their beverage. However, still embarrassed by my earlier faux pas I asked for my coffee to go.
The coffee was excellent, in fact, I have now had two cups from there and both were very enjoyable. The roast I had was uniquely flavoured, and although I tend to frown on people who enjoy speaking about their passions with unnecessary and pretentious verbage (wine comes to mind), I found my inner connoisseur coming out. It was tough not to notice the mild hazelnut flavour, the hint of cocoa, and the smooth enduring finish.
In sum, Lit delivers an excellent product. However, if you live mid-town, fill up the gas tank and pack a weekender bag, as it is not close.
I give it 8/10.