Wickedly Loud
11 02 2008Posted by Robert @ 7:44 am
Wicked Cafe on Hemlock
Well, my loyal readers, Geoff Howe decided to stay on the Island for a couple more days and so I delayed the Expresso-thon. This is kind of a good thing since I have been out with a cold for the past week.
But I decided to go out and meet a fellow blogger, Peter Van de Reep. He writes Pulling Shots, (The blog has been in Stasis since January) a barista view of the world and works weekends at Wicked Cafe on West 7th and Hemlock. Wicked Cafe was started by Brad Ford back in circa 2004. I had been to Wicked a number of times before, so coming in today was a complete surprise, but not really in the best way.
• Please see the update at the bottom of this review •
Peter's Latte Art
Brad Ford is the Canadian distributor for Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea, who starting roasting in 1995 and is completely a direct trade shop even before it was chic to do so.
I first had a Madagascar Vanilla Rooibos tea supplied by Steeps Tea, which helped relieve my ailing cold. Then with Peter at the helm, I had a 12 oz foamy latte with some awesome foam art going on. The quality of their coffee is really on par with the top cafes of Vancouver, and their baristas have the knowledge to back up any questions you might have.
Quality does not equal comfort
When I first entered the cafe, the door was left open, and brought in a lot of noise from the street. When some one went to close it because they were cold they were quite boldly stopped by one of the staff.
I found a seat at the large communal table in the centre of the cafe and had a large chill run down my back from the open door. Peter later told me that behind the counter it is really, really hot from all the machinery and well I sympathized. It didn’t increase the enjoyment of my stay.
Sunlight streams into Wicked Cafe
I also remember a couple of years ago that most of the seating were comfy chairs. I saw only two chairs (there is actually four), a huge table that could sit many people. I think the comfy chairs suit Wicked a lot more then the large table.
But the thing that bothered me the most about my visit to Wicked was how loud everything was. From the noise of the traffic on the street, to the yanking of the grinder, to the sound of the cash register. There was also a large tube coming from the kitchen into the front area. It looked as if the kitchen was under-construction.
The end of this story is that although there is a lot of room for improvement on Wicked’s ambience the real proof, is in the quality of the roast, the knowledge of the barista, and the quality of the pour. All of which were top of the line.
It is just not a place I would go to study for an exam or read a book.
Update March, 09: I was in Wicked Cafe on Hemlock recently and found the place quieter, the service was quick and coffee was excellent. I found the barista working behind the bar weren’t as noisy either. Noise of a espresso machine and grinders can’t be helped, but what can be helped it how hard you are on your equipment. If you watch the girls at Prado or the boys at 49th Cafe you can still have a conversation over a working cafe. Music was pretty mellow too.
Faces and Places
Where this blog was written: Wicked Cafe
Drink ordered: 12 oz latte & 12 oz Rooibos
Discount of own to-go cup: didn’t ask sorry!
Barista Knowledge: Best in Vancouver
Barista’s friendliness: friendly and knowledgeable
Website: www.wickedcafe.ca
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Intelly isn’t Fair Trade. They haven’t carried a FT coffee since about 2005.
They are “Direct Trade”, meaning their buyer (Geoff Watts) negotiates deals directly with the farmers they buy from – no middlemen. As a result, their average price paid per pound, directly into the farmers’ pocket, is higher than what FT pays farmers or coops; in many cases, Intelly pays double or more the current FT price.
Geoff wrote a great email in response to a FT supporter explaining the Direct Trade Model, here: http://greenlagirl.com/2006/06/19/an-intelligentsia-email/
Also, there’s this seminal NY Times piece: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/22/business/worldbusiness/22coffee.html
Lastly, agree with you on the decor and noise at Wicked. The table has to go. Brad either needs to buy out the place next door and expand, or consider bigger digs. The inside of Wicked used to look super cool; now it looks like… I dunno.
Thanks for catching my mistake Mark, I had a Intelligentsia pamphlet sitting right in front of me when I made that error. I did know they are direct trade and LOVE the coffee shops that supply direct trade coffee.
I shall endevour not to make such an erroneous error again!
You’re absolutely right ….. this is not a good place for geeks. This place has the most advanced clientele of them all.
Ask for the extra shots in the mocha, you won’t regret it.
I agree this is not a great coffee shop. Much better espresso can be found in the area.
Hi Sam, thanks for your comment. I did enjoy the coffee, the latte was one of the better ones I have had, but the surroundings are just to noisy and loud for my liking to get any studying or homework done.
Hi Sam,
I’ve googled your name and find that you tend to complain about a lot of cafes. I heard that you’re a local barista using an alias. But nevertheless, talking crap about cafes that do high quality is really an unnecessary low blow. Maybe we can meet at Wicked and find out who Sam Franko really is.
Al
Al,
You should be a little more detailed in your googles, yes I have complained about a few cafes, but also have wonderful comments about others – too bad your cafe does not meet my standards for espresso- but keep trying your best and maybe I will vist again when I am in the area.
I’m a customer who’s tried some of the cafes you complain about. You don’t have to talk down others in order to think your better because you’re not. I’ve tried coffee from you and it’s nothing to write about.
Al
Ok guys take it easy, we all have our favourite cafes. I am a little bias to Prado and Bump and Grind, but that doesn’t mean that it would be well suited for everyone, the variety we have here in Vancouver is unparrelled and it would suck if we all liked the same thing.
Two cozy chairs? There are four cozy chairs (even your pictures above elude to that). I like having the tables and chairs when I go for lunch. I go to wicked cafe a minimum of 5 times a week for coffee. I love the coffee, there staff are great, and don’t know what you are talking about with the door. It is always shut when I go. When someone leaves it open, someone is quick to go and close it. The grilled sandwiches are great as are the soups. I miss the Kitsilano Cookies that they used to have. They have fresh muffins every morning (banana walnut being my favourite). It is hard to complain about the lack of space – The alternative is scary. It would be nice to take over the place next door, but would the cost of renos be covered by the increased business and rent / lease costs. I don’t see a real problem with the space. It is cozy. It will be a sad day when my contract is up with my client and I will not longer be in walking distance to Wicked. My favourite drink – Large single shot, low fat mocha (it’s all about the chocolate baby!)
Scott
Hey Scott thanks for you comments, I do feel Wicked is a good cafe, but room for improvement. I just found that on most days I go I find it incredibly loud. The coffee is amazing they do a great job of preparing it and Intelligentsia coffee is a top roaster with a good conscience. But hey, to each their own. If I lived across the street I would be happy to call it my neighborhood coffee home.
And you are right about the cozy chairs their are four, but their use to be more!