The Vancouver Indy Coffee Scene

Strait Coffee Traders in Wilson Creek

Before I go to Seattle I took a trip home for Christmas.

This time I decided to check out the Strait Coffee in the little neighbourhood of Wilson Creek just 15 minutes outside Sechelt.
The little cafe has been operating since 1995 in the small little mini mall located just off highway 101.

Owners of the little cafe have ebbed and flowed through much like the tide of this coast community but it wasn’t until current owner Grace Bland (Yes her last name is really bland) that this little cafe really took quality wise.

Brassy Bean dispensers

Anything but bland. . .

The cafe now roasts their own beans and supplies all  four Wheatberries locations. They also service most of the grocery stores on the coast with whole beans and a few other cafes I have yet to find. The wholesale business is locally based and uses  fair trade certification with customers from Whitehorse to Saskatchewan.

While I am home on the coast I go to either Strait or Wheatberries for the best dry cappuccinos’ on the planet. I am sure it is just the relaxed atmosphere or the fact I am usually on vacation when I am hear but I love to sit and savour the absolute best micro foam. ( I usually like it with a slight hint of vanilla sugar on top)

Latte Artist

This cafe is also home to quite the latte artist. Now for as seasoned “Drive” veteran like myself latte art is nothing new, the leafs, hearts, are the old school versions of this art foam. But (yes a different Grace) has done something completely different with her skills. Watch the video below.

Bazinett, 25, has been a barista for about five years working in Vancouver, Alberta and now Sechelt, one day was pouring a latte and saw that the foam resembled a face. She then took the spoon and began drawing in the foam, an artist outside the cafe she always enjoyed drawing so this just came naturally.

Grace Bazinett Latte Art

Grace and Grace can usually found behind the counter in the mornings four to five days a week.

Update March 2009 ~ I recent had an Americano at Strait Coffee Traders and it was the best coffee of my recent trip home. If you are in the area and it is sunny and warm I would certainly suggest grabbing 12 oz. Americano, one of their white chocolate brownies and head up to Cliff Gilker Park in Robert Creek, you will certainly enjoy it, I did.

Faces and Places

Where this blog was written: Strait Coffee
Drink ordered: Medium Dry Cappuccino (16 oz with foam)
Discount of own to-go cup: medium for a price of a small
Barista Knowledge: Decent
Barista friendliness: good
Website: www.straitcoffee.ca