The new issue of Monocle has landed at our door. I penned a few words in the big spread on some of the world’s best and most interesting cafés; singling out Le Marché St. George to represent Vancouver. While I wouldn’t doubt that proper coffee wonks would point to a few other shops in town and say they do it better (I wouldn’t disagree, and much prefer my Stumptown over Oughtred), I don’t think many come even remotely close to besting Le Marché when it comes to charm. I reckon the shots above, including the rather stunning one of barista Klee Larsen, testify as much (taken by local photographer and cool fellow Grant Harder). Granted, their coffee is certainly no slouch and their pain au chocolate is the bee’s bum, but it’s the space and the folks within that keep me happy. I may be in the minority of caffeine addicts on this score, but I appreciate atmosphere in a café over the fetishisation of the bean. If you’ve never been before, it really is as gorgeous and cozy as it looks.
PS. The article’s accompanying video details several cafes from around the world, and was produced by Aleksander Solum and narrated by Jonathan Openshaw and Gillian Dobias.
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portlandia whaaaat
how badass does melbourne look in this little vid. they have it dialled.
Okay, okay this place does have its charms in the pictures. But in person, it falls short- very, very short. We went there this morning with high expectations. It seemed like a hole in the wall corner store with a few gourmet offerings. There was no “hello, how are you” at the register. The croisants were heavy and doughy. The pain au chocolat overly lacquered. Ordered a London Fog and the drink came with the teabag still in the cup… The baristas were constantly touching their hair and faces, which really grossed me out.
Who does these write ups? Gorgeous and cozy??? There is seating for 2 parties inside and just another couple of chairs outside. There did not seem to be a real dishwashing station. Cups were being washed at a sink and not in the sanitary way that’s needed for cups used between strangers.
YUCK!