The GOODS from Prado Cafe

Vancouver, BC | Prado Cafe has officially opened the doors to its second location in the heart of historic Gastown.

After quietly opening this past Wednesday, Prado Cafe owner Sammy Piccolo was thrilled to serve a steady stream of customers as he and his team kept their La Marzocco Linea PB Edition espresso machine busy. This was a welcome scene after an intense four-week construction phase that saw the 1067 square foot space located at 100 West Hastings Street get a complete makeover.

Piccolo, a long-time fixture within Vancouver’s coffee scene, has more than a decade of experience, having worked alongside his brothers to open and build up the Caffé Artigiano name before selling the business back in 2006.

His passion for quality coffee craftsmanship runs deep and a clutch of accolades proves just that. A four-time World Barista Championship Finalist, first ever winner of Word Latte Art Championship, winner at the Coffee Fest Latte Art Championship, and four-time top-three placement for Canada at the World Barista Championships, Piccolo’s passion is evident.

Perhaps a passion for design ought to be added to his resume given Sammy undertook all aspects of construction and design for the new 20-seat Gastown cafe himself, sourcing a mix of antique and playful pieces to help set the stage within a relatively modern-looking space punctuated by crisp white, turquoise and wood.

Prado Cafe Gastown is Piccolo’s second location that serves up an extensive menu of 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters specialty coffees and teas. Customers can kick back and enjoy their java alongside a house made baked treat or artisan sandwich (coming soon) – perfect for Gastown’s bustling lunchtime crowd.

Sammy hopes to create the same atmosphere at Prado Gastown as he’s been able to do at Prado Cafe Commercial Drive: a comfortable neighbourhood space that happens to serve the perfect brew. Prado Gastown’s free wireless, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of natural light and ample workspace help provide just that.

Prado Gastown isn’t all that Sammy Piccolo has brewing. Vancouver’s coffee aficionados will see a third café open in Kensington-Cedar Cottage in summer 2015.

DETAILS

1938 Commercial Drive & 100 West Hastings St. | Vancouver, BC
Telephone: 604-255-5537 | Email: info [at] pradocafevancouver.com
Web: www.pradocafevancouver.com | Twitter | Instagram
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 7am–9pm | Friday–Sunday: 7am–8pm

GALLERY

THE PEOPLE

Owner: Sammy Piccolo

ABOUT PRADO CAFE

Nestled on Commercial Drive and cornered with 4th avenue, gazing at you behind the large glass windows, you will find Prado Café, owned by none other than 4-time World Barista Championship finalist, Sammy Piccolo. The youngest of the 49th Parallel brothers takes his coffee VERY seriously, we weigh our coffee dry and again once it has been poured to confirm the coffee has been extracted correctly, to ensure that each cup is just as balanced as the last. Whilst his older brothers are perfecting the roast and taking care of business, you’ll find Sammy here delivering you a precise espresso and guaranteeing his families coffee is served to you perfectly.

But we have more than just coffee to brag about – All of our baked goods and brunch options are prepared and cooked in-store and we have a range of vegan and gluten-free goods available every day. Prado are pproud to provide a range of O5 loose-leaf tea, authentic chai and traditional matcha. Throughout summer 2014 we will have a community parklet being built at the front of the café for everyone to enjoy, customers, neighbours, visitors – everyone is welcome.

Much like our coffee and tea, our staff are a diverse collection from around the world. They are happy to help you with any questions you may have with purchasing a bag of beans, brewing coffee at home or even with just recommending a cookie. Our friendly little crew is here 7 days a week, grinding you coffee on one of our FOUR grinders, cooking brunch, baking cookies and serving smiles. Next time you’re on the drive, please stop by because we would love to make your day!