Mercury Organic Espresso Bar

2008-08-13T12:09:00.002-04:00

THREE HUNDRED & FIFTY-TWO POINT EIGHT MILLIMETERS.

Whoever comes in with an answer as to what I am referring to you will get a free glass of "something" from me, NEIL. I'm here at Mercury on Queen until three o'clock today. Come on down if you have any ideas. First person in (with the correct answer of course) wins!

So brave the rain and come on down!

See y'all real soon.

-Neil.

2008-08-05T16:42:00.002-04:00

Hey Mercurians,
I have a questionae for yas...what exactly is the holiday that occured yesterday? I know it's a civic holiday but seriously what kinda holiday is that? I'll tell ya lame. i couldn't put ma darn cheque in the bank because they had no envelopes what-so-ever. Thanks civic holiday. I'd rather have a honda civic that's all customized, with spinning rims, those blue undercarriage lights and pretty much too fast too, furious... maybe even thrice fast, thrice furious, tokyo drift. If you catch my drift.
I just wanted to espresso meself. Oh well holiday pay is time and a half, so I'll just sit on my cheques fer now. I guess I enjoyed my stay-cation. I did see Sabastien Tellier in concert last night after work and it was thrice fast, thrice furious......
TOKYO DRIFT?

__Alex L.

2008-08-03T15:42:00.002-04:00

Neil,

SORRY BUDDY!!!
Here's a kitten:

Really sorry!!

-Matt

2008-08-02T11:26:00.003-04:00

Dear internet, wonderful series of tubes.
This is young Matt (better Matt) just filling you in that tomorrow morning is Amber's last day at mercurée. I think she's going to hang out on the west side of this continent for a while and then make her way back to New York City where she'll be working at café grumpy.
Amber, sorry if you have any stalkers. I kind of just filled them in on your itinerary.
OH WELL.
I THINK FOR THE REST OF THIS ENTRY I AM JUST GOING TO TALK IN CAPS LOCK AND WHORE SOME STUFF. WE GOT SOME MEXICAN OAXACA, MAKE SURE YOU MISPRONOUNCE IT AS "OAKS-A-KA" WHEN YOU ORDER, BECAUSE THAT MAKES US PRETTY GLAD. ALSO WE ARE USING ORIGINS FOR CAPS AS WELL AS SHOTS NOW, BECAUSE IT RULES. TYPING IN CAPS MAKES YOU FEEL POWERFUL, BUT ONLY IF YOU HOLD DOWN THE SHIFT BUTTON WITH YOUR PINKY (WEAK) FINGER. CAPS LOCK IS FOR SISSIES.
OH DAAYYUUUUMMMM, WE ALSO HAVE SOME SWEET NEW PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAYED ON THESE WALLS. IF YOU LIKE SEEING DAVID MILLER IN NYC, GET DOWN HERE IMMED.

PLEASE COME DOWN AND SEE AMBER TOMORROW. BRING HER GIFTS. ALSO, BRING ME GIFTS (ANYTIME), BUT MOSTLY JUST BRING GIFTS, SMILES AND TEARS FOR AMBER. SHE HELPED MAKE MERCURY WHAT IT IS TODAY WITH HER EXPANSIVE KNOWLEDGE AND EXCELLENT PERSONALITY, AND I'M NOT KIDDING. WE WILL ALL MISS HER DEARLY BECAUSE SHE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!

-SLUGGER

EDIT: I accidentally thought that yesterday (Saturday) was Sunday. Amber isn't actually going until tomorrow (Monday). Sorry about the confusion.

2008-07-31T18:12:00.002-04:00

Buzzword of the season: stay-cation - to take a vacation in the place in which one dwells.

Hilarious I know. But with soaring gas prices the marketers have concocted this crazy combination of consents and vowels to cure us of our crappy constant. I don't know about you guys but I've had a blast this summer. Zipping around the city on my two-wheeled pedal machine has prevented any such desire to get away to a far away beach resort surrounded by people who remind me how tans can go horribly wrong.

Speaking of soaring gas prices, coffee farmers in Kenya (God-bless their hardworking souls) have felt the pinch even harder than a mere inconvenience to their vacation plans. They've got this 'stay-cation' dance down. And replace any sort of 'cation' with business as usual producing some of the best fruits in the world with reduced staff, double the shipping costs, and half the profits. No, they aren't saving for a sandy retreat, they're trying to feed their kids. Would I pay $14.00 for a half pound of Kenya Gaturiri Auction Lot? Hells yeah. Nevermind the logistics of supporting whatever, whatever, whatever, I'm not going to preach, it's just effin' amazing coffee. It's smells like a steaming plate of bolognese sauce. Mmmm savoury!

Try it. Or piss off to Miami and join the other douchbags working on their 'tans'. (In the nicest possible way)

a-tronic out

2008-07-27T11:27:00.002-04:00

I'll ask you this...
what is it like to be Alice Berg in Berlin?
I feel that only one person could answer that question... and that person is me.
HI GUYS! HI MERC STAFF! HI MERC REGS! HEY THERE ALL YOU BEAUYIFUL PEOPLE!
So i have to get this out of the way... I miss the coffee. i REALLY miss the coffee. I'm not saying that i havent had a good cup (there have been a few) but i miss my mercury.
Berlin is amazing. I'm here for the next few weeks hanging out with friends and my twin brother.
To be honest i have no idea how you kids are cause the blog hasnt filled me in. so here it is, my plea, start writing blogs!
So I guess i should keep my blog post PG 13.... so ill just put a * to keep it short and sweet
i have been going out all the time. Last night we ended up at this sorta underground club and didnt make it home before the sun.*
I had an amazing time in London. I went to sports day (really an event that all jobs should have). It was a day put on for my friends office- the idea is that you go to this big park and play games like football and tug of war. But really you go to drink. My sports day was a 12 hour marathon where i kept up my drinking with 5 british guys.** All i can say is this- naw...maybe i can't say anything.***********
Paris was beautiful. I met up with our merc friends Aaron and Craig for a few hours. So nice to see them (you guys are really amazing. so nice to meet up in paris!). I spent lots of time walking around, drinking a beer and reading in parks.
Then came Vienna. Rain. So much rain.
And then prague... really old, really beautiful.
And now its Berlin for a while.
Adrian- sorry i have yet to take a photo with batman. I'll make sure to take him out tonight.
Ok...well hope you are all doing well. D.H and L.M.D... I miss my kittens.
I'll try to keep you in the loop, please do the same.
So to all the merc- ers....
Hi from Berlin.

2008-07-22T15:29:00.002-04:00

Hey, Hey, Haaaaay,
Me noma es Alex, last name Lee, if yer awunderin'. This is me premiera blog, for all y'all blog-diggy-dawgs. New to the Merc-family, I've been workin' at the Merc. on Main for over a month now and yes I sointenly enjoy it! Business has been pickin' up at the Mercury on Main, my latte art has been improvin'. I've created some feathery deals, some onion hearts, and got some pretty good contrast goin'.
Now I don't know if y'all heard, but are havin' a GRaNd oPEnInG on Satyerday, JU-LY the twenty-sixtha!! Tatooine is sparsley populated, and we are gonna turn this mother out! Those are 2 definate facts that you can count on. Soup Kitchen Line Up and Cameron Whitesell will be rockin and boppin non-stoppin for yer musical pleasure.
A signature drink throw-down will most likely blow our collective minds straight outta our collective skulls! If you miss this not only will you be an L7, straight outta squaresville, your tears will flood the streets causing catastrophic casualties. Thus, for the benefit of humanity, mandatory attendence is necessary.

2008-07-17T13:18:00.000-04:00

Soooooooo... ever wonder how we got so good at makin' the drinks you love to quaff? The key, of course, is persistence, practice, and constant production (you know how busy it gets in here sometimes). But we're constantly evolving our procedures and methods, choosing new coffees, and learning new techniques, and a large part of this is because of the dialogues we take part in with other coffee houses. Knowledge grows by sharing, the the coffee industry has made progress by leaps and bounds in recent years through the networks of friendships and professional relationships that form at competitions and expos all over the world.

Which brings me to my next point-- did you know that the Central Regional Championship of the Canadian Barista Championships is happening this weekend at the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place? It's going to be an intense weekend of competition featuring skilled Baristi from all over Ontario, competing for a place in the national competition. Come out and root for Damien and Alex as they bring their A game and wow a panel of judges. There are going to be tonnes of exotic coffee drinks made, too-- I've heard rumours of outlandish ingredients mixed with gusto. It's something you don't want to miss!

2008-07-13T15:30:00.000-04:00

About a year ago I was going around Leslieville postering for the Fringe Fest when I happened upon a little espresso bar on the South side of Queen at Morse. While I intended only to find a place in there for a poster, what I really found was a place for me.
Getting to know everyone here at Mercury (not to mention the coffee, which seems also to have it's own personalities) has been a wonderful part of my life. So much so, that I decided to stay awhile. So next time you visit Merc@Main, don't be surprised to see me behind the counter.
If, by chance, you haven't yet gotten a chance to visit Mercury East, this is your perfect excuse! Whether you come to sample the pressed coffee (available in the mornings from 7-10), or to meet that friend who you always mean to see (but don't because they live all the way in the East end), or just to tease the noob, we're happy to have you.
Cheers, Hannah

2008-07-10T14:14:00.001-04:00

Hey Matt! (Taylor).

Blog you!

In lieu of a bona fide blog today I leave this as my last sentiment as I exit 915 Queen Street East.

Adieu!

-Mischievously yours, Neil (Rankin).

2008-07-07T12:33:00.000-04:00

Hello, Jamy again
Today at merc 2 (main and gerrard) it was pretty steady in the morning but quite slow now.
Last friday after closing we had a little get together to taste our new espresso blend from origins.
We took some polaroid photos throughout the night that's now under the glass on our table for all our "for here" customers to see. Also we had a latte art competition where myself, my sister carolyn and her good friend stef we chosen as the judges the good old fashioned way, picking names out of a hat. Damien from the merc on queen took the bronze, my lovely manager alex tran had the silver, and Sam from Manic Coffee won the gold... and the 40 bucks.
Today I made my first half decent latte, and now ill go back to practicing
ciao

2008-06-27T14:22:00.000-04:00

I'm no good with good byes. In fact, if I could ever get away with it, I just leave functions without saying a word to anyone. I figure I'll see them again soon. Yet I must at this point note the significance of the departure of our beloved Berg, Alice.

There's really no other way to put this so simply; Mercury will not be the same without you. Nevermind the endless smiles, the silly-willies, the brilliant anecdotes. Nevermind your beaming personality, loving attention, your cat-like reflexes. You are so much part of Mercury as the beans are. We will endure our amputee condition for a while, endure, but not forget, and then prevail. We must. Such is the way when it rains, we'll get wet knowing that eventually we'll dry off.

Feel free at this point to share your favorite Berg stories.

We'll be holding a Berg-off ceremony at Betty's on King at Sherborne on Tuesday around 5pm. Contact staff for more details.

2008-06-24T13:44:00.000-04:00

Hello; my name is Alice DiBergi. I'm a filmmaker. I make a lot of commercials. That little dog that chases the covered wagon underneath the sink? That was mine. In 2005, I went down to Greenwich Village, New York City to an espresso bar called Electric Banana. Don't look for it; it's not there anymore. But that night, I was introduced to baristas that for me redefined the word "Pull and Pour". I remember being knocked out by their... their exuberance, their raw power - and their punctuality. That bunch was Toronto's now-legendary Mercury Staff. Two years and two shops later, The mercury staff is still going strong. And they've earned a distinguished place in Espresso Bar History as one of Toronto's loudest joints. So in the late fall of 2007, when I heard that Merc was opening a new shop called Mercury "Smell the Glove" on Main, and was planning their first of 2 new locations after 2 years, well needless to say I jumped at the chance to make the documentary - the, if you will, "rockumentary" - that you're about to see. I wanted to capture the... the sights, the sounds... the smells of a hard-working espresso bar. And I got that; I got more... a lot more. But hey, enough of my yakkin'; whaddaya say? Let's boogie!

Well kids. If it's a blog referencing Spinal Tap... it's got to be a berg original.
Its just gotta be!

2008-06-23T12:04:00.000-04:00

Costa Rica, now closer than a flight over seas. If you missed our delectable press this morning don't you fret! Give us a few minutes and this stellar coffee will be awaiting your lips at the rim of your cup, with it's indulging flavors practically jumping out of your mug straight down your throat.
Not impressed? Well then, I think we have just the thing for you. As of today Mercury on Main has a splendid twist to our lattes. Featured Latte?! Now please, please tell me what this magnificent drink you speak of is?!
Well here it is folks, one of the most flavorful beverages your taste buds can anticipate. Presenting to you the infamous Bali! This tempting drink will bring you into a euphoric bliss conquering your mind so you believe you're swimming in a sea of nutty goodness.

Well, Kadence, that was a mouthful. I'll keep it brief on my end and say that I concur with all that the K-Fabe has said.

THUNDERSTRIKE!!!!!

Come on in out of the rain and enjoy some warm warm beverages.

See ya round!

Over & out,

Kadence & Neil.

2008-06-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

Yo, my name's Jamy and I was recently hired here at Merc.
Im pretty sure I'm the youngest here at 15 and have been here for two weeks.
So far, since I'm working at the new place at Main and Gerrard, it hasn't been too busy.
Alex has been my main trainer or whatever and its been pretty fun so far, except waking up early on Saturday but you gotta work hard for your money.
But yeah overall working in the mornings is pretty nice, not too stressful.
Ive gotta say I love my lattes, and I dont usually like my coffee black. But the press today is Bali 'paradise valley' and its pretty refreshing and clean, and I can hear alex saying it has low acidity. I've actually been to Bali just over a year ago, monkeys everwhere, climbing my mom to get her food. I wish a could go back mmmm so warm but now ill just enjoy their coffee right here in mercury.
Come by and say hello, hopefully soon I'll learn how to make some good coffee. Right now im just the lemonade lady and cashier.

2008-06-20T13:31:00.000-04:00

Hey bros, does, foes, 'n' joes, y'all can't say we don't slang the good stuff. I got a lil extra for you today-- we're pumpin' out sweet juices from Origins, to the order of their gorgeous espresso blend. Flowery bouquet, drizzles of chocolate and red fruit, with a mocha finish that'll sing from your belly all day long. We're talking pure Handel, all triumpant ringing of angels in the heavens, none of that Wagnerian Götterdamerung in the pit of your gesamtkunstwerk.

Ch-check it out: Word to our homies in Chicago and LA, Intelli. I was laying my eyes over BoingBoing Dot Net today and I'd be frontin' if I didn't tell you Intelli makes a couple guest spots, showing my brothers at home how to brew honey nectar. Check yourself before you wreck yourself below.

If the videos don't show up on this page, check them out here and here.

2008-06-18T14:34:00.000-04:00

Brazil, Brazil....

you can't drink cherry soda cause they got to fill their quota,
and the way things are they better never will!
Cause they got a lot of coffee in Brazil.

When your ham and eggs need savour,
Koffee ketchup gives them savour,
coffee pickles way outsell the dill,
Oh they put coffee in their coffee in Brazil.

No tea, or tomato juice-- you'll see, no potato juice. (Vodka, I guess?)
Cause the planners down in Santos all say "No, no, no!"
The politician's daughter was accused of drinking water,
and was fined a great big fifty-dollar bill!
Yeah, they got a lot of coffee in Brazil.

2008-06-18T12:19:00.000-04:00

Doo doo do doo doo do do do doo.....

Brazil.....Brazil.....

What a fine coffee you've produced
Thanks Intelli for introduce-
Ing me to the beans of

Brazil......

Doo doo do doo doo do do do doo...

Fazenda Do Sertao.
Fresh from Brazil.
Like a big stick of butter. Melted into a perfect cup of coffee. The temptational aroma will send tingling vibrations throughout your tongue, leaving you satisfied and craving another sip, if not another mug.
Brewed up in your very own french press, availible today at Mercury on Main.

Come on down! Or Up! Or over....Wherever you come from it's worth the trek to 126 Main Street. Kadence would be pleased to meet you. As would I.

Your humble and loyal barista's here at Mercury :]

2008-06-17T10:01:00.000-04:00

See, that's just not cool. Much like PDA (public displays of affection), stomach cleavage, and swastika tattoos, there are many things you shouldn't do in public. Getting caught on camera with your manager's filthy sausages in your nose ranks high amongst the aforementioned faux pas. I know you think you're trying to be edgy but facial orifice exploration is just plain annoying. If you really wanted to shock us, try out a new self-satisfying technique while doing your best Amy Winehouse impression and document that for us.

Speaking of satisfying, we're serving French Press coffee up here at Main and Gerrard from 7-10am. This week is an exceptionally well roasted Kenya 'AA' from the Karundu Estate. It's subtle floral notes, with a clean finish, is so addicting that Amy herself would ween herself off that good stuff just to get seconds of this fine cup of joe. Well, maybe not but it is THAT good. Test me. I dare you.

2008-06-15T17:41:00.000-04:00

If you can solve this puzzle, you can take your pick from a mountain of toys!

in love,
Doug and Matt

2008-06-14T07:23:00.000-04:00

Well good morning Mercury in Leslieville, it is I, Mercury on Main writing to you. While you are busy fighting off the morning hordes I am left here quietly yearning for your company yet again. I miss your intense gaze in the morning, the scent you leave in my bed, and most of all, your the way you touch my face everyday before we part ways expelling any need to further use anymore words. As I enjoy my morning press of Kenya 'AA' from the Karundu Estate I am reminded of our moment in the raspberry field where you said we would never be apart. We enjoyed a milkshake later that night and I remembered feeling so scared because I didn't know how to tell you that I would be moving. I suppose our finish was smooth but I can't wonder why we both didn't fight it. I guess we were both retaining the fantasy that we'd be back together again one day but as the hours pass I see that happening less and less. I will no doubt eventually grow into my own, and obtain my very own army to appease, leaving no time for departures from my new home. We still have Los Immortales Micro-Lot Finca Matalapa from El Salvador and Fazenda Do Sertao from Brazil in common but I'm not sure if that'll be enough. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have always loved you and probably always will, but we must go on with our lives. It's for the best.

Yours Truly,

Mercury on Main
Mercury v2.0

2008-06-12T08:09:00.000-04:00

oi! where is everyone? put down your styrofoam robusto coffees, visit the new mercury and have some real joy juice!

all the best,

tofu

2008-06-11T11:47:00.000-04:00

The terrorists formed a circle at the intersection of Main and Gerrard, shuffling their feet at the thought of the impending battle. But there would be no battle, only a massacre. They were tired, malnourished, unfocused, and unorganized. Most of all, they were scared. Without the benefit of experience, motivation and clean underwear, they stood no chance against Mercury's best agents. They were only two men but with the calibers they possessed (literally and figuratively speaking) they could obliterate armies of thousands.
The taller of the two started to grin as he sized up his opponents. Thunder crackled in the distant and the air started to move as droplets started to appear on the terrorists faces.
One finally let out a whimper, dropped his weapon and started to run. In a flash the deserter fell on his face with a blade exposed from his neck.
And that was it. That was all the terrorists needed to see to confirm their suspicions as they abandoned their posts one by one.
The Upper Beach/Lower East York region was safe again from desolation. The heroes had arrived.

2008-06-07T15:47:00.001-04:00

Mercury Two in effect, y'all!!!!

It sure is time to say 'crazy!' because How Now Brown Cow: the second Mercury store is open!!! I know- totally OMG, right? Well you said it, because if you go to Main and Gerrard and walk South a bit on the West side, you'll run into some super alright dudes named Neil and Alex who are just dyin' to make you a creamy wet mouth drink. Humminah humminah! They'll be steady rippin' it from 7 am to 7 pm everyday everyday everyday.

Saturday Morning Funboys Time, ok???!!!!!!!!!

I'm Damien Zielinski reporting from Mercury One. (Speaking of which, the vibe is so real here right now that you could cut it with a knife.)

One Love.

2008-06-03T08:43:00.000-04:00

Hello Mercurians,

My name is Tofu, and I'm going to start at the new Mercury at Main and Gerrard. I'm not sure when I start, but I hope to see you there soon.

All the best,

Tofu