TO175: Mercury Espresso is something to celebrate

Today is the city of Toronto's 175 anniversary, so in honour of that milestone, I'm celebrating one of my favourite Toronto places: Mercury Organic Espresso Bar.

Located at 915 Queen Street East, smack between Logan and Carlaw Avenues, the Mercury is a haven for true coffee lovers. If you're in it for the cuppa joe, rather than plush sofas, pseudo-hipster CDs or marked-up coffee accessories, then the Merc is for you. They've truly laid down a rock and roll ethos -- and I'm not talking about the posery slacker rock and roll posture that's all about the look. I'm talking about the real rock and roll that's about knowing your history, honing your craft in private, then rockin out and making it look easy.

You'll find me sitting in the window most mornings for my daily single americano. An amazing roster of baristas rock the Synesso, each with their unique approach to coffee, but all of a piece with the Mercury vibe. Some love to wax poetic about the science behind the perfect shot, others will distract you with unrelated patter while the magic happens right under your nose. Some will put on a show and make the entertainment value of the transaction part of the game, while others will disappear into the priestly barista role, putting the ritual of the preparation ahead of personality. Regardless of who's behind the bar, you're sure to get an amazing cup of coffee, prepared with skill and care.

My first coffee from the Mercury was one of those rare experiences that takes a common noun and completely redefines it. Having grown up on the warm brown liquid that is Tim Horton's, and having dabbled with the Starbucks menu (tall two-thirds-full americano for me) the product at the Mercury revolutionized my idea of what coffee could be. Since then, I've become a sort of Flying Dutchman of coffee, sailing the seven seas in search of a cup as good. Visits to Chicago (including every one of the Intelligentsia locations), NYC and Paris have all included coffee-related research and pilgrimages, but I haven't yet found anywhere that surpasses the level of quality and consistency found at the Merc.

So if you're in Toronto, make your way across to Leslieville and pay a visit to Mercury Espresso ... you could find it becomes a habit!