>It’s always a great thing knowing that when you indulge in a certain activity, in this case enjoying a great cup of coffee, that your actions are helping the working conditions of coffee growers in poorer nations. This was the novel approach taken by the gentleman behind Fair Grounds Organic Café & Roastery in Etobicoke. And what a great cup of coffee it is!
Fair Grounds Organic Café & Roastery, located at 3785 Lake Shore Boulevard West in Long Branch, is a neighbourhood coffee shop through and through. On any given morning, afternoon, or night you’ll see content patrons sipping away their favourite brew in a ceramic mug, lounging on the sofa browsing the internet on free wifi or sitting at the window debating recent happenings in our city. Fair Grounds baristas know everything there is to know about their roasts so your coffee, latte, tea or espresso comes out perfect each time! It’s on a great little corner of Lake Shore Boulevard right across the street from Woody’s Burgers, another Long Branch must do.
Owner Jeffrey Stinson started up Fair Grounds Organic when he discovered some disturbing research in coffee production. Namely, that coffee is one of the most sprayed crops on the planet and that farmers in these poorer nations are losing money because of it. Fair Grounds only brews certified organic blends which is not only good for the farmers, it’s healthier for us. It’s a win-win proposition. One of the larger chains claims to purchase fair trade coffee but there’s some dispute as to how much they actually purchase (some say %5 to 10%). There’s no dispute at Fair Grounds, the owner actually travels to these faraway locations to inspect the crops himself. You can also purchase the same organic coffee in store or online.
Another thing that stood out on this particular visit is that Jeffrey, perhaps suspecting that this was my first visit to Fair Grounds, explained to me what the flavouring of the tea bag would do based on the time I left it in the cup. I could tell you that this helpful exchange has never happened to me in my previous thousand visits to other coffee shops around Toronto. This is only one of the differences between your typical chain coffee house and one that is run by an owner who is keen on making your visit enjoyable, each and every single time. For regulars, they’ll have your coffee brewing as soon as you walk in the door.
If I were to hazard a guess it’s that most patrons will first come to Fair Grounds Organic because of the story, and that’s all well and good. However, they’ll keep coming back because Fair Grounds makes one fantastic cup of coffee.
Fair Grounds Organic Café & Roastery: Where and When in Etobicoke…
| WHERE: | 3785 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Etobicoke, ON M8W 1R1, 416-251-2233 |
| WHEN: | Mon-Sun 6:00am – 9:00pm |
| WEBSITE: | www.fairgroundscoffee.ca |
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I’m so glad you wrote about Fairgrounds. Have been addicted to their “Rich Bastard” blend for a long time. Delicious coffee and great service!
“Delicious coffee and great service” pretty much sums it up. I like the fact that it’s a local place and not some huge corporation. Great little place!