COFFEE CULTURE

Coffee Houses in the 'Couv

VanVoice Dining Guide, April 2011
by Kate Dyer-Seely

Paper Tiger

"Life's too short – drink good coffee," says artisan roaster Zachary Gray, and we agree. Paper Tiger is a relative newcomer to the Vancouver coffee scene, but don't let its unassuming Grand Boulevard digs fool you. This joint doesn't behave like the rest. They fresh-roast small batches of single origin coffee and their signature espresso blend, Tiger Stripe, daily. Their traditional Italian-style menu leaves no room for syrup induced drinks. They'll gladly prepare you a cappuccino, espresso, Americano, latte, mocha, cold-brew, or house coffee, but don't stray from the menu. While sipping a perfectly stained macchiato on a recent visit, I overheard a customer attempt to order a white chocolate mocha. The barista whipped out house-made vanilla bean and chocolate syrups and politely asked her to pick one. My coffee counterpart claimed her mocha was the smoothest she'd ever consumed, beautifully blended and nicely bittersweet. If you have a penchant to expand your roast repertoire, check out one of Paper Tiger's Tuesday tastings at 3:00pm and 6:00pm weekly.