Brewed Awakening Elite Event @ Lit Espresso Bar

4.5 star rating
30 reviews Rating Details

Category: Local Flavour  [Edit]

810 College St
Toronto, ON M6G 1C9
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Bickford Park
(416) 519-1884
Hours:

Thu 7 pm - 9 pm

Good for Kids:
No
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

30 reviews in English

  • Review from Danielle E.

    • 157 friends
    • 92 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/29/2010 1 Check-in Here

    "Yelpers and coffee and beer, oh my. Yelpers and coffee and beer, oh my." Yes it was very "My oh my" at this coffee laden elite event. I briefly served as door gal ( aka "buxom brunette"), and I thoroughly enjoyed welcoming everyone's smiling faces. If I didn't know your name before, I do now (hands folded and mysterious laugh ensues). It also gave me the opportunity to chat a little with the amazing owner of said coffee melee. What an amazing dynamic lady, full of charm and delightfully clothed by the fabulous H&M. (I'm stealing the outfit Nicole!) Supporting such great businesses is what I love about Yelp. Kudos to Kat for hooking us up with the heartbeat of the city.

    While it was a little warmish inside (damn the man), Kat saved the day by passing out fabulous freezies, effectively taking me back to younger days, reducing my internal temperature and giving me a rocking sugar high. Not only were there freezies, but fans aplenty saving us from the sweltering 38 degrees outside.

    I imbibed some of the refreshing Lemon Tea beer and a "Nicole" recommended Cortado (hmm my spelling belies my obvious lack of coffee knowledge, damn you Starbucks). The coffee was great, and the beer was beer, while I enjoyed it, my favourite is still the Mill Street Organic, but free beer = no complaints here. I had an errand boy bring me a butter tart which was out of this world, and thankfully I saved myself the extra thousand calories I would have been forced to have by staying far far away from the treats table.

    I did however engage in the cupping, which was a coffee adventure so to speak, and have scheduled another to fully understand the ins and outs of coffee brewing. Mike was an amazing host taking us through the ins and outs of coffee brewery with ease and alacrity. We couldn't have asked for more, and the ensuing caffeine high kept me roasting well into the night as I studied for a dreaded midterm.

    Each event shows me a little picture of Toronto and is amazing people. Thanks Yelp (and Lit) for enriching my life a little bit more!

  • Review from susan c.

    • 297 friends
    • 210 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    6/26/2010

    Wow, this was the rare Elite event where I did not get drunk and make a total ass of myself. Instead I got wired on caffeine and sugary snacks (and made an ass of myself).

    The cupping session was cool. So was the iced cortado and the Lit staff dressed like Alpine yodelers. Even the Mill Street Lemon Tea beer--because it was free and I am not such a beer snob that I will turn down free suds.

    Not cool: Me schvitzing like a whore in a synagogue. The freezies from Kat F. provided much-needed relief. (Why don't we have freezies at every event? Or just hire Vivek and Tony to fan us?)

    As always, it was sweet to see the Elite fleet. You guys complete me. Bah, not really but I do enjoy your company.

    Kat F., thanks for another great gathering!

    Please note: I refuse to participate in the spooning session at the next event.

  • Review from Stephanie C.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    Another great Yelp Elite event organized by Kat F and her team. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Lit Espresso is a coffee joint that I'll have to try again in the future. It's also the place to stock up on Stumptown coffee beans - any franchise that is poised to become the next Starbucks, I'm in full support of. The yummy grilled cheese sandwiches, the pecan butter tarts, the freezies... all were delicious!

    The cupping session was informative thanks to the very personable Mike of Lit Espresso, and I already have a favourite flavour that I hope to try again (with a bit of milk and sugar in it). My favourite was El Injerto, what was yours?

    I had a great time catching up with local favourite Yelpers (hey Greg C!) and meeting new ones (hey Vivek, Steph L and R.J.!) But my highlight was meeting Lisa M, who isn't on Yelp but works as a barista for my local coffee shop. That was pretty awesome.

  • Review from Mariko M.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    Another great event! Thank you to Kat for organizing the event and a huge kudos to Danielle for doing an awesome job at the door.

    Coffee + Mariko = Happy
    Beer + Mariko= Happy
    Sweets + Mariko = Happy

    It was a win-win!

    The iced lattes were perfect for last night as it helped me to cool down in the scorching heat. They weren't too strong, nor too weak, but just right. I dig the Lemon Tea beer, but I can't say the same for the Coffee beer. Fellow YELP'er Lauren M. warned me about the latter, but I had to try it. The first few sips were okay, but after that it was downhill. Oh well, you win a little, you lose a little. Finally, the sweets were absolutely delish. I especially liked the various scones and the pecan butter tart. Lit also provided panninis - I don't want to be the downer in the string of excellent reviews, but I found their sandwiches to be mediocre.

    Location was great! I always love going to Little Italy in the summer for either an iced coffee of some sort of gelatto. In spite of the hype of this area, I always manage to find parking for a reasonable price. The service at Lit Espresso Bar was fantastic. The servers were all prompt and were quick to take your order in spite of how busy and crowded the establishment was last night.

    I'll be back!

  • Review from Chris P.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/25/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Another great event as usual.  Even us non-coffee drinkers seemed to enjoy themselves.  I did not participate in the cupping as I think I do enough cupping on a regular basis...we'll stop that one right there.

    Mill St.'s Lemon Tea Wheat Ale was very tasty and quite refreshing for this hot party. Of the various goodies I tried from Circles and Squares the brownie was probably the best.  The sea salt threw me off a little but the brownie was moist and chewy.

    Another great event Kat, good job.  Who was that busty brunette at the door? She was quite enchanting!

    My pictures are posted here: http://www.flickr.com/...

  • Review from Tony F.

    North York, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    I knocked one down, then I got up again
    You're never going to keep me down.

    I knocked another one down, then I got up again
    You're never going to keep me down.

    (Pissing the night away, pissing the night away)
    I drink a Tea Beer drink,  I drink a coffee beer drink
    I drink a Lager drink, I drink a Latte drink
    I sings the song that remind me of the good times
    I sings the song that remind me of the best times.
    (Oh Tony Boy, Tony Boy Tony Boy)

    I knocked one down, then I got up again
    You're never going to keep me down.

    ---

    Another awesome Elite event..  And yes I sang me reminders of the best times.  I am quickly getting used to these events, and enjoying it.  It was my first time "Cupping" and am very glad I missed out on the tea bagging. All I can say is.. it smelt like coffee.  If this is confusing you.. I'm sure someone else will be better explaining what I'm talking about.

    The place was feelin' hot hot hot, party people all around me.  Yeah aroom boom boom boom.  

    Hey hey hey, yes I liked it a lot.  Fevered feeling, hot hot hot.

    (okay okay the place was hot, you get it... I'm using way too many different song lyrics in this review -- I'll give someone a buck if they can name me the three songs at the next Elite).

    It was nice meeting new Yelpers and catching up with what now seems like old friends.  Thanks again Kat for organizing an awesome event.  

    As you can tell I'm super wired after all the caffeine, and will be up until sunrise.

  • Review from Daniel B.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    This might have been the best elite event that we've had in Toronto so far.

    Casual, unpretentious, social and relaxed....  this beautiful venue offered all guests something to do, without needing to resort to the 'wallflower' vs. 'social butterfly' dynamic that bars bring out so well.    

    From schwag to scones, this had it all.   The entire community was impressed with the evening.

    The delicious pastries from Circles and Squares were the highlight for me.   Perhaps I just get off on watching beautiful people eat butter tarts?

    To each his own I say.

  • Review from Steph L.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    Thanks Kat and team Yelp!!!
    What a wonderful event!

    I woke up this morning and everything still smelled like coffee!

    Things I learned from Lit Espresso Bar
    1) "Cupping" and being good at "Cupping" takes a lot of practice.
    With a lineup of different coffee grinds, you have to be patient and work your way through each one.  After the third round of coffee sniffing, you just want to get down to business and drink some coffee!!!

    The Hair Bender blend was the most potent but surprisingly smooth.

    2) Brownies topped with sea salt aren't bad!
    At first, it seems strange, like someone reached for the sugar but ended up with the salt.  The salt was an interesting combination with the sweetness of the brownie.  Brownies were uber chocolately and moist, fall apart soft! I ate about four of them.  The salty top was different and made me want more coffee.

    3) Lemon Tea Ale is great on a hot summer day...or in a hot  unconditioned venue!  
    The venue is charming but it did get warm with the coffee making, sandwich making, and all the excited Yelpers!  I made good use of my Yelp fan.

    Anyways, I had a great time! ... And now, I want coffee.

  • Review from Lauren M.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    Very fun event. I definitely need to go back and sample some of the coffee beverages. I didn't partake as I had already been highly caffeinated from too many work-coffee-bevvies, but coffee is my thing and Lit has class.

    Staff was great, props to my fav barrista KEV for keeping me adequately supplied with panini to eat.

    Molasses cookies were fab as were the brownies :)

    Mill St Lemon Tea beer was aight, but that Coffee brew was completely rank. Sorry Mill St :) beer fail

    Thanks to Kat for coordinating another fab event!

  • Review from Greg C.

    • 88 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/27/2010

    Another awesome Elite event pulled off with ease from Toronto's treasure Kat F! Kat, you are amazing and it's events like these that make me appreciate what a great bunch of misfits you've helped foster!

    Lit, you guys know how to pull out the big guns. Cupping and free espressos and free suds? The lemon beer was wonderful!

    The only drawback was the insane heat. This put a serious damper on my conversation skills as I was hoping to stay longer and introduce myself to a bunch of people I hadn't met but I left feeling about as comfortable as this:

    http://i.huffpost.com/...

    However, that's a minor quibble. Thanks again, Kat!

  • Review from Renata R.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    Awesome event. Thanks everybody.

    It was really hot inside and Kat provided those refreshing thingys (bagsicles? do you actually have a name for those? I LOVE them! Felt like a child!) but the event was about coffee, right? So, let's start from the beginning.

    I asked for a very dark evil short strong espresso. And that's what I got. I love when people understand the concept of BLACK delicious espressos. It makes you shaaaake. I also tried the HUGE GIANT MOCHA and had to recommend it to my friend Joan.

    I have to agree with Lauren that Kev is my favourite barista, as he provided me treats all nite long.

    Oh, yes, the food deserves another five star: I ATE LIKE A MONSTER, I COULDN'T STOP EATING, THEIR SEA SALT BROWNIE COMES FROM OUTER SPACE.  Molasses cookies were incredible also.

    The cupping was fun, I enjoyed smelling, etc, but I would have liked more drinking small bits of different espressos. I tried it with some brownie to enhance the flavours. I liked!

    Loved everything about this event, and I'm looking forward to visit Lit on a normal situation, because it looks awesome!

  • Review from Kelly O.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    This was a super great event.  Could have been one of my favourite of all time!  Lit has such a great atmosphere, which is no doubt heightened by attractive indie-type employees.
    The food from Circles and Squares was freaking AMAZING!!!!  Like Janna, I want to hold and kiss and squeeze people who omit the dastardly raisin from butter tarts.  They were so big, gooey and freaking good that I was ready to just....I don't even know what really.  And those brownies?  I really almost cried they made me so deliriously excited and happy.  I did consider taking the entire plate of them and just jumping on the College car and away to freedom.  So chocolately, fudgey, moist and....salty and crunchy!  Holy crap!

    This was such a fun and different Yelp event!  Kudos to Kat and that sexy door girl for orchestrating such a dynamite night!  LOVED IT!

  • Review from Vivek S.

    San Francisco, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    6/27/2010

    My triumphant return to the Elite world.  It's been too long since I was at an event last, and it was good to see some top-notch Yelpites (you know who you are) and meeting Eric M, Lisa M, Stephanie C, and Jon M!

    Highlights:
    1. Kat hoisting a huge box of generic brand frozen ice treats (Renata is right, we _should_ call them bagsicles)
    2. Delicious coffee in a cup four sizes too big.  It was great.
    3. Butter tarts(!) and grilled cheese paninis.
    4. The cuppin' (esp. "breaking of the crust of the surface once it is warmed and moistened" tee hee)

    Lowlights:
    1. Stultifying heat.  Call me Dakota, because I was Fanning like crazy.  (Meh?)  Good thing I have wrists of steel.
    2. Possibly getting syphillis from Susan C. as I followed her in the 'spooning' of coffee.
    3. Having to leave early.  There are a truckload of Yelpers I need to meet still.  (Next Elite event: on a truck?)

    Midnights aka the After After Party:
    1. I saw Dale M!
    2. I sat on a perfectly-sized rocking chair!

    Awesome élite évent.  Good job, Kat.

  • Review from Janna S.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    My first Elite event as an Elite!!! Woooooot!
    This place was so much fun and can I say how much I love ANYONE who leaves the raisins OUT of the butter tarts?!  They know what they're doing...all the food was tasty and the iced coffee helped take the edge off the steamy temperature.

    As always, Kat F and her Yelper helpers made this event one to remember - Kat was out in full force with freezies to prevent heat stroke, and I  was especially excited to bring home my very own Yelp lunchbox!  Now if only I could make those molasses ginger cookies at home...

    I'm really not a fan of beer so I don't think it's fair to comment on the selection offered, but Mill Street represented well with big smiles and plenty of free samples.

  • Review from Wendy H.

    • 75 friends
    • 86 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/26/2010

    Yo Kat, just between you and me, this was my *~favourite~* Elite event yet. For several reasons, which I will now rehash just for you.

    1. Sweet lil venue. I'll definitely be back. The owner, the staff, the PR girl - all lovely.
    2. The selection of treats - I didn't sample the plethora of sweets or panini, but I'm pretty sure there was enough to feed an army of horses.
    3. The music by DJ Johnny H. Dopeness!
    4. The Freezee rescue. Things got a little sweaty, and these were a welcome bonus. Question: why did everyone sardine around the hot coffee bar instead of the cool, breezy door? TELL ME.
    5. The cupping sessions. I didn't do, but what a great addition.

    Well DONE.

  • Review from Neil T.

    • 151 friends
    • 150 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    Another solid event from Kat F. + Co...and one I could actually attend!  I miss a couple of these things and all of a sudden I don't recognize anyone, and no one knows who the fuck Neil T. is!

    Loved the cupping -- couldn't believe how much dorky tech talk there was in coffee.  Impressive!

    Tough when there's not a ton of food, but the food that was there was fantabulous.  I'm a sucker for pecan tarts.  Good times, just what I needed on a Thursday eve.

  • Review from Elliott M.

    • 21 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    I enjoyed the wheat beer with lemon puree added at the end, featuring lemons from France!  I also enjoyed the salty brownie that combined rich cake with a salt flake.  Unusually appealing in dimensions difficult to describe.  

    I saw some people cupping but admit I myself did not cup, having a shitty nose that can't appreciate complexity.  Thus I thought it best to give my whiffs away, to someone who'd really hover there and savour coffee steam crammed up the sinus.  I actually neglected to drink the coffee itself, which seems dumb, as they were clearly offering.  I don't think I even made it past the bar on this busy well-attended night.

    But fun!  Lots of talking and holding my chin in my hand.  The space looks great, with many smooth surfaces to rest on.  I would certainly return to give it business while completely alone.  Great bricks!

  • Review from Roma M.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    Who knew espresso could bring so many people together? Or was it Yelp? Yelpsresso?

    Anyway, as I sit here contemplating the happenings of the G20 with a subpar espresso in my hand, one can't help but wonder if we could reverse the events of the weekend, and rework each anarchist/fauxhemian with:
    1. A Yelp account
    2. An Iced latte from Lit Espresso and a Brownie from Circles and Squares
    3. A laptop on which they could express their unhappiness with the world...

    -We might have had a lot less turmoil downtown (and maybe a few more lapdances for the cops).

    It seems to me like the Elite events are getting better and better each time. I'm not much of a drinker(a supreme light-weight, I confess), and I adore all things caffeinated, so it was as though Kat read my mind. The second coming must also look like an angel clutching a box of freezies through a sweltering room. A sweltering room of awesome people, a few of which I met for the first time.

    I guess I'll be putting Lit on my list of trusted caffeine-pharmacists for their great coffee, their high quality service and their very cute baristas.

  • Review from Eric M.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    This would have been a five all the way if it weren't for the heat. God love Brigid from Mill St. for the Lemon Tea beer and Kat F. for the fans but I really had to stay as close to the front door and breeze as I could.

    I met some great folks that I have only had the pleasure of sharing forum threads with up till now. (Vivek, it was a pleasure meeting you as well.) RJ and Lisa were nice enough to make fun of me for my impression of the Little Dutch Boy whilst trying to stop my beer from leaking everywhere.

    The after party was where things got weird for me as I spent the last half of the evening having drinks with one of my clients. I don't think my Yelp world and working life are supposed to collide like that. I was afraid of some sort of singularity opening up underneath me as I tried to occupy the same space at the same time with myself.

    Math jokes aside, I had a great night. Thanks to Lit and thank you Kat.

  • Review from Payam Z.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    I'm definitely not one to drink coffee on a daily basis, and the reason is two-fold: 1)I hate the coffee chains that have taken over Toronto(chain being more than 10 shops in a city). 2)Coffee is a very potent drug. At least for me!!

    That being said, I do try to enjoy a 'gourmet' cup about once a week, and Lit definitely delivered. I really enjoyed learning about coffee from the folks behind the bar. The cupping was really interesting but a little slow for my taste. Finally, all of the staff were really cool and into coffee, and I think the (equally cool) owners have done a great job of putting together a good team. Special shout-out goes to Bizz (I think!) for the awesome Chemex (slow-filtered coffee) and history lesson on coffee circa 1930!

    Long story short:
    - a big thank you to Kat F and the staff. I was wired till 4am.
    - It was great seeing familiar faces and thanks  to this event, I ended up at the Kensington UYE which was an awesome experience.

    -oh, and I felt the heat!

  • Review from Noel D.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    My first Elite event since Lou Dawgs so it was really nice to come back and see some familiar faces. And the best part is that it was 10 minutes away from where I live, so getting there was an absolute breeze.

    Really liked this Lit Bar a lot. Very nice layout and good decor. The owner was very nice and seemed genuinely happy to have us there, and that always makes me feel wanted and special (aww). It was definitely warm but for someone who overheats like crazy like me I didn't feel like it was unbearable at all. Plus the breeze from the front door was perfect and the handy Yelp fans were a nice touch.

    Was sad I never got to try a panini, but was overwhelmed by the amount of desserts in the back. So much so that I thought maybe they weren't even free? Definitely a dope spread going on back there. Was also nice to have a DJ keeping the music rolling. A soundtrack for events and gatherings is essential.

    The Mill Street girl was very nice as well. Even though I wasn't a fan of the lemon tea beer it was nice getting a tall can of something! I really liked the coffee porter though. Two excellent beer choices. Plus the owner even offered to make me an iced coffee. So kind.

    I will be back to this place. I'm always in the area and I love coffee! I am actually drinking some coffee right now as I write this review. For real.

  • Review from Fabio N.

    • 65 friends
    • 85 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    This was my first Yelp Elite event - and I'm not even Elite (yet!). I went as +1 buddy to my adorable, beautiful, cheerful and super-hot wife Renata (I'm required to say that) and had the immense pleasure to meet other adorable, cheerful and caffeinated elite people.

    Ok, on to the event. The place is a really cool coffee shop with great coffee drinks and excellent food; the chocolate brownie with sea salt was really amazing, ditto everything else.

    I obviously asked for an espresso and I can say with conviction that it's one of the best in town (although Manic Coffee's is still my all-time favourite). The coffee tasting sessions were very interesting and I even brought home a bag of Hair Bender (powerful stuff).

    The Lemon Tea and Coffee beers by Mill St. were also pretty good, although the latter was a little bit too intense for my taste.

    I was really impressed by the service! It was excellent even with so many people around. That's no small feat for such a small crew.

    I have to go back there in a regular day to hang out a little longer. We went to the Lit on Roncesvalles last weekend and found Kev and the other guy (I'm terrible with names, sorry) there and spent some quality time with two more espressos, but I'll leave that for another review.

    All in all, it was a great party. Thanks Kat and everyone else involved!

  • Review from Dallas H.

    • 26 friends
    • 152 reviews

    Indianapolis, IN

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    So bangin'! The iced mochas were delicious as any I've tasted, and the dessert table was out of hand with mouth-watering brownies and (my favorite) butter tarts! Let's not forget to big-up MIll St. Brews for coming through with their excellent Coffee Porter and their tangy new Lemon Tea beer.

    This all took place in a stylish café with a n00b-friendly menu board that includes paragraph definitions in case you're clueless as to what's a macchiato. I'll be back!

  • Review from Melinda M.

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    6/27/2010

    It didn't seem that hot out when I left my house last Thursday night to go to Lit Espresso Bar, but boy was it hot at the Elite Event. Unfortunately, I don't mean hot in a good way. I mean, buy some fans, turn on the air conditioner, I feel sick like I'm going to pass out hot.
    When we mentioned this to others at the event, we were told the staff apparently said "it's not normally like this". So my question is, who royally F*&-ed up and forgot to pay the AC guy on the day of the event?

    I know this was a free event, and clearly no one wants to complain or look a gift horse in the mouth and not get invited back, but Lit Espresso Bar needs to by some electric fans and install them inside and turn them on.

    Positives? Kat is amazing, and always has the coolest swag. Those Yelp fans sure came in handy! I also liked the Mill Street Iced Tea lemonade. That's a fun new product that I'll order again. I do agree with Neil T! Lots of new people. Unfortunately since I felt ill I couldn't stay to meet any of them.

  • Review from Mike S.

    • 56 friends
    • 92 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/27/2010

    I've now enjoyed this venue on two occasions. The beer and drinks were plentiful and I tried a bunch of food items (actually I didn't, but I definitely thought about the numerous pastries).

    As always the crowd was a blast to be around and I'm counting down the days until the next one.

    Thanks to all involved.

  • Review from Sam G.

    • 42 friends
    • 185 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/29/2010

    Just stopping by to say that this was yet another good Elite event, and regarding the freezies:

    - Good move by Kat to have heavy duty scissors available... Opening freezies with my teeth, as I recall from youth - not particularly pleasurable.  And possibly requiring $000s of dental work in the aftermath.
    - I completely agree with Susan C. that we should have freezies at all events.  In the summer.
    - And by freezies at all events I mean white freezies at all events.
    - Consulting the FAQ on the Kisko website (http://www.kiskofreezi...) reveals that one flavour packs are not produced (boo!), and that freezies can't be ordered online (come into the 21st century, Kisko!)

  • Review from Nicole B.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I didn't get to stay as long as I would've liked but I had a great time. The food was soo delicious. I was camped out at the baked goods table. Shoutout to the chocolate banana muffiin..and the brownies...the brownies. I've had dreams about those brownies. We shall meet again! I'm not a coffee drinker but I enjoyed the Lemon Tea Beer. As Kelly O said, "it actually TASTES like lemon tea!" And the freezies came at the perfect time as I was sweltering from the Elite heat!

    Kat, awesome Elite Event as usual!

  • Review from Joan L.

    • 19 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Mississauga, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/29/2010

    This was my first Elite event and it was a blast! I feel so special .... :)  

    Even tho I didn't get any cupping done, I enjoyed the Lemon Tea beer and had an excellent Iced Mocha to boot. Many thanks to the recommendations from Renata and her hubby! I loved the beer so much (refreshing and light)  that I went to buy some over the weekend ... there will definitely be a beer tasting event at my birthday party tomorrow night. I didn't try the coffee porter b/c I was (wisely) informed that it will be too strong for my delicate tastebuds. The coffee was so delish (strong but not overpowering) but I had to stop at one cup due to the 'double shots'  - holy - I need to go get one in the AM so that it will last me through the day!

    The baked goods were so good - the highlight was the brownie (as mentioned by the others).  It was crunchy on the outside yet moist on the inside. The taste was perfected due to the blend of sweet-and-salty. Since I was the last one standing by the pastries (literally), I was offered the remainder to go ... needless to say, I was a happy camper as I stood there watching the entire contents of the brownie plate being emptied into my doggie bag. Booyah!

    The only down side was the heat but I managed to cool myself down by frequent fanning and trips to stand by the door.

    I am so looking forward to the next Elite event!

  • Review from Tammy Y.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    Another winning Elite event! Any space that is overheated with bustling bodies is a good sign of a successful event. The staff at Lit were cool, crispy, and courteous, and always mixed up just the perfect beverage for the mood. This was the one time that I steered away from the beer in favour of iced americanos and espressos! The cupping sesh also added a bit of educational class to the affair. All in all, a caffeinated slam dunk.

  • Review from Ramanan S.

    • 57 friends
    • 105 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/29/2010

    I haven't been to one of these in ages. Oh so much fun. There was good coffee, drinks from Mill St., deserts, and of course all those lovely people. Lit's a nice space to host an event, though the lack of air conditioning made the place feel quite tropical. Benches out front provided a nice spot to people watch. All in all it was a fun evening out.