Being trapped indoors isn’t fun….although it has been necessary. It’s easy to get caught up in the importance of the headlines but it’s more important to take a break. While the last couple of months have been challenging, perhaps we can now breathe a sigh of relief.  With restrictions subtly lifting + many businesses slowly opening their doors, it is nice to know we can also ease into a new normal.

Spending time outdoors running, walking or biking is good for those who have really felt the effects of isolation. Being in nature + green spaces has been shown to decrease mental fatigue + can alleviate symptoms of stress + depression. And that is one of the nice things about Spring + Summer – we get to be outdoors a little more. Add in a few more opened shops + some quaint places to visit + we should all find it will be easier to manage our day to day.

Positive changes can be seen in the downtown core where many shops + restaurants are opening their doors. More importantly, the nicer weather + longer daylight is seeing the emergence of our patios!  And Canaccord  is no exception. If you are in the downtown area why not visit us at our location at 609 Granville Street. In the heart of the ever popular shopping district. It is a lively area full of restaurants, shops + of course, Pacific Centre Mall. With so much to do downtown, it’s definitely an area worth exploring!  Come for a visit + be part of the re-opening excitement!

Or perhaps you are out exploring the unique area of the Brewery District in New Westminster. Our Take Five Café at 202 East Columbia Street has more than sunny seating waiting for you!  There is an awesome patio – in fact, one whole side of the café opens giving a whole new meaning to the term “open concept”. Enjoy the sounds, the people, the action around you + stay an hour or an afternoon!  Contact them through Instagram @takefivenewwest, reach out through Facebook, search for them on Google or send a text to� 778.938.4122 where you will be provided with a link to the online menu. Why not have your order ready – your only duty when you arrive will be to grab the best seat on the patio!

We hope to see you soon at Take Five Cafe  in New West or Downtown – inside or on  the patio for the best break you’ll ever have!

And we hope to see you at our other locations very soon! We will keep you posted!
Missing you a latte!
Your team at Take Five!!

Posted in Take Five Cafe Neighbourhood

It has now been 6 weeks since most of our cafes found themselves in the position of closing their doors. That crazy week where all businesses hastily created literature for staff members to follow in order to keep sanitized + safe during the Covid-19 outbreak. Washing hands, disinfecting, removing tables, ensuring social distancing….well, you know the rest. No sooner did the signs get printed informing you of our extra measures + it was over. With so many working from home + many more without work, the streets quickly emptied. And with so much understandable fear in the air, there didn’t seem to be any other choice.

But still, we celebrate. We celebrate that our Brewery District location in New Westminster has remained open! Situated next to the Royal Columbian Hospital, they have been a haven for all medical staff + loyal locals who have been fortunate enough to still enjoy a cafe coffee! New owners Gary + Maria have been a wonderful support for staff at the hospital including donating complimentary gift cards. They have created a safe space for you to pick up your favourite caffeine kick + have gone the extra mile to now offer online order options for extra convenience. You can contact them through Instagram @takefivenewwest, reach out through Facebook, search for them on Google or send a text to 778.938.4122 where you will be provided with a link to the online menu. And to seal the deal, if you would like to enjoy our coffee in the comforts of your own home, they have 1lb coffee bags of fresh beans available for purchase. Whether you are an Abruzzo Medium lover or a Campania Dark roast fan, an addicted espresso sipper or have a preference for decaf, they have you covered!

And as celebrations go, the more the merrier! We have another to announce…

We are happy to report the recent re-opening of our Canaccord location at 609 Granville Street. Located in the heart of downtown, along the ever popular Granville strip, we encourage you to grab a coffee to go on your next break. Safety measures are in place, so you can be reassured as you grab your favourite caffeinated beverage. Baristas Julie + Soy are waiting for you!  In fact, Julie has perfected her wonderful latte art designs for you to enjoy. What’s better than a little art on that perfectly balanced espresso + creamy steamed milk . Curious?  You can view her masterpieces through Instagram @baristajulie.vancouver

With so many activities out there that you can’t do, grabbing a great cup of coffee is something that you can!

So while it’s not business as usual, there are tiny glimpses of hope. And we remind you that local businesses are our neighbours. They come in all shapes + sizes. They invest in our communities so let’s try + invest in them.

Gary, Maria, Julie + Soy hope to see you soon!

Posted in Take Five Cafe Neighbourhood

Our regular March newsletter featured very different topics. We wanted to thank our loyal customers who purchased over 800 Pink Cupcakes during the month of February so that we could donate a lovely cheque to the CKNW Kids’ Fund in support of Pink Shirt Day. We wanted to introduce our March feature drink which included lavender – a calming property to keep parents relaxed as they head into Spring Break. And  finally, we wanted to post about all the exciting outdoor adventures we could all enjoy as the Spring brought the “spring” back into our steps!

Instead, we find ourselves creating literature for staff members to follow in order to keep sanitized + safe during this Co-Vid 19 outbreak. We are instructing on washing hands, disinfecting counters, doorknobs, espresso machines, milk jugs….well, you know the rest. We have been posting signs about removing  tables between patrons, using disposable cups, asking our loyal customers who are unwell, not to enter our premises. At some locations, we are closing our doors.

For this reason it seems fitting instead to share a piece that is circulating all Social Media platforms. It inspires hope during this difficult time + shares a perspective on what we can do as we self isolate + keep our distance from the outside. Perhaps this piece will inspire the calm we need right now to weather the storm.

And The People Stayed Home

And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.

– Kitty O’Meara

Our team at Take Five Café would like to wish you all well, remind you that social distancing is not a suggestion, it is a responsibility.

Keep safe!

The team at Take Five Café

Posted in A Take Five Cafe Moment

Pink Shirt Day is getting closer + this year’s message is as important as always: Lift Each Other Up. A simple but powerful message encouraging us to look beyond our differences + celebrate the things that make us unique. To be complimentary instead of critical. To be friendly instead of fierce.

Pink Shirt Day is also an opportunity…an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our actions. Do we compliment or criticize? Do we notice faults or do we find fabulous? What can we do during our day to create positive interactions with others?

Perhaps this is the deeper meaning + point to the Pink Shirt Day campaign. Every year the campaign focuses on a simple, yet impactful message. And every year since the campaign started there has been a more widespread shift in our society. More people find themselves thoughtful of their actions + more organizations are promoting awareness for peace.

So as this years Pink Shirt Day message becomes more widespread, we thought we’d help you all #pinkitforward + have included a list of everyday things we can all do to spread a little cheer:

• Smile
• Listen
• Offer a hug
• Share
• Send out a kind email or card
• Give someone a genuine compliment.
• Be encouraging
• Purchase a Pink Cupcake for a friend!

There are endless opportunities to perform random acts of kindness every day! We think kindness is a choice! And we encourage all of you to ‘think pink’ until the end of February. Pink Cupcakes are available at all Take Five Cafe locations. You can drop in + buy one for a friend or place a large order for business meetings, classroom parties or special events by calling our Catering Department at 604.697.9050.

Having Pink Cupcakes on hand Wednesday, February 26th is a great way to enjoy a sweet treat for a great cause! It’s also a great way to be kind! #lifteachotherup

Posted in A Take Five Cafe Feature

It doesn’t get easier than that!
Pink Shirt Day is getting closer + this year’s message is as important as always: Lift Each Other Up. A simple but powerful message encouraging us to look beyond our differences + celebrate the things that make us unique. To be complimentary instead of critical. To be friendly instead of fierce.

As the on-line world continues to put people in the spotlight, it is more important than ever to focus on positive messages. During an era when social media seems to tear people down, Pink Shirt Days’ message is clear: Lift Each Other Up!

This marks the eleventh consecutive year that our Take Five Café family is supporting the amazing Pink Shirt Day campaign.  Our Pink Cupcakes will be back in stores starting Monday, February 3^rd  + proceeds from the sale of Pink Cupcakes for the month of February will be donated to the CKNW Kids’ Fund in support of anti-bullying programs across British Columbia.

So let’s get ready for February. Think business meetings, children’s events, office celebrations + more and place an order for these sweet treats. Our cupcakes can be ordered by calling 604.697.9050 or in store at your closest Take Five Café.  To find out how else you can get involved or for a list of events in your area, read more about Pink Shirt Day, or consider checking out the website for all of the available pink products. You can order the official t-shirts to wear on February 26^th, 2020 or purchase a stuffed bear, pink texting gloves, bracelets + more!

Whatever you chose to do this Pink Shirt Day, it’s time to take a stand to make a positive difference…and eat cupcakes, of course!!

Posted in Take Five Cafe News

The holiday season is here! And it arrives with many promises… Is it truly the most magical time? Is it really the happiest, most jolly, most merriest time of the year? For many, when they hear the word  “Christmas”, panic comes to mind. The hustle bustle of shopping, the long to-do lists + the overwhelming feeling of everything that needs to be done in a short amount of time.

If you find yourself in a rut this holiday season why not focus on a few holiday traditions to keep your spirits in check. After all, you know the ode to any situation – it is better to give than to receive. If this is true….our list of traditions to give or share, is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Christmas Stocking Fun
Craft unique stockings for each family member that will be used for years to come + encourage each member of the household to wrap one small, creative item to add to every stocking each year. Santa shouldn’t have all the fun!

Build a Gingerbread House
Adorable, delicious + fun to assemble. Gingerbread house kits are available everywhere. A cute + crafty way to decorate for the holidays. Have a prize for best house.

Give a Meaningful Ornament
Add a little something special to a loved ones tree by gifting a meaningful ornament. Choose one that signifies a milestone or special moment from their year.

Read a Christmas Book or Choose a Movie
From The� Night Before Christmas to The Polar Express, there’s a wonderful variety of Christmas tales or movies to enjoy. Make it an event to look forward to by including festive drinks + snacks.

Organize a Festive Dinner
Gather with family + friends for a festive meal over the holidays. Make it a pot luck event + encourage traditional favourites be brought.

Host a Cookie Exchange
Start a new cookie tradition. Everyone brings multiples of the same cookie which are shared on the day. The take home is a lovely variety of seasonal shaped shortbread, gingerbread, butter tarts + every chocolate cookie available.

Tour Outdoor Christmas Light Displays
Twinkling lights get everyone in the spirit.  There are many drive by displays, but it’s also fun to find a neighborhood that is notorious for its creative decorations. Be sure to tune into your favourite Christmas station.

Enjoy a Holiday Classic
Visit us at Take Five Café + enjoy one of our seasonal coffees. Choose from the classic taste of Egg Nog, old fashioned Candy Cane, or the flavour of timeless gingerbread –all created with our perfectly balanced espresso + creamy steamed milk.

And what makes these holiday beverages even better?…they truly are all dressed up and ready to go!…in a santa suit, of course!

We hope this year you can find your best way to get in the holiday spirit!

Posted in A Take Five Cafe Holiday

This just in for the season!
Introducing our new holiday blend – a special combination of Colombian + Central American coffees that is roasted medium-dark. It has a smooth, well-balanced flavour made even better with hints of oats + melted chocolate! Our Holiday Blend is sure to add unique flavour to your next hand crafted coffee beverage.

Craving something even more special? Then how about enjoying one of our seasonal coffees? Choose from the classic taste of Egg Nog, old fashioned Candy Cane, or the flavour of timeless gingerbread –all created with our perfectly balanced espresso + creamy steamed milk.

Nothing better than nostalgic flavours to get into the holiday spirit! Visit� us today for a little seasonal magic!

Posted in A Take Five Cafe Feature

Pumpkin – you can display it, carve it, cook or bake with it….call it a jack-o-lantern or a big orange squash. It can be boiled, baked, steamed, mashed or roasted. Although its real claim to fame is Pumpkin Pie, over the years, its popularity has helped it earn its way into baked breads, cookies + more.

If you are in the baking mood why not put pumpkin to the test. To help you do just that, we are including our ever popular Pumpkin Pear Muffin recipe. Of course, if baking is not on your to do list, you can always come visit + pick one up from us! As always, everything baked pairs well with coffee!

Pumpkin Pear Muffin
2 cups peeled and finely chopped pears (about 3 pears)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice blend
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup solid packed pure pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Preparation

• Peel, core + finely chop pears. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, spice + baking powder.
• In a medium bowl combine eggs, pumpkin + oil. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients + fold to mix. Fold in pears.
• Spoon into paper-lined muffin tins. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean.
• Remove from oven and serve warm or at room temperature.

Happy Halloween!

Posted in A Take Five Cafe Feature

It might be too soon for pumpkin jack-o-lanterns but it’s not too soon for pumpkin puree! Nothing resonates more with the fall season than pumpkin! To get you in the Autumn mood, we have brought back our Pumpkin Cranberry Scone. It is drizzled with glaze icing + topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds…..more importantly; it pairs very well with coffee!

Come in + celebrate the fall season with us! The treats are calling!

Posted in A Take Five Cafe Feature

of Espresso That Is!

Espresso, cappuccino, latte, Americano, mocha…so many coffee combinations + so much confusion! It’s hard to believe there was a time when the only caffeinated beverage you could request was….well…coffee!

However coffee has come a long way + the understanding of coffee beans + how to properly process them has improved. Extracting superior flavour out of a superior bean takes research + knowledge. And while a good ole fashioned cup of coffee will surely hit the spot, a more aromatic, intense cup might be better!

To simplify, specialty coffee drinks start with espresso. Espresso is coffee that is brewed in such a way that only the flavourful + aromatic oils are extracted from the bean. Basically, it is a small 1 to 2 oz. shot of pressure-brewed coffee. But here is where it can get complicated: most people find espresso too strong + opt for milk…..it is how the milk is prepared + added to the espresso that results in the various drinks. Too much information can be confusing so we shall try to stick to the basics:

Espresso Macchiato
A double shot of Espresso with small amount of foamed milk poured over the shot

Espresso Con Panna
An Espresso Macchiato using whipped cream in place of foamed milk.

Caffé Americano
A double shot of espresso combined with 8 to 14 ounces of hot water

Cappuccino
A double shot of espresso, steamed milk + frothed milk foam. The large volume of foam makes it a light weight drink. Frothed milk is dry + more able to hold its shape

Caffé Latté
A double shot of espresso with steamed milk. Steamed milk has a smooth, “flat” textured appearance.

Caffé Mocha
A double shot of espresso blended with chocolate syrup. Steamed milk is added + it is usually topped with whipped cream.

Steamed milk, frothed milk, foamed milk still have you confused? To even better understand, we suggest you visit us + try them all! With eight locations around Greater Vancouver, a Take Five Cafe is waiting for you!

Posted in Uncategorized