Caffeine powers me, and I think I just found my fuel.

DVLB, or Death Valley’s Little Brother, is a little shop in Uptown Waterloo. This has got to be the best place I’ve been to, so far (July 25th, 2016). Interior is fantastic, cozy, yet classy; varying sizes of tables and chair arrangements. The lights are just right, and there is a huge window that lets plenty of natural light in. Paige’s hair looks almost perfect in the natural light, and despite the fact that she still thinks the back of her head should be a bit shorter, I think it makes her head look a lot more 3-D because it has more volume.

Picking a table near the window, we sat down. She’s studying for her exams, and I’m writing the posts for the trip to Toronto.

And boy was the coffee delicious.

The Americano is everything that an Americano should be: bold, strong, fragrant and leaves a beautiful aftertaste; no bitterness, no burnt taste, no bullshit. Honestly, considering they’re running what looks like a La Marzocco F80 series (costs about $20,000, handcrafted in Italy), and using local beans from the guys at Smile Tiger, I’m not surprised. The latte was also perfect: great control on the foam, beautiful presentation, and it tastes just right; the milk compliments this roast beautifully.

The best part? That Americano was $2.95, cheapest I’ve had so far. They also have whiskey here, which I need to try when I’m not driving, someday.

I’m in love with this place, really, even Paige approves of it. I kinda wish it had a bit more quirks, like Settlement Co. and their wifi password, but I’m just picking bones in an egg.

This will probably be my main stay now.

-Tao