4.5 stars... the only reason why I gave this a 4.5 and not a 5 is that it's not open often. This was my 4th time trying to see it is open annnnd it finally was! The other thing is that they only take cash. Minor inconveniences to experience really great drinks.
Oh damn... Tandem is raising the bar on Asian influenced espresso drinks. Who would have thought the quiet part of King St. is holding two amazing places. Roselle and Tandem are bringing a refreshing Asian twist to classics and doing it very very well.
Tandem is quite quaint... artsy... and quiet. There is a medium sized sitting area in the back with a living green wall. No music is playing in the background and the zen like environment is paralleled in the two baristas who use gentle tones in their recommendations and calm paced actions help craft the drinks. They have a summer and winter seasonal menus that are the star choices. I was so tempted by the black sesame drink but their matcha and azuki was calling me. They do offer many alternative milk options but the lactose free ones just meld the flavours so well.
Matcha Azuki latte - Ohhhh this is the first time I've had a matcha latte in Toronto that knew how to temper the bitterness without losing it's characteristic flavour. Great balance between matcha and milk. I saw them use the traditional bamboo whisk to froth and aerate the matcha. This was so creamy instead of being watery at other places. I love how the sweetened azuki just adds a lightly sweet note to it. Definitely my favourite matcha drink in the city 5/5
Peanutty Hot Chocolate with espresso shot - OMG... another fantastic drink! This one combines nutty, rich chocolate, and smooth coffee notes to make one heck of a great drink. It was not overly sweet which I love as well. Very creamy and every sip was really nice. 5/5
I wish this was open more often or at least when they're advertised to as well! If you do find it open, go... just go in and get some of the best Asian influenced espresso drinks you'll get in the city.