It was mid-afternoon and I NEEDED a double espresso immediately. (My caffeine addiction is my only real vice, and I bow to it always...)
Imagine my delight when I spotted the Velvet Cafe as I was driving down 4th Street N.W.! A new coffee place to try!
I was immediately greeted by one of the owners upon entering this delightful cafe and lunch spot. The owner 'took me on a tour' pointing out the baked goods, food items, the loose leaf teas and advising me that he used Salt Spring Island coffee (which I had not tried before). He also gave me a sample of a great chocolate chip cookie since it was near the end of the day. He said they bake all of their baking fresh each day.
I ordered a double espresso and was pleased with the smooth strong taste. I would definitely drink Salt Spring island espresso on a daily basis.
My friend ordered a hot chocolate. Get this, the owners make their own ganache (a thick chocolate mixture, like 2 parts chocolate, 1 part cream) instead of a powdered hot chocolate mix or syrup. The hot chocolate was likely the one of the best hot chocolates I've ever tried! (I stole a sip from my friend and then begged for more!)
(FYI: Another place I love for hot chocolate is Cafe Angeline in Paris, France)