Bean Town

Because I have no life, I went on the Starbucks website and discovered that Vancouver is home to 84 Starbucks locations. That's about one for every 7100 Vancouverites. When you put it that way, it doesn't seem quite as disturbing as it does when you actually stand at the corner of Robson & Thurlow and consider the replicative nature of this giant in the world of coffee. It's like a caffeine superbug.

But it's not just Starbucks. It's also zillions of other coffee purveyors that have set up shop here. Their ubiquity in Vancouver likens this city's relationship with coffee to Michael Jackson's face and the colour white - home sweet home.

In an effort to swing a dead cat without hitting Starbucks, I've discovered Coal Harbour Coffee Co. This great little spot in Canada Place overlooks what else, Coal Harbour. So the next time you feel the need to see an Imax film or to feel utterly dwarfed by a cruise ship, drop in for a coffee and maybe a chat with Gordo, one of Vancouver's friendliest baristas.

At Coal Harbour Coffee Co., there's none of that "5-or-6-bucks-for-a-coffee" pricing. The prices are so low and reasonable that you'd swear you were in a Starbucks back in 1990.

You can get your snack on, too. Sandwiches and stuff like that. Most of the food is prepared in the oft-touted kitchen of the adjacent Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. The danishes under the glass showcase, however, are imported from France. Delicieuse!

If you're like me, you suspect that a creamsicle is what heaven actually tastes like. Try it for yourself with their chilled beverage menu that offers the creamsicle.

Then there's the view. Luckily, Coal Harbour Coffee Co. is situated in Canada Place so that the newly-expanded convention centre does not obstruct the view of beautiful Coal Harbour, the North Shore mountains and Stanley Park. Nothing is more relaxing than stopping in the middle of the day to just breathe, relax and take it all in.

If Juan Valdez really existed, he and his mule wouldn't have to trot too far in Vancouver for a cuppa joe. So if you see a poncho-wearing Colombian near Coal Harbour, take it as a good sign.