Tag Archive for: Coffee Shop

, , , ,

Coffee Shops in Merritt – Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse

Coffee Shops in Merritt

Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse in Downtown Merritt BC

“No matter your eats and coffee needs just order and Mandolin’s will look after the quality and service.”

When it comes to coffee shops in Merritt BC Canada Mandolins Coffee Shop is a frequent stop for this coffee connoisseur. There are many coffee stops to select from too throughout the Nicola Valley. All have their pluses and unique style from the chain store coffee shops to the privately operated family owned and operated coffee shops in Merritt. But what makes a favorite coffee shop? That is a tough question? It is a question usually answered based on personal preferences.

Enjoying a “cup-of-joe” at Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse in Downtown Merritt BC

Coffee With Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse

When I talk about the types of coffee shops in Merritt I mean the taste, smells, strength and purpose of the coffee. Purpose you ask? Well yes of course. You see, in my line of work you have coffee for different purposes. There is the road coffee. “Coffee to go” for short. This is huge for me, as I travel a lot. Then there are coffees while I am staying in communities like the work coffee, morning coffee, night coffee, stay awake coffee and then there is the hide in the corner booth coffee. This last one is my work escape so I can get some projects done, spread my papers out and get some work in. Each coffee has a purpose. Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse satisfies most of my coffee urges. 

Coffee Shops In Merritt

Being that I have had the opportunity to spend some quality time in the community of Merritt BC I have had a chance to enjoy many coffee shops in the Nicola Valley. Mandolin’s Coffee Shop is one of the establishments I frequent often for many different reasons including good service, “yum-yum” baking, positive conversations, friendly patrons, location and of course, the coffee.

The Patrons of Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse

Smile Included With Your Coffee

I really enjoy the conversations and connections I enjoy with the owner of Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse, Cheryl. She greets me with a hello every visit, and always has a thought to share. Bottom line she makes me smile. 

She attributes her success to,

“Customer service, fast service. The hours myself and Laurie put in and a lot of hard work.”

I would like to add the upbeat environment, and positive attitude to her list of attributes. She always has something to say that makes me go “hum”. 

Cheryl, owner of Mandolin’s serves her patrons with a smile.

I have traveled the country for over a decade in my work. In doing so I have sat in many coffee shops. Looking back, the good ones, my coffee shops of choice, all had good people running the show. It just goes to show that a happy demeanor and positive conversations will win over customers. Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse is one of the coffee shops in Merritt which makes my  “Coffee Shop Bucket List”. 

experiencemerritt

Lastly, I have always enjoyed a good cup of coffee in the company of many good people during my visits. Add in a comfortable positive environment and I am a sucker for a coffee moment.  Therefore Mandolins is, in essence, “Greg Approved”. 

Coffee shop in Merritt

Me having a coffee moment at Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse

Coffee Tri-Vecta In Merritt BC

I cannot say enough of how appreciative I am when I pop into Mandolin’s Coffee Shop in-between appointments to have a “cup-of-joe”.  Because the coffee at Mandolins jives with my palette nicely, one cup of java is usually not enough. I usually do a tri-vecta and gobble down a few more cups of coffee before I dash out the door for an appointment. As I get up to leave I say my goodbyes. Cheryl often echoes back hers.  

Hockey Night In Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse

coffee shop

Hockey Night in Mandolins

The environment at Mandolin’s Coffee Shop created by Cheryl and her daughter, Laurie, is enhanced by the numerous number of NHL (National Hockey League) and local hockey jerseys hanging from the ceiling and walls. Many are autographed. All are interesting. Therefore, if you are a hockey fanatic like myself, you are captivated by the display of hockey memorabilia.

Mandolins and History

Complimenting the hockey atmosphere on the walls of Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse are photos of times gone by in the Nicola Valley. It is a cowboy story book of history told through the lens of time.

Experience Nicola Valley asked Cheryl, “What makes your coffee shop unique?”

“(Our) keto and gluten free menu. Big hockey fans so the jerseys hanging up and all the cowboy pictures (hanging) on the walls. The customers love them.”

Coffee Shop In Merritt Homemade Baked Goods

Something which is very refreshing is that all the baked goods are made from scratch. They are not pre-made, frozen, nor brought in from another source. No, this is all about homemade and always fresh. How yummy is that!

Homemade baked goods

Behind the counter is a menu board with a good selection of eats. Eat in or take out, that is your call. Go big and contact Mandolins to cater for your Nicola Valley events and functions. No matter your eats and coffee needs just order and Mandolin’s will look after the quality and service.

“Soup, sandwiches, bagels, salads (budda bowls), specialty drinks, smoothies and more… “

menu board

Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse menu board full of eats

Merritt Coffee Shop And More

When coffee is on your mind and you want to get in some additional shopping without driving from parking lot A to parking lot B then this coffee shop in Merritt is the ticket. Located in Railyard Mall in Downtown Merritt there are other services operating on the premises. There is a large grocery store (Save on Foods), liquor store (BC Liquor Store), pet store (Pet Value), adventure clothing company (Work And Play), fitness outlet, real estate office, auto parts (Lordco), Nicola Valley Museum & Archives and more.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse
1700 Garcia Street
Merritt, BC, Canada
V1K 1B8

Telephone: (250) 315-0007

Facebook Page

Coffee Shops in Merritt BC Canada

Mandolin’s Bagel & Coffeehouse in Downtown Merritt BC

by
, , , ,

Merritt BC Tim Horton’s Coffee Shop

Tim Horton’s in Merritt BC Canada

Where to get a coffee in Merritt British Columbia, Canada

“Double, Double is a very Canadian term! However, I am a 2 cream and 1 sugar type of Canadian.”

 

Anybody who knows me well knows that the Merritt BC Tim Horton’s is one of the coffee shops I visit regularly while I have been consulting here in Merritt British Columbia, Canada in the Nicola Valley.  Satisfying my java craving, some call it an addiction, comes easy for me as I have come to know many of the Merritt coffee shop owners by name. 

Merritt BC Tim Horton’s Java Fix

However, at the Merritt Tim Horton’s they know me by sight and know my coffee order before I even speak a word. I guess I have made an impression. Not sure if that is a compliment or a dig? I am going to take it as a compliment. Why? Because I truly enjoy building quality connections and friendships wherever I go. If they know my order and serve it to me with a smile I must be doing something right. Better yet, they are the ones doing something right! 

Nick, helping his staff, multi tasking as he helps serve his customers.

I Like Coffee

I like coffee a lot! In fact, I may just like meeting positive people even more. There is no doubt, when I can get both when ordering a coffee I am the big winner. The more I enjoy the conversations, laughs, stories and the company of an individual the more I want to support their business. The trick is to find the positive people in and among the negative. Harder to do then it sounds too.

I have seen plenty in my coffee travels while criss-crossing this great country. And the truth be told there are both. There are positive and negative coffee shop owners. The Tim Horton’s in Merritt BC has always served me a positive experience every time. 

Nick and I at Merritt BC Tim Horton’s

Meeting Merritt BC Tim Horton’s Owner

So you can imagine my delight meeting Nick, the owner of the Merritt BC Tim Horton’s –  the home of the “Double, Double” (Canadian slang for ordering 2 cream and 2 sugar with their Tim Horton coffee). After I arrived in Merritt to do some tourism consulting it took a few coffees before Nick and I eventually connected. We introduced ourselves to each other and we hit it off right away. From then on in Nick has always made an effort to say a quick Hi even when his coffee shop is a buzzing.

The Apple Never Falls Far Away From The Tree

Then I started meeting his staff at the Merritt BC Tim Horton’s, one by one, while ordering my “Timmies”.  We built a relationship over the counter and now I am “fist bumping” with some of the staff when I visit.  So cool, right!

Merritt BC Tim Horton’s Supports The Community Website

Nick and I started our chit-chats on a more regular basis. Soon later, Nick got wind of a website launch party in Merritt being held at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame celebrating the new Tourism Nicola Valley “Living” Website. As a result, Nick offered to provide the coffee, tea and some “Tim Bits” (donut holes) to snack on. Thank you Tim Horton’s! Good thing too, because there was a lot of people. 

Walk Of Stars – Ian Tyson – Merritt Tim Horton’s

Walk Of Stars 

Outside the front door of the Tim Horton’s coffee shop there is a wooden display with a hand print of a country music star. These hand prints are located throughout the City of Merritt and are part of the Walk Of Stars self guided tour. In total there are said to be over 72+ hand prints plus 1 foot print. How cool is that. The Walk Of Stars display in front of the Tim Horton’s coffee shop celebrates the country music star, Ian Tyson. 

Meet and Greet Over A Timmies

I finally freed up some time to meet with the owner of the Merritt Tim Horton’s, Nick. For some time now I have wanted to to tell his story and feature his Merritt business. We sat down recently for a quick chit-chat about his story and his Tim Horton’s. 

Talking Merritt and Tim Horton’s with Nick

Here are the questions I asked Nick when we sat down:

(Q1) Why did you select Merritt BC as your location for Tim Horton’s?

(Nick) Merritt is such a wonderful place, just like paradise. It is a peaceful city. Very nice people here. 

(Q2) What makes Tim Horton’s special?

(Nick) A great place for all to gather together and meet. Our menu is always growing. We treat our guests on a personal level and we work hard to welcome everyone as they come through the door.

(Q3) Tell us about your menu?

(Nick) We have breakfast sandwiches like sausage and egg on a biscuits, bagels, and english muffins. Tim Horton’s just rolled out a vegan menu now with “Beyond Meat” too. We have a lunch menu with cheese, turkey and other types of melts. In a few days we will be launching the “Beyond Meat” Burgers. However, our selection of soups seems to get a lot of attention. And of course our pastries like donuts, fritters, muffins, bagels and others. 

Tim Horton’s in Merritt BC

(Q4) Tell us about your staff?

(Nick) My staff is wonderful. We are a mixture of personalities. We encourage friendly service etiquette therefore living up to the standards set out by Tim Horton’s. I have a wonderful, wonderful staff. I am very lucky. 

(Q5) Where do you see Merritt Tim Horton’s in the future?

(Nick) Hopefully we can establish another location on the other side of town. Keep improving our site and, just maybe, we would like to put a patio. We want everyone to feel like home. 

(Q6) Is there anything else you would like to share?

(Nick) Merritt and the Nicola Valley are a wonderful place to live, work and play. It is a wonderful tourist destination. I want everyone to come and enjoy Merritt, meet the people, and come to see why we love it here. In conclusion we have everything here in the Nicola Valley including a lot of lakes, adventure trails, parks, and attractions like a golf course and the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame. There is so much more.  

Tim Horton’s Location

3340 River Ranch Rd,
Merritt, BC, Canada

Tim Horton Website

Tim Horton Facebook Page 

If you are dropping in at the Merritt BC Tim Horton’s give Nick and his staff a shout out from Greg at eh Canada Travel. 

Merritt BC Tim Horton’s Coffee Shop

 

 

 

 

 

by
, , , , ,

Merritt Accommodation – Best Western Plus

Merritt Accommodation

Highly Recommended Places to Stay in the Nicola Valley

Merritt BC Canada Hotel Accommodation

When it comes to places to stay in Canada, including any Merritt Accommodation,  cleanliness is the most important part when booking a room. The Best Western Plus, a 5 star Hotel in Merritt BC, Canada has passed with flying colours.

First Impressions of Merritt Accommodations

When you pull up to the modern classy designed building you know you have made the right booking. The glass doors open into the hotel lobby, you see a cozy seating area with a fireplace, a stocked hot beverage bar, and fresh baked goodies. Everything is so shiny and clean. It is like a downtown New York hotel right here in Merritt BC, Canada.

Merritt Accommodations Convenience Store

Convenience store has a bit of everything.

The check in clerk is super friendly and makes you feel so welcome. She checks you in, answers all the questions you have about the area, and points you in the direction of the little onsite store.  This is an added convenience, and if you are like me, you have forgotten at least one item at home. 

My Best Western Room

You open the door to your room and “oh my gosh”, it is even better than you imagined.  THOSE BEDS LOOKED LIKE BIG FLUFFY PILLOWS!  Anoop, the Merritt accommodation manager and his family actually spent years researching sleep systems to get perfection.

merritt accommodations bedroom

The beds looked like giant pillows.

Details Make A Difference

Everything is perfect, right down to the final detail of a nice little separate sink outside the bathroom. I don’t know about you but filling my coffee pot from the bathroom tap has always made me a bit uneasy. 

Merritt Accommodations Best Western Amenities

 When I am away from home I want better than home. I want to feel like I am away from my daily duties, all the normal stress and I want to feel like I am being catered to.  Spending hours in the pool, dipping once in a while into the hot tub, and then going back to the room to watch great TV channels and chill was perfect. There is also a fully furnished exercise room complete with many machines to keep your exercise routine in place while you are away.

Pool Hot Tub

Time to relax in the pool and hot tub.

Business Centre

It was exciting to see a nice size private business area complete with laptops right on the first floor. I could sneak away and do a few minutes catch up on business, ( don’t tell anyone). Down the hall from the breakfast area and table seating are some beautiful conference rooms complete with audio visual equipment.

merritt accommodation conference room

Conference Business Room Best Western Merritt BC

Hotel Breakfast is Served at the Best Western

Fresh Fruit, cereal with real milk, hot sausages, bacon and eggs, toast and bagels.  AND MORE all waiting for you to get a super start to your day of adventure and playing in the Nicola Valley. One of the special touches that I took notice of was the real plates and silverware. So much nicer than plastic and paper. Top class!

hotel breakfast bar

A full hot breakfast to start your day.

” Full hot breakfast was the perfect way to start my day, the crisp ocean coloured hot tub was the perfect way to end my day”

Location of this Best Western Merritt Accommodation

Everything about the location of the Best Western Hotel in Merritt BC, Canada is perfect. The Merritt hotel is located right across the street from Boston Pizza , Denny’s Restaurant , Burger King, gas bar and a convenience store.

One must also take some time to explore our Merritt Downtown. So much to see. Park on Quilchena Avenue and explore our stores on foot. This way one can enjoy the 75+ hand prints of country music stars on the self guided walking tour we call the Walk Of Stars, as well as, download one of our Merritt Mural QR Codes and access videos, photos and stories of your favorite country music star. 

Family Owned and Operated Merritt Hotel

Anoop Sekhon and his wife are the General Managers of the Best Western Plus Hotel in Merritt. Anoop was proud to tell me his family has been in the hospitality industry for most of his life, he actually started making beds when he was a young man.  His family also owns another hotel, the Ramada which is just down the road. From working in the trenches he has learned how to operate and manage a very successful business. Anoop understands the importance of quality staff and professional service in the hospitality industry. 

Saying Good Bye To My Merritt Hotel Accommodation

5 point ratings on Expedia and Trip Advisor are well earned. Also a participating hotel accommodation on ehCanadaTravel.com. The hotel accommodation staff, cleaning crew, maintenance crew and management of the Best Western Hotel in Merritt BC, Canada should be commended on making visitors to Merritt feel warm and welcome. The Best Western Hotel in Merritt BC, Canada is right off the Coquihalla Highway for easy access and also offers TESLA SUPERCHARGE STATIONS for electric vehicles.

Best Western Merritt Hotel Accommodation

Where you STAY in Merritt is just as important as where you PLAY in Merritt.

by
, ,

Mary’s Corner Cafe Merritt, BC Canada

Unique Places to eat in Merritt, BC Canada

Mary’s Corner Cafe, Merritt BC, Canada

“There’s something special about good home cooking”.

When I am out of town I just love to find little “out of the way” gems such as cute little boutiques that scream unique and places to eat that offer a dining experience that I can take away with me. I am so proud to showcase one of these little gem’s in my very own hometown. Mary’s Corner Cafe. 

Chick Chat in a Merritt BC Coffee Shop

Today I had the pleasure of having a “Chick-Chat” with Mary Holgate, owner and creator of Mary’s Corner Cafe in Merritt, BC Canada. It was an easy interview style conversation as I have known Mary Holgate personally for over 55 years. Mary and I started grade 1 together in the little school just outside of Merritt. I asked Mary about her love and food and cooking and this was her reply, ” My mom was a big influence but I did go to school and get my red seal. I love cooking comfort food there’s something special about good home cooking”.

Mary loves to share her home cooked recipes

Mary loves to share her home cooked recipes

Cafe in Merritt BC Canada does Catering

It was my mother’s 80th Birthday and Mary was happy and excited to cater to the event. When I say Mary Holgate does “CATERING” that means she actually “CATERS to YOU”! Mary does so much more than provide the food to large events. Mary will cater home cooked meals for your families CHRISTMAS DINNER, or any other special event happening. One or 1000 Mary is fully capable of pleasing everyone, including the budget. 

Mary's Corner Cafe Merritt BC Canada

Being Creative with your food

Mary has always been creative, you can see by the special touch she adds to her meals. If she is catering to an event she makes custom styles and plate designs to fit the ocassion. Even her restaurant meals are each prepared in Mary Style, which means you get “alot” of food. https://www.facebook.com/maryscateringandpies/

Mary’s Corner Cafe in Merritt, BC Canada

“Burger and Fries with your Cheese Please”

While I was interviewing Mary Holgate I saw a meal being delivered to the table sitting next to us. The man had ordered a burger, and WOW, what a burger he got. My mouth was watering as it went by our table, and believe me, you could smell the onions and the bacon, it made me think I needed to order a hamburger and fries. At Mary’s Corner Cafe you can order EAT IN and enjoy the pretty DINER STYLE atmosphere, or you can TAKE OUT and enjoy your meal on the run. 

Mary's Corner Cafe Merritt BC Canada

Mary’s Corner Cafe, Merritt BC Canada Hamburger and Fries

Oh la la Coffee Shop Style

It’s not just the great meals that have put Mary’s Corner Cafe on the map, the desserts are piled over the top with whipping cream and frosting, and the portion sizes, “oh la la”, that is all I can say. You can bring along a friend and share an afternoon brunch, or order one to take out for your family dessert at home, just make sure you ask for a spoon so you can “dip in” on the way home. 

Mary's Corner Cafe Dessert

Mary’s Corner Cafe, Merritt BC Canada dessert

Every day from 11:00 am to 2:00 Pm Mary’s Corner Cafe will host a Buffet Lunch, you create and build your own sandwich, choose from a mouth watering “soup of the day”, and of course you will want to save room for the dessert selection which is offered in the buffet cost. 

Mary’s Corner Cafe is famous for her catering of outside events. No event is too big or too small, Mary will feed a family of 1 or a wedding of 300. Every single customer is special and important, that is why they keep coming back for more. 

Mary's Corner Cafe, Merritt BC Canada

Catering events of all sizes from Mary’s Corner Cafe Merritt BC Canada

We ended our interview with this quote from Mary which shows me that everyone who visits Mary’s Corner Cafe will go away with a full belly and a full heart…

“everything in the cafe is homemade with love”

Cafe in Merritt BC Canada

by