Secondhand Savvy

As a savvy secondhand shopper, I have transferred those skills to finding deals for everyday items. It is amazing what you can find if you just take the time to shop around a little. I have a thing for good coffee beans but I am unwilling to spend $20 a pound. In my travels I have discovered that Commercial Drive in Vancouver has some of the best deals for coffee (you will also want to check out the prices for olive oil).

My favourite place to buy coffee is Continental Coffee (1806 Commercial Drive). I discovered their house blend “famiglia” a few years back and for only $9 a pound it is one of the best deals in town. They also carry a variety of other excellent blends to choose from, including fair trade and organic, and are once again roasting their own beans at their new warehouse.

Open seven days week, this coffee house is often busy with locals grabbing a quick cup of java. If you are just going in to buy beans you can by pass the long lineups and go over to the side till to place your order. I usually buy the beans whole as I grind them myself at home, but if you need to have them ground be prepared to know what kind of machine you are using (e.g., if drip – are you using a flat or cone shaped filter and if you have an espresso machine – is it steam or pump). It does make a difference.

What I also like about this coffee shop, which has been at this location for 25 years, is that it is a family run business with three generations involved. Anita is at the helm, flanked by her two sons Jordan and Rick, and now her grandson Nick has joined them.

Many of the locals in the area will also remember Anita’s dad, Theodore, who started the business selling coffee out of his garage. Incidentally, my favourite blend “famiglia” is the original blend started by Theodore all those many years ago. That little piece of information makes me like it even more.

Continental Coffee
1806 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC
(604) 255-0712