Discover Sooke

Meet Sooke’s answer to espresso based coffee, vibe, fun and terrific atmosphere. I love this place.

I’ll admit it, I’ve just recently entered the coffee world. I grew up as one of those kids that was told that coffee was for adults only; it would put hair on your chest I was told. Something that isn’t quite wanted when you are changing in front of your classmates after a hard workout of dodgeball in grade 5. While my friends started to enjoy it, I passed, drinking only pop and iced tea. Now that I think about it, they all started to shave before me.

Okay, after a late night of staying up, my friends had this sure fire way of keeping ahead of me; drink some coffee, their reason for beating me at Nintendo’s lastest hit game. Sure, I tried it and wanted to like it, but I never did as much as I tried. I mixed it with cream, sugar, lots of sugar, and milk and I still could not appreciate this beverage that so many people wake up to and enjoy. I loved the smell of it, but never appreciated the taste of it. But, yes, their is a but…

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I had an espresso based coffee. What’s the difference from the vial substance that I had before? Good question, and I’ll let Dave answer that for you at the Stick in the Mud. But in a short answer it’s the way they prepare the drink. Forced, high pressure, hot water, over fine grounds rather than the drip-water method.

It was a first for me. There was something about this drink that enriched my taste buds and made me appreciate the complex flavours in my cup.

No, it wasn’t the Stick in the Mud that handed my my first taste of yumminess. I can’t quite recall where it was to be honest. But I thought this was good. Much better than what I had before. I didn’t even know what Espresso was until I reached Vancouver Island.

So, low and behold, I’ve moved to Sooke. I was told of this place, a place I hadn’t been to before. I was told that I would not just like it, I would love it. And you know what?  That person was right.

So what is my drink of choice there? Well, I’m a mocha type of guy. I don’t think it can get much better than this. The flavour is intense. Not too sweet. The mocha part doesn’t overpower the espresso. But both flavours balance each other out nicely. Rich, creamy and smooth. Let’s not forget that the barista just made a pretty leaf pattern in my creama.

Not only are their drinks great, but their snacks are fabulous. Some are rich, some are wholesome, but they taste fresh. The atmosphere caters to those that like an upbeat place. Each time I’ve walked into the Stick in the Mud I’ve always been greeted with great customer service, and I’m picky. I’ve worked in service before and I am always aware of attitude and overall mood, it can easily make or break a place for me. Dave and his staff have it going on here. I recently took a “new to Sooke person” here for a coffee and they agreed with me. This is as good as it gets. Not locally, but coffee in general. We have a huge gem here.

Who would have thought?

Yes, it’s tucked away and I’ve met many people that don’t know where it is or even know that it existed. In case you are one of those, it’s across from the Legion in Sooke, or beside the community hall, 6715 Eustace, to be exact. Did I mention they have a rockin’ sushi place right next to them? That’s another story though.

I do want to give big praise to the other coffee shops in and around Sooke as well. I can’t personally comment on Jordan River or Port Renfew and I’d love to hear from those that know the spots. So please leave a comment stating your place of choice.

I certainly don’t want my first coffee story to overshadow the other great places we have here in Sooke. I’ve been to the Reading Room many, many times before and their food and coffee, yes espresso based coffee, is fantastic. I still go their often as it’s closer for me to walk to. Serious Coffee in the Village Foods Plaza also has great coffee and staff and I recommend them all.

The purpose of this “rave” isn’t to showcase spots that are “better” than others, but rather places that I’ve been most recently and have appreciated the quality and service shown around the Sooke area.

Your place business might be next.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Discover Sooke website.

Thanks again, the Stick in the Mud!

6715 Eustace, Sooke BC

Filed under: Discover Sooke Raves on December 24th, 2008