Tim Horton’s has nothing on this place! In a tiny nook in southeast Calgary there sits an amazing cafe called the Cornerstone Music Cafe. I was unaware of this great place until I came over to it during YYC’s Hot Chocolate Fest, where I managed to drink in the indulgence that was my Hot Mayan Mocha hot chocolate. This article features the main product I tasted, but I’m also going to be reporting in detail about what I thought of the Cafe.
First Impressions and Observations
When I first entered the cafe, I was already quite enchanted. The place was somewhat small, but felt very natural. The servers greeted me quite warmly as I ordered my drink, and I sat down to observe my surroundings. One of the first things that I noticed when I walked in was definitely the Cafe’s retro brick breaker gaming table machine. Yes, you heard that right. For only a quarter, you can play alone or with a friend a round of brick breaker, with limited lives of course. Did I try it? Of course I did, although I can’ t say I was very skilled at it. I thought that it was a neat thing to add in a cafe, and certainly made the experience enjoyable.
Another aspect of the Cafe that I though was really neat was how a lot of the ingredients used in the drinks were all visible to the customer. It really gave off a homemade original feel and there was just a great environment around the entire cafe. The service was quick and nice as well.
The Hot Mayan Mocha
Onto the main attraction! At first glance, I thought the Mayan Mocha didn’t look like much. It was simply a regular hot chocolate with some spices sprinkled on it. I was proven very wrong when I took my first sip however.
Flavor with some spice practically exploded my taste buds, and it didn’t take long before I had finished the entire cup. You’d think that near the bottom the flavor would thin out, but this drink carried its hints of spice and chocolate the whole way through. The spices that were sprinkled in and on the drink didn’t seem like much, but when combined with the hearty hot chocolate made a very memorable combination. You can tell that the servers put a lot of work into making the hot chocolate taste great. I only wish there was some more texture to the drink though. I think it would add to the experience if along with the pleasant flavor there was an amazing texture to go with it. I don’t remember how much exactly the drink cost, but I do know that it was at a low enough price to be worth your while. Overall, the quality of the drink was great, and I’ll certainly come back and order it again. This drink certainly deserved its Calgary’s Best Hot Chocolate Award!
More Information
Cornerstone Music Cafe doesn’t have music in its name for nothing. Along with providing delicious beverages and food, it also provides music lessons at the back of the cafe, which is a neat perk. Piano, Guitar and the Violin are just some instrument lessons available. If you’d like more information on the lessons they offer, you can call 403-278-3070 or email cornerstonemsc@gmail.com.
The cafe is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Sundays. With great hours, beverages, food and service this cafe is worth a check out and unwind, especially ordering their Hot Mayan Mocha!