Foods from Hava Java
Comments
2011 Jun 22
Just wanted to remark on the "wanna-be coffee shop" comment. Hava Java is having its 20th anniversary next year.
They antedate the two SCs, Starbucks and Bridgehead in that span of eight blocks or so on Elgin Street so I think they have a decent size group of loyal fans.
I've perfected the espresso I build at home (Ha! But seriously...I have) so rarely/near never buy one out - it's always weak...in so many ways - but I have had one from each shop and, if I must buy one in the 'hood, I'd definitely choose Hava Java over all the other places on Elgin.
That said, great review ilikerealfood.
They antedate the two SCs, Starbucks and Bridgehead in that span of eight blocks or so on Elgin Street so I think they have a decent size group of loyal fans.
I've perfected the espresso I build at home (Ha! But seriously...I have) so rarely/near never buy one out - it's always weak...in so many ways - but I have had one from each shop and, if I must buy one in the 'hood, I'd definitely choose Hava Java over all the other places on Elgin.
That said, great review ilikerealfood.
2011 Jun 21
I went off exploring downtown for a new lunch spot today and I ended up at the Hava Java. This is a trendy-wanna-bee, coffee/sandwich shop on Elgin @ sommerset. The decor is nice, clean and modern.
This place reminds me of a much less exciting version of Calvina’s. They offer 5 or 6 varieties of panninis and to be honest, they were not too inspiring. It seems the ingredients in the panninis are limited to 2-3 toppings per sandwich (ei: chicken, bacon and sauce or roast beef, cheese and peppers etc). Don't quote me on that since I have only tried one sandwich. I saw 4 chicken based sandwiches, a roast beef one and a spinach + cheese. I opted for the spinach and cheese (which was served on an olive Panini loaf).
I had the option of a combo (which included two kinds of salad) out of three that were on display. These did not look interesting…: normal looking pasta salad, regular vinegar based cold slaw, and a fruit salad. MEH! I have to compare this to Calvina - which uses the same concept - but they have at least 6 salads every lunch and they are creative and amazing. I’m glad I skipped the salads.
This Panini was pressed flat and came to a total of almost 8 dollars (sandwich only). Hella expensive considering that for $10.25 I can get an amazing Calvina sandwich, 2 of their awesome salads and a pop. I also would like to reference the new sandwich shop “Pip and Nino’s” which offers similar quantity and quality for about 10 bucks.
Moving away from the economics of the sandwich, I wasn’t really impressed with the Panini itself. I thought the sandwich was alright, but there was no sauce. It was composed of brie cheese, spinach and roasted red peppers. Meh. I will say that the olive bread was nice. The sandwich itself was made with quality ingredients but it was still lacking for me and I didn’t finish it. That being said, I know Calvina serves a very similar sandwich (which I’m also not a fan of), however, the value and choice of sides is just far better at Calvina.
Also… there is a sign at the register that says “the Hava Java’s prices will be going up”. Another reason I’m not crazy about trying this joint again. I realize it’s a tough market out there, but these little places need to up their volume of customers. This is how Calvina’s operates. There are line-ups out the door because the food is above average, the price is right and the variety is impressive. Same goes for Pip and Nino’s.
The Hava Java doesn’t have that quality/quantity/creativity and price ratio that I want in a lunch place. But then again, it must be hard to lower prices when the customer base doesn’t seem to be very large (considering the small variety and quantity of sandwiches and salads I saw on display).
The Hava Java did have a fancy shmansy coffee machine, so maybe they serve good espresso. I cannot comment on this.
Cheers
This place reminds me of a much less exciting version of Calvina’s. They offer 5 or 6 varieties of panninis and to be honest, they were not too inspiring. It seems the ingredients in the panninis are limited to 2-3 toppings per sandwich (ei: chicken, bacon and sauce or roast beef, cheese and peppers etc). Don't quote me on that since I have only tried one sandwich. I saw 4 chicken based sandwiches, a roast beef one and a spinach + cheese. I opted for the spinach and cheese (which was served on an olive Panini loaf).
I had the option of a combo (which included two kinds of salad) out of three that were on display. These did not look interesting…: normal looking pasta salad, regular vinegar based cold slaw, and a fruit salad. MEH! I have to compare this to Calvina - which uses the same concept - but they have at least 6 salads every lunch and they are creative and amazing. I’m glad I skipped the salads.
This Panini was pressed flat and came to a total of almost 8 dollars (sandwich only). Hella expensive considering that for $10.25 I can get an amazing Calvina sandwich, 2 of their awesome salads and a pop. I also would like to reference the new sandwich shop “Pip and Nino’s” which offers similar quantity and quality for about 10 bucks.
Moving away from the economics of the sandwich, I wasn’t really impressed with the Panini itself. I thought the sandwich was alright, but there was no sauce. It was composed of brie cheese, spinach and roasted red peppers. Meh. I will say that the olive bread was nice. The sandwich itself was made with quality ingredients but it was still lacking for me and I didn’t finish it. That being said, I know Calvina serves a very similar sandwich (which I’m also not a fan of), however, the value and choice of sides is just far better at Calvina.
Also… there is a sign at the register that says “the Hava Java’s prices will be going up”. Another reason I’m not crazy about trying this joint again. I realize it’s a tough market out there, but these little places need to up their volume of customers. This is how Calvina’s operates. There are line-ups out the door because the food is above average, the price is right and the variety is impressive. Same goes for Pip and Nino’s.
The Hava Java doesn’t have that quality/quantity/creativity and price ratio that I want in a lunch place. But then again, it must be hard to lower prices when the customer base doesn’t seem to be very large (considering the small variety and quantity of sandwiches and salads I saw on display).
The Hava Java did have a fancy shmansy coffee machine, so maybe they serve good espresso. I cannot comment on this.
Cheers
ilikerealfood
I didn't mean it (wanna-be coffee shop) in a bad way. In retrospect I suppose I should not have said it like that. Not sure what my train of thought was at that moment.
I will say that foodwise, Hava Java's food is certainly better then Second Cup and Starbucks (which is I refuse to buy since it always tastes uber processed and not fresh). Bridgehead has some nice food (like croissants and things) but they don't have a fresh panini selection like Hava Java. In that respect, if we do a pure comparison to other coffee shops, I would say Hava Java fairs pretty well.
But if we compare it to other places specializing in lunch food, Hava Java has a lot of superior competition.
I haven’t tried the coffee though. Next time I need coffee and I'm in that neck of the woods, I'll try it.
Cheers