It's a tall order when your business goal is to be the best in the world for espresso. But that's exactly what husband-and-wife team Brian and Linda Turko, owners of Vancouver's Milano Coffee, intend to achieve.
In 2017, Brian and Linda's original Italian espresso blends Suave Rico, New Italian and Frank's roasts won gold medals at the annual International Coffee Tasting Competition (a blind sensory evaluation with a panel of 30 international judges). They've won 10 medals in total, having accrued seven gold since 2012.
Brian is a true artisan with a deep-seated passion for coffee excellence and innovation, and his unbridled enthusiasm and curiosity have helped him to maintain the legacy of his mentor Francesco Curatolo, whom he met when he walked into his café-roasting storefront in 1993. Brian says that thanks to Francesco, "I learned the best blending technology since the creation of espresso."
Brian and Linda took over Francesco's Café de Milano and roasting facility in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood in 2003, launching the first of five family-owned and operated Milano Coffee bars.
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First-time at Milano's and not being a coffee expert I had no idea what coffee to select. The server selected a wonderful coffee. And when i returned to buy another cup the manager offered on the house. Such a fantastic first-time experience that I will surely visit them again!
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This bustling Mount Pleasant café stocks fresh slices from To Die For Banana Bread, Erin Ireland’s aptly named Vancouver-based company, which has gained international attention for its secret recipe. Tip: Enjoy your famous treat on Milano’s outdoor patio, with a view of the adjacent park and stunning North Shore Mountains beyond.
View this Smart ListInspired by Italy’s most stylish city, Milano is a go-to café for anyone who appreciates high quality, award-winning coffee paired with high quality treats. This spot also serves alcohol and is the perfect, quiet atmosphere for freelancing and quick, classy business meetings outside the office. You’ll find Milano locations across Vancouver in Gastown, the West End and Mount Pleasant.
View this Smart ListIt’s hard not to feel inspired when sitting in this fresh, modern yet lovingly used café, looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows to Jonathan Rogers Park and the skyline and mountains beyond it. The noise levels at Milano vary throughout the day: arrive at 3:00 pm and your meeting will likely be one of many. It’s bustling and loud and exciting, but not the place for quiet contemplation. Come during the morning and you’ll be more likely met by ambient tunes and the perfect location for collaborations.
View this Smart List