on one of my first visits back to vancouver, I was recommended a couple times but a few people to check out modus. I had to see for myself what all the fuss was about. so i did.
I almost walked by it, tbh. it blends in very well with the buildings on busy west broadway. but walk in and it’s bright, spacious, and beautiful. simple, and perfect for whatever you’re looking for. a quiet table to work or study on, a stool at the bar to watch the barista do their thing. that’s where I sat the first time I went and they had a guest roaster at that time, koppi, which I never had before and was excited to try. I got to chatting with the barista and asked if they had their own beans and she said “yes, we usually only serve our own beans but we got a couple bags of koppi, so we’ve been offering it.” (insert emoji of guy covering face with hand). I went to modus and I didn’t even have modus beans. dummy. anyways, she gave me a little sample to take back home to mexico with me to try.
fast forward a few weeks when I got back to cdmx and did my own coffee cupping at home. I wanted to try the modus beans but because she only gave me a sample, I didn’t have the bag, so it stood out because i had it in a jar. I jokingly messaged them on instagram saying I needed the bag so I can show it off and post about it. to my surprise, I was chatting with owner Sharif, and that barista i first me was his girlfriend, Jesska. they’ve been running modus together for the past couple years. long story short, he sent me a box of goooods! dang, I was taken back. he sent me three bags of coffee to try, a tote, and a go-cup that you can make a pour over on the go. so cool. oh, and he also sent three sample boxes to share with coffee shops here in the city. man, what a stud! those coffee shops I shared the samples with loved them, obvs.
after weeks of chatting back and forth, I had plans to visit vancouver again. me and sharif made plans to meet up for a coffee. it was really nice meeting up and getting to know him, and his journey in the coffee world. from being a barista at artigiano and prado, to partnering up with pallet, to deciding he wanted to do his own thing and start up modus. mainly, he does the traveling, buying, and roasting, while jesska runs the shop. they’ve got a good thing going. if you follow along on the instagram page you’ll notice they’ll even have food trucks outside for lunch.
i’m glad I was recommended to check out modus. the beautiful shop and fantastic coffee is one thing, being able to meet with the owners and hearing their stories are another, and I really do appreciate sharif for making the time. I even left him with a couple bags of coffee from shops I left his samples with, so he can try some of my favorite coffees in mexico. that’s what it’s all about, giving and sharing, and that’s what the coffee world is all about.
you definitely need to stop by and have a coffee at modus. they have a unique style with really nice flavour profiles, great for an americano or latte, or if you have more time to sit, a pour over.
i’ve put their website and instagram page below for more information. like, follow, check out their pages, you’ll be happy you did!
The Coffee Guy 