The Girl Who Learned To Kneel

I’m sitting at my favorite espresso bar in the city, and practically giddy. For starters, I’m by myself. Secondly, I’m by myself. And in conclusion, I’m by myself. Solitude is very refreshing for a new mother. In the spirit of this precious moment, I thought I might introduce you to the great espresso bars of Toronto which you may or may not already frequent.

Number one on my list is Crema. Probably because I can get the coffee to mouth in the shortest amount of time due to its proximity to my driveway. But also because I really like the baristas. It kind of feels like ‘Cheers,’ you know all everyone knows my name and Elsie’s name, and everything about Simon including the ins and outs of his thesis (that’s where he’s been working). He wears big yellow earphones, drinks espresso out of shot glasses and eats banana chocolate chip muffins, all while doing important scientific things.

Next is Lit, situated in the heart of Roncesvalles. It has yummy snacks and a cool triangular shaped table right by the window where you can sit and write and bask in the sun. Cause sometimes in Toronto there is sun! Hard to believe, my California buddies.

Then comes Dark Horse. I particularly like its large communal table – great for eavesdropping on people’s conversations and sneaking a peek at people’s laptops – if you were prone to that kind of mischief – which I am definitely not. Anyway, if you live east of Yonge and south of Bloor, give this place a whirl.

For those who live in the west, there’s Birds and Beans. Situated on the Lakeshore, so a slightly prohibitive location if you are sans car! But if you can get there, it’s a fun place. Their breakfast cookies – amazing. Their soy lattes with cinnamon and chocolate sprinkles – delicious. They also do Sunday afternoon jazz, which charmed the pants off of Elsie. Literally.

Finally, there’s Mercury. Never been, but Simon tells me the espresso is great. And my friend Robin works there, who just happens to have dark flowing locks. Like, everytime I see her I have to check in: “Is that your natural color?” So you’ll want to meet Robin. And if you’re already there, you might as well have an espresso or a double Americano – my ever changing drink of choice.