Cafe Culture

September 10, 2019 By Monika Sammut

Whispers of “Summer is over!” have been spreading like wild fire across London. With the first day of school behind us and Mother Nature turning down the thermostat, it’s little wonder this has become a September chant.

However, summer isn’t officialy over until September 23rd so let’s not fall into that pit of despair just yet people! Let’s squeeze out every last bit of joy the season gives us. Let’s sit on patios, indulge in ice cream and don’t you dare even glance at the sock drawer! Let’s keep that summer feeling going as long as we can!

What is over for me, however, is having time off to induge in cafe culture. It’s back to work. No more slow days lingering over my iced mocha. No more catching up on delicious summer reads or eavesdropping on some even more titillating conversations (yes, I know it’s not polite but…).

In an effort to extend that glorious summer sentiment, I wanted to share with you my two favourite summer haunts which I hope become yours as well…all year long.

First up is CommonWealth Coffee Co. Bookending Richmond St with the Grand Theatre, this bright hipster hangout will supply you with ample caffeine, a bit of a sugar rush, and plenty of hangout/work space. With a catchy motto “Life is too short, Stay awake for it” the shop introduces its customer to higher end artisan beans and coffee producers, as well as refined baked goods.

Next it’s Reset Social Cafe. Nestled beneath the brand new Azure condo building on Talbot St., this cafe serves its premium coffee, juices, shakes, and lighter fare (must try the chicken curry) in a colourfully industrial setting. A comfortable space filled with students, well heeled Moms with curious toddlers, and smartly turned out business set, Reset has something for everyone.

Rain or shine, summer or winter, both CommonWealth Coffee and Reset Cafe will satisfy your social needs and your caffeine dreams. Give them a try!

Porcino Returns

August 20, 2019 By Monika Sammut

Like a phoenix from the ashes (a fire consumed the restaurant and neighbouring businesses in 2016) or like a mushroom after the rain (porcini mushrooms are a gourmet addition to menus around the world) the Italian restaurant has popped up once again to open its doors to London.

Porcino is an Italian eatery located on Hyde Park Rd. with a decidedly contemporary aesthetic. But the clean and modern design belies the traditionally Italian menu of appetizers, pasta, and pizza which one would expect from European based restaurant. There is even a wood burning oven to give pizza that authentically charred taste….you know the one!

On a recent weekend, the boy and I decided to pop in for a quick bite between running errands. We were met with a friendly hello and a choice of seats. Although the restaurant wasn’t packed, a few diners chose seating in the back, the space didn’t feel empty. The sounds of cooking from the open kitchen and low buzz of conversation from the back gave the place a relaxed atmosphere.

We ordered a few appetizers: fried calamari, meatballs, and a trio of spreads. All three were delicious but the calamari was the standout with a perfectly crisp coating and tender flesh. The dishes were a quick treat to satisfy grumbling tummies since we didn’t plan to linger very long.

In full disclosure, there were a couple of hick-ups with our table settings which I wasn’t impressed with, but which were remedied quickly.

I hope that Porcino enjoys much success in its second incarnation and wish them all the best!

You Made It Cafe

July 2, 2019 By Monika Sammut

So it has been about a billion years since I last posted on my blog. Life …what can I say. The boy and I bought a place last summer. We renovated it floor to ceiling. And between the stress of renovating, decorating, and balancing budgets there was little place for much else. Both self care and blog went on the back burner. I didn’t need any more pressure in my life. I have always thought of Cobblestones and Cappuccinos as an avenue for my creative expression. A way to share some of my funventures and finds with those of you who pop on here from time to time (by the way…thank you for reading!). I didn’t want to keep posting “just cause” and especially not until I had something special to share. Until now!

Having just finished the renovations on a 40 year old place, let me tell you…I believe in second chances. And often third…and fourth, sometimes to my detriment. So when I finally had the opportunity to visit YOU Made It Cafe, I was not disappointed. A business that has not only breathed life into an old, underutilized heritage building (something London has a lot of) but also offers a comprehensive program of employment services to youth dealing with homelessness, unemployment and/or lack of education. Second chances are everything.

The Cafe has been around since 2012 and is owned and operated by Youth Opportunities Unlimited. It offers a skills training program under the mentorship of professional staff the results of which can be witnessed in the service and food prep in the cafe. It also sells Mushed by YOU preserves featuring jams, jellies, spreads, salsas and BBQ sauce made by youth employed in Enterprise Services. The only draw back of this business model are the limited hours of operation. The cafe is only open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday. They occasionally host special evening events, Cornerstone Cuisine dinner series with guest chefs and creative themes, which are worth watching for. With a good book and time to spare, I filled my morning with a spot of good coffee, bacon grilled cheese with apple butter, a side of freshly made home fries, and a great feeling that I was supporting not only my city but also the youth of its future.

A Morning Date with Edgar & Joe

October 3, 2016 By Monika Sammut

I am a diehard advocate of, in my humble opinion, the most important meal of the day – BREAKFAST! Whether hot or cold, at home or out, I always start my day on a full stomach.

The boy is, by now, familiar with the sound of my alarm clock gently tinkling in the darkness. It urges me up at 6am (two and a half hours before I leave for work) so that I can indulge in my ritual of a steaming cup and a warm breakfast. Always warm! My tastes run from a smooth egg scramble with bacon to warm apple and cheese filled crepes. Sunday is always a Dutch Baby extravaganza! All a bit time consuming in my bleary eyed state. But well worth it.

However, I cherish the days when I can hand over breakfast making duties to the experts. Enter my other favourite boys, Edgar & Joe‘s. It’s a little spot that has found a firm hold in London’s blossoming downtown.

Part of the Goodwill Industries, it touts itself as a cafe with a purpose, serving fresh, local, and affordable food that keep the patrons coming back.

So if your tummy starts to rumble at the sight of the last pic, grab a spot at Edgar & Joe’s and start your day off right!

Dipping into Delicious at Revive Kitchen

August 19, 2016 By Monika Sammut

It has been a little more than a week since the end of another successful Londonlicious event. Although the boy and I popped into a few favourites, Revive Kitchen, a new kid on the restaurant block, was the best of the lot.

We had passed by the location on Wellington a number of times, staring at the paper plastered windows and wondering what would take the place of the former Organic Works Bakery. To my delight, the new restaurant anchoring the up and coming SoHo neighbourhood and headed by the gracious and affable Executive Chef Alfred Estephan and Chef de Cuisine Ashton Gillespie, not only incorporated the delicious treats of Organic Works but upped the ante on innovative, elegant cuisine in London, Ontario.

Generous portions of seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients blend into offerings that are at once comforting and familiar, yet have a contemporary twist in preparation techniques, combinations of flavours, and presentation. And the light filled restaurant has a quiet elegance that doesn’t take away from the food. I personally enjoyed the huge window that allows for a theatrical view into the kitchen where the magic happens (although my highlight was taking a sneak peak behind the scene with Chef Alfred…it was an honour!).

Although I encourage all of you to reserve a spot for lunch or dinner and indulge in Revive Kitchen‘s offerings, if you only have a moment for a coffee and a quick treat, stop in at the coffee bar for a warm cup and a fresh, organic, gluten and allergen free sweet delight.