Cafes
Cafe Pamenar
Cafe Pamenar has recently opened at the northern tip of Augusta Avenue, adding to the already congested coffee scene in Kensington market. But while the market sure has a range of cafes, something tells me this spot will do just fine thanks to its well thought out design, front and back patios (opening in the Spring) and commitment to high quality, artisanal coffee.
Owner Pouria Lotfi spent one year constructing this cafe with designer Guido Costantino (who sourced items from Junction store Smash), but nearly six years planning it. Inside, there is plenty of smooth concrete, clean glass and of course, re-claimed wood. A long wall across from the counter is reserved for photography (photographers take note: Pamenar is looking for serious submissions).
The first thing I ordered was a shot ($2.38), and it took the barista two tries, but it was worth it. Watching the barista sewer the first shot, I knew my coffee was in meticulous hands.
The shot had a good head of crema, well-pronounced tiger-striping and was fairly elastic. I was told this was a blend, and it tasted the part. This was a complex espresso with a variety of flavours: citrus, dried berries and cocoa.
Next, I ordered a cappuccino ($3.10), and it was equally satisfying. The coffee held up to the milk and the 5 oz. size was a refreshing change from some of the enormous milk-dominated cappuccinos that many cafes serve. That being said, I would have preferred a denser tasting milk.
As Cafe Pamenar has only been open for a few weeks, they are still getting their legs. Right now, the pastry case is filled with a few Circles and Squares pastries, and some loaves from Wanda's down the street. With plans to expand their food selection to artisanal panini and soups, this will be a spot to watch in the market.
Cafe Pamenar is located just south of College on Augusta, and is open from 9 am until - 7pm. Cappuccino and latte are $3.57, shots are $2.38 and macchiatos are $3.10. For a brew, the french press is $2.14.
Photos by Dennis Marciniak
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Is there a bylaw in Toronto forcing all independent cafes to close at 7 or 8? Does nobody in Toronto drink coffee after supper.... How are we supposed to try all these great new cafes if they're always closed? Just saying....
Phew-Thank goodness for that! Was it served with a generous dollop of pretention or were you inspired to jot this down in your moleskin journal mid savouring?
If it offends you, the city is chock full of starbucks and timmies that won't bore you with such pretentious natterings
Nice looking place & a good review. A bit too mid afternoon food network host for my evidently uncultured palette though, but nothing to spill my PG tips over-just being a long distance dick!
The space was designed by Guido Costantino, not Smash.
Smash is a great store and although a few of their pieces were used [the scale and the Viewing Booth sign, specifically], they were not responsible for the design of the space and any credit to them is incorrect
Also, 9am seems a bit late as many people have already walked through the market on their way to work by then.
What espresso machine were they using? What about the espresso beans?
Outside of that though, the place looks truly fantastic.
^ this. When I first moved to Toronto from Montreal, I was excited to see so many awesome coffee shops in my vicinity, but alas, they all close around 6pm!
What gives? I'm tired and need coffee around that time... are there no places to congregate in the evening that isn't alcohol related?
Such a silly, sleepy town.
Thirded. I would so make every independent coffeeshop in this city rich if they'd only stay open late enough for me to get out of the office.
PS : the stools are not that bad. Sitting at the bar is nice.
Unless there is a ton of walk-by traffic late at night, it hurts financially. First couple years of a business it is hard enough trying to scrape by, the fat has to be cut from somewhere..
Is there free wifi at Pamenar?
Also, good americano, albeit it was to go.
Also, good americano, albeit it was to go.
i can surely say that i would never go back there and will not pass on a good word about this location.
fix up your attitude if you wanna be successful.
over 80 percent of food & beverage business go out of business in the first 3 years of their operation specifically due to such reasons.
thank you for reading this comment.
Thanks....
Shane, I guess I'm responding pretty late, but I think they sell those same chairs at Commute Home up on Dupont between Spadina + Bathurst.
Great! Keep up the great work!