Cafes
Grain Curd & Bean
Grain, Curd and Bean is "not a health food store", says owner Mike Wdowiak. Nor is it a tofu factory. There's something meaty about the name, something clinical that may be misinterpreted by the everyday passer by. But break it down and you get to the facts, jack - the heart of the matter - that GCB sells bread, cheese and coffee. It's a cafe, it's a cheese shop and it's a delight full of delights.
But back to the "not a health food store" thing. A lot of cafes pride themselves on serving healthy, organic fare - which is cool - but GCB has a mandate to put cheese in your gullet, starting with the display case full of mostly Canadian deliciousness. Weekends fill the shop with fromage lovers from the Dundas West neighbourhood, which up until now was lacking in its cheese selection.
"We make a cheesecake that'll kill you," he declares. (PS: Mike makes the cheesecake. Respect. His wife prepares other wares, like the hummus.) See, the whole idea started with a love of cheese and the dream of opening a small shoppe. When he found this property in his neighbourhood, things fell into place - the spot was a lot bigger than he imagined, so it grew from the dream of a tiny cheese store to a renaissance cafe.
"Bread, cheese and coffee - that's what we like. We want to keep it simple." Stop by, sample some cheese and pick up a baguette for dinner. Breads are supplied by Fred's Bread and Ontario Bread, with the "best bagels in the city" by A&D Bagels. Pick up Evelyn's Crackers, which are made with red fife whole wheat or just enjoy a latte in the huge side room. "We're not pretending to be gourmet - we just like food."
The most charming part about GCB is that even though they've settled in nicely, Mike and his wife Yvonne are far from finished. They want to add sandwiches and soups, they want to expand the kitchen, they want to see where development in the next few months can take them. "I'd really like to fast forward to the summer and see this place when it's warm," says Mike. They plan to host events and currently showcase rotating artists.
Point is, just like the neighbourhood developing around them, GCB is a work in progress - but they've already found a groove. "We specialize in three things that are kind of a weird combo, but people love them!"
Wi-fi: Yes
Closed Tuesdays, otherwise open til 6pm.
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That aside, it does sound like a great store, and focuses on three of my favourite things :)
I think the 50 cents for Americano might be for the larger cup. I am just guessing, but then again that is a lot for a cup. What would Mr Miller think of all this cup crime?
I think when you open a place like this, people can back for two reasons: 1. great coffee (and for GCB, cheese, bread..etc) and 2. great service.
If you are made to feel unwelcome or it's a hassle to ask for a coffee and some cheese, I and many others will simply just go to the next coffee shop. Within a 2 min walk you can access a few other coffee shops with excellent, friendly and welcoming service.
All I have to say is - if you don't want to be there, hire someone that does - because you are going to drive even more customers away.
I will try it a few more times, in hopes that the service changes because I do like supporting my local businesses, however, if I get the same service I received last time - I will not be back.
Last I was there they had free wifi. That justifies the price bump. Starbucks charges $1.50 for tea and something like $3 for wifi. Personally I'd like to support an indie shop regardless, but it helps to know there's no gouging afoot.
The real problem is that the owner is an arrogrant dude that doesn;t seem to realize how pompous he is - he should leave front-of-counter to his other excellent staff.
I love this cafe. I usually stop in every weekend for a delicious smoked salmon bagel, an equally as delicious Americano, and usually a big slab of Valdeon or Beemster to take home. They've recently started selling cured meats and such. love. love. love.
Also, Mike the owner really isn't arrogant at all. He's just a bit stoic at first. He's warmed up to us after a few visits and it's an absolute pleasure going in.
Visited this place for the first time today and really enjoyed the
experience! The Americano I had was terrific and it stands among the cities best. And for two-bucks, it can't be beat! The service was excellent and the ambiance is very welcoming. I love the neighbourhood this cafe finds itself in. It's a very Portugues and
working class part of the city that has over the last few years begun to undergo a slight demographic shift. All the trendy cafes on the strip are a nice counterweight to the butcher shops and hardware stores!
Keep up the good work GCB!!!
I found my first few encounters with the owner to be a little strange... he was kind of rude, and would never return my "hello's" or "have a good day" I thought, oh well, ill endure his grouchy attitude for the bagels. The other morning he was so outright RUDE that I will never return. He ruined my whole morning!
Like I said, im a fan of the bagels. For the past few mornings I have been sending my roommate in undercover. This morning was the worst....
He got to the shop at 9:30 to find the door locked. The sign clearly says he opens at 9. My friend tried pulling on the door and even made eye contact! The man just looked away and acted as if he didnt see him. My roommate waited 30 minutes in the sun until finally another customer he seemed to know came up to the door. He ran over and unlocked the door.
Really?
Can anyone recommend another place to buy bagels in this neighbourhood?
i have continued to return on the basis that this is a small business in my community and i would like to support him, however with the amount of comparable shops within a short walking distance who's staff are friendly and happy to serve me i doubt i will be returning nor will i recommend this place to friends.
You can get excellent Montreal-style bagels from Naturalis on Roncesvalles (1 blk N. of Queen). They are every bit as good as GCB. http://www.blogto.com/bakery/naturalis
@abdy & @nevetsb:
I agree that basic friendly customer service goes a long way, and when you encounter ongoing rudeness from any store staff -- and especially from a store owner -- it is a big turn-off, and justifiable motivation to finding alternatives. I've personally never had any problems with GCB service, but then again I try to keep my expectations of others not very high (so as not to be let down too far).