Morning Parade Coffee Dundas West
Morning Parade Coffee has a second location in the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood – and they're keeping cafe and community hand in hand.
The coffee shop – whose east side Beach Hill location just celebrated its 4 year anniversary – always had an outpost in its future according to Elektra Simms, who owns the spot with her husband, Paul.
"It felt like a great fit, in terms of values and opportunity" Elektra says, regarding taking over the Dundas St. West space that had previously been coffee shop The Tampered Press for 13 years; "[previous owner] Caitlin really wanted it to go to someone who would have that similar approach [to business and local support]."
Local Tampered Press fans can happily note the intent of a similar approach rings true.
Along with keeping the shabby-chic mismatched tables and chairs, those fond of the previous menus' offerings will find Elektra ensured a lot of familiar favourites would still be available – including a hello from a familiar face, as they kept all the same staff on board.
Original offerings include the popular croissants provided by long-standing Kensington bakery Wanda's Pie in the Sky, as well as delicious lunchtime sandwich Momma E’s Reuben ($8.75).
Pair these treats with one of their seasonal summer beverages, such as an Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte ($5.50/$5.75) or Sloane Tea's Crimson Berry Iced Tea ($3.75/$4.25).
Elektra's secret ordering tip? "We suggest people add a little bit of lemonade to the Crimson Berry Iced Tea – that’s our little twist, to give it a little more brightness or sweetness."
While visiting, you can support a local artist by purchasing the artwork available for sale on the walls and shelves, whose crafters rotate monthly.
Better yet, support a local business too - as the cafe's shelves and fridges are stocked with well-known Canadian staples like Kitten & Bear jams, City Seltzer beverages, and Sam James coffee beans to name a few.
"The neighbourhood has been so welcoming," shares Elektra, on honouring and catering to the space's new community; "It's always a bit nerve-wracking when you're taking over a space that's been so iconic to a neighbourhood, but with some of the things we decided we keep, this community has been so wonderful."
Morning Parade is located at 256 Crawford St. (entry on Dundas St.).
Fareen Karim