Cafes
Voodoo Child
Voodoo Child was created, says co-owner Scotty Daté, to offer "superior quality." Recently opened, and announced street-side by a sandwich board, the barebones wood interior is immediately eye-catching. "We're doing things simpler," he says, nodding to the menu board of basic espresso drinks. "But offering a really good product, made by superior, creative people."
Those creative people include Aidan Pascoe, chef and former owner of (the now closed) Liberty Belle Bistro, and Bruce Ly who is known for his fantastic latte art, and whom I first met while he was working at Bulldog Coffee on Eglinton. Scotty actually worked for Aidan over at Liberty Belle in Liberty Village, while Bruce was recruited specifically for this gig.
Voodoo Child is a joint venture by Scotty and business partner (and realtor) David Rad, who jumped at the opportunity to occupy this College Street spot when The Bean cafe closed up shop. Together, the duo are hoping to foster a multi-purpose, multi-faceted space, which will soon host brunch and lunch, as well as private events and evening cocktails. And, of course, superior coffee.
While snacks right now are limited to homemade banana bread and other baked goods, Aidan says that larger meal options will soon be on the roster. "We haven't nailed it down exactly," he replies when I ask about the menu. "But it will be fun and different — not just croissants with ham and cheese."
Voodoo Child will also host special nights for local chefs to come out and showcase new recipes from its behind-the-bar kitchen, which will all be paired with Voodoo's soon-to-come list of signature cocktails. "We have a great collection of teas," Aidan says, referring to the cafe's list of Sloane Tea Company options. "And we plan to use many to craft some beautiful cocktails."
Since it's not quite five when I drop by (not even close), I stick to espresso and order a strong Americano ($2.75) made with Te Aro's Big Bro blend. Served in a shallow mug, the drink has a rich, nutty taste on first sip and a lingering dark chocolate finish.
It doesn't look quite as impressive as Bruce's impeccable latte ($3.75), but it certainly satisfies my espresso craving. "We're focused on that extensive attention to detail," Bruce says as he shows off his tulip-pouring abilities. "That higher standard."
Brunch and lunch menus should roll out in the next coming weeks, but for now, Voodoo Child (which, if you haven't guessed by now, is owner by huge Jimi fans) is serving espresso and snacks from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Photos by Jimmy Lu
Discussion
29 Comments
Sort By Oldest First / Newest First
Subscribe
I have been living away from Toronto in Ireland for 2 years now, and I must say, i MISS Toronto coffee shops and the way they look and just everything about them. Toronto has a lovely independent coffee shop culture, and you should be happy that so many are opening up and that there are a variety to choose from. Northern Ireland would LOVE coffee shops that looked this lovely! To me, this coffee shop looks like Toronto. Reminds me of Toronto life. It's great!
Well that's obnoxious. Why are we letting coffee culture and cachet become such a big deal, and holding being a barista up to such a high status? It's as if people are becoming okay with being paid in 'cool points' instead of a living wage.
Doing that work and having nice little shops is fine of course but at the end of the day it's just coffee guys.
It's always the BlogTO posters with the negative comments - surprise surprise; silly people!
There's absolutely nothing wrong with making a claim that one can create a product made by people who are more knowledgeable or experienced in preparing it. People enjoy it, people are willing to pay for it, people are willing to do it. If you don't care then stop being an annoying turd about bashing what people like to do.
I'm going to check it out tomorrow!
to owners: for next summer, think about opening up the front window with one of those garage-door windows kinda thing. Where you can open up to the street on a beautiful day.
Btw The Bean actually only closed because the owner moved back to Turkey.
I tried one of their many tea lattes and was very happy with it. Any place that includes Foster the People on their playlist has my vote :)