Cafes
Zoots Cafe
Zoots takes a little bit of magic and a lot of soul to create the intriguing mix of a cafe winning hearts in Dundas West. Owners Melanie and Shawn combined their passions to open a place that offers great bevvies and food - not to mention board games, art, vintage clothing (if you know where to look) and a healthy dose of whimsy.
The spot was partly inspired by Melanie's old workplace in Detroit (also called Zoots) which was located in the Cass Corridor, an area famous for producing artists like The White Stripes. The now-closed cafe used to see a mix of the rock and electronica scene drop by to play music, drink coffee and pass time; this eclectic mix of art and coffee continues with Zoots 2.0. Melanie's partner Shawn is the bean guru, and his love for magic adds design elements to the decor - dig the logo!
Tucked away in the back is Melanie's studio and showroom for Melanie's Closet, a vintage shop moved from 829 Dundas St West. In the main room, cozy tables house couples playing Battleship and soon, a special-made chess table will accent the space. The owner of Monkey's Paw will soon lend a selection of their 'old and unusual' books to the vintage book shelves left over from the building's previous owner.
And how about the FOOD! Fantastic pastries provided by Clafouti, bagels by St. Urbain, tempting baked goods (oh my god, the buttermilk cran cake) by local bakers Feed Your Body and Queen of Hearts. A fantastic mint brownie (2.25) made with spelt flour - not that I could tell. Sandwiches that made me wish it was dinner time. Locally-provided loose leaf teas and organic, fair trade Dark City Coffee beans. "We don't use an over strong, trendy espresso," says Melanie. "It's a European medium roast - it's meant to be smooth." And fie on latte art!! One day you may see the staff wearing t-shirts that say "F*ck Latte Art" - Melanie says she can layer and show off once in awhile, but doesn't really give a hoot about it otherwise.
Hours:
Monday - Friday (7-7)
Saturday - Sunday (7-9)
WiFi: Yes!
Discussion
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They make you welcome and comfortable and the whole package makes it a truly wonderful cafe experience!!
What's next, duck confit on a paper plate?
This place is anti latte art, because they can't actually do latte art.
If you're going to claim big talk like you're above pouring latte art, or serving "trendy espresso", at least make an effort at being good.
Nice try at sounding cool though, I guess the saying about a sucker being born every minute still rings true.
There is no correlation between the taste of a cup of coffee and the latte art associated with it. It is that simple. You talk about a sucker born every minute and by extension accuse us of "suckering" the public - shame on you for that accusation and I ask you to come and see me face to face so we can have a adult conversation about this - but is it not "suckering" the public to dress up a ordinary cup of coffee with latte art and then because of the art say it is the superior cup? I am not accusing anyone of anything but asking the question. There is a great trend right now towards latte art, some might even say that latte art is trendy. We have simply chosen to focus on making a good cup of coffee. Some of the best coffee I have had in Toronto and indeed countries around the world have never had latte art. I trust you have had our coffee and did not like it. Fair play to you. However, once again let me say that your cowardice is shameful as are your accusations. Your post betrays a personal anger that I do not understand. If I have offended you personally, which seems to be the case, then please speak to me and perhaps we can resolve our differences.
In response to your comment about food, I don't really see your point. If the food is good and reasonably priced, why not eat it and enjoy it? Does it matter that the pastries and bagels are made elsewhere? Doesn't the owners' choices of where to procure food and ingredients reflect their experience with food? I had a sandwich there which was tasty, nicely presented and priced in the range of what you'd find at a other cafes. So, what's the problem?
is being vitriolic a Toronto thing? I don't get it. enjoy, and if you don't, then go to a cafe that turns your crank. no need to toss barbs.
Wendy, it was nice to meet you there, and don't forget about Man Ray!
It sounds absolutely delightful. :)
(Anyone know if there's wireless Internet onsite?)
I've always thought that if you have a problem with food or service then it's probably a cool idea to talk to the staff first. And if you really feel strongly, then leave a mature and constructive comment on a forum like this.
Unfortunately, due to the anonymity of the Internet, that can all go to the wayside; now you can just be a cockface without any repercussions whatsoever. Don't be a troll, it makes you look like an asshole and it makes the Internet suck.
With all the astroturfing and "viral" lameness going on now in days with PR on the Internet, who's to say you're all not just some hired goons from a consultancy working for some looser corporation? Out to soil the waters for honest proprietors like these guys. Identify yourself of piss off; we don't want your kind of garbage around here.