Eat & Drink
First Look: Saving Gigi
Saving Gigi opened two weeks ago on the south west corner of Bloor and Roxton. This new coffee house is the brainchild of Luigi Gigi Xaini (who used to own the now closed Cafe 163 on Corso Italia) and his partner Monica Grace Miller of Saving Grace fame.
Stopping by today I was impressed how much charm the space has. Big windows infuse it with natural light, and eclectic chairs and tables lend it a contemporary, cozy vibe. It feels like the kind of place I could easily spend a couple of hours with a magazine or laptop and one of their tasty looking lattes, smoothies or home baked muffins.
While the specialty here are their line-up of coffee and juice based drinks, they also have a full menu of sandwiches, frittatas, salads and more; all made fresh each day from Saving Grace and brought over in the morning. Among the top sellers are the cornmeal lime ricotta muffin ($2.50) and the old white cheddar, tomato, avocado, lettuce and bacon sandwich ($7.50).
In the coming months they're looking at opening up a side patio (just waiting for a license from the city), adding gelato to the menu (supplier is still TBD) and taking part in the Big on Bloor festival.
For more photos and a full menu (changes regularly) see below. Hours are 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except closed Tuesday) and 9:30am - 5pm on weekends. The address if 859 Bloor Street West.
Discussion
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did you happen to notice if they have wifi?
I just wish they had longer hours, though I guess it's not always financially possible for new businesses.
sat.10am till 5pm
sun.10am till 5pm.
See You Soon
Tony.
(When I came in a few hours later trying to find a cheque I misplaced he was plenty helpful too.)
He's not wordy, but I wonder if the difference between rudeness and quietness is because he's a big, tough-looking guy. The same attitude at Jet Fuel is one of the draws there, I'm told.
Food and service were great; order at the counter, they bring food and coffee to your table, and a bottle of still water too, and cleared half of our table when we started spreading out papers to give us more room. Lots of choice for vegetarians.
I'll certainly be heading back! It's great to have this sort of place in the neighbourhood, no more having to head over to Bathurst or down to College, especially with the new hours.
Furthermore, it was entirely unclear if I should expect counter or table service, and the staff (and their guests behind the counter) could not be bothered to pause their conversation the multiple times I visited the counter (to try to order, eventually to order, to pay).
I don't expect staff to be my best friend or fill my day with pleasantries, but I expect to be able to place and pay for order easily, especially when there isn't a crushing throng of people.
I was really underwhelmed especially given my excellent experience at Saving Grace.
P.P.S. I did try to explain that having free wireless is great and likely brings in a number of net new customers ('cause it's not for the coffee) but I think that just made him angrier - sorry I was just trying to help. Overall, I don't think I've ever had such an upsetting experience anywhere.
Old Cheddar, Raisin Bread, Bacon, and Tomato with a tall Latte please.
they stay open when its busy but usually close at 6 mon-friday, and 4ish on sat, sun.
brunch on sundays too which is badass.
Thank you: hope to seen some new faces around :)
Cheers bob
The food and drink are acceptable, but the attitude of the staff leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.
I always assumed regular and medium were interchangeable terms, but if there is a glaring difference I would love to know!
Kidding aside, I'm a snob who worked in two coffee shops in my teens and their lattes get top marks from me.
Oh, and you can't beat the music, especially the (rare) live shows!