Here's my predicament: it's cold outside, and a hot drink from Tinto would really hit the spot right now. But confound it with this whole "having to brave the elements" thing! Well suck it up, princess, cause this cafe is worth it.
Once inside the Roncesvalles establishment, we're enveloped by the warm tones of the decor. Good start. Owners Ricardo Rozental and Elvia Saenz from Columbia have set up a roomy, vibrant space that's great for both solo lazing and group functions. Take advantage of WiFi in the sunny main room, or hide out in the cozy nook upstairs if you're feeling saucy. But back to my #1 concern: eatin'.
The three-page menu has a variety of breakfast, lunch and snack options, all representing Ricardo's mantra of 'fair-trade, organic, and locally produced with a Latin American taste'. Vegan and vegetarian options? Check. Licensed? Check. Tasty? But of course.
We warmed our insides with a foamy mocaccino and soy latte, both prepared with Tinto's in-house blend supplied by local roaster Birds & Beans. (There's also a selection of juices and smoothies, beer and wine). Next we shared the tasty Cardenas breakfast sandwich (whole wheat english muffin, scrambled egg, black beans, cheddar and guiso with fruit for $6.60) and topped it off with super fresh banana & apple loaf and a gigantic, rich brownie ($2.45 each). Too bad the kitchen wasn't making the corn bread muffins that day, because *drool*. In any case - satisfied!
5 Things To Know About Tinto Coffee House (According to Owner Ricardo Rozental)
1. Tinto's main focus is to be fair trade, organic and locally produced with a Latin American taste.
2. They use only fair trade, organic Latin American coffees. Birds & Beans provides them with a special Latin American espresso blend.
3. Everything is made from scratch except for one menu item, which uses imported chipotle chilis.
4. Anything that comes from out of house is prepared by local companies like St. John's Bakery who employ people struggling with societal obstacles.
5. There is zero food waste, they serve tap water ("proudly so") and don't sell pop (human rights and nutritional issues).
Discussion
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I think they need some improvements in the "service' department. Sometimes i think i'm invisible!
ColOmbia - not ColUmbia
One of my favourite Roncesvalles establishments. Incredible sandwiches. Just wish they were open later.
Maybe that's because you look like you want to be left alone
One of my favourite places in the city. Quality and charm that's as ethical and sustainable as you'll find. The staff are used to loiterers so they tend to be hands off. But if you catch their attention, they're eager to help.
Valid comment. I think it might have been the closed menus, my twiddling thumbs, my hungry 4 year old scrambling in his seat and my eyeballs poking out of my head at the waiter (because i don't like to wave) that triggered the idea of "service improvements". Let's face it, on a street where you can sit and drink a latte and have a soup on every block, service matters.
The coffee shop's alright. I know the change was inevitable, but I miss a few of the Polish stores that were there before. Now if I want wide choice of Polish food, I have to go to Mississauga, and I don't have a car. =)
Are you kidding, sg? Yes, Rowe Farms took over Karl's, and this used to be Sir Nic's, but the Polish food selection is still HUGE on Roncesvalles.
I love Tinto. It's relaxed friendly vibe makes it a great place for 'first dates.' The menu is diverse enough that your date will definitely find something they enjoy...plus they never boot you out!
I love Tinto. We moved here from Vancouver in the summer and they were the first place we found. The staff is so welcoming and the food great (we are both vegans, you have to try the chocolate cake). The atmosphere is really what keeps us coming back, its great place to go if you got to get some work done and not feel like your working. Coffee is smooth and delicious too!
I enjoy eating pie there.
Out of business now?
Much as I wanted to like this place, I couldn't! Service is poor and prices are way too high for what you get. Complaints are essentially dismissed. The last time I was there (probably the last time I will ever be there) one of our group complained about one the items and was told that she'd have to pay for it anyway. She wasn't even looking for a refund - just making a comment about the poor quality. Customer service is clearly a foreign concept to Tinto.
I super duper want to like this place, because I like their philosophy, and I love the space. I would do so much of my homework here if the coffee were up to snuff, but so far in my experience, it hasn't been. I've been twice, since I gave them the benefit of a doubt that the first time was a fluke, and was disappointed both times. First time my coffee was luke warm at best, and the second time the latte was not anywhere near the standard that a drink of that cost should be.
With better attention paid to the product by the staff, this place could be awesome. I will probably give Tinto a third chance somewhere down the road, and hopefully it'll be better.