Cafe Taste
1330 Queen West
Phone: 416-536-7748
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Lured by the sign that claimed the party to be on, and in desparate need of a java fix I wandered into the sleek yet comfy environs of Cafe Taste in Parkdale.
The cafe has been open for a few months now and was previously panned by Now Magazine.
It was around 7:30pm on a Thurday which would normally be a busy time for a restaurant, but not Cafe Taste. Not this Thursday.
But why not? The ambience is great. There's an assortment of comfy seating and wooden tables for those looking to enjoy a latte or take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. There's also a row of tables (not too disimilar to the look of Sparrow on Ossington) that would seem to make for a nice spot to have dinner.
But perhaps the contradiction is creating the problem here? Is Cafe Taste a cozy cafe or a night on the town? The menu says lunch with selections like honey glazed ham with organic pear wasabi, brie and swiss on an organic bagel with a side of fresh fruit and organic greens. But why then have wine glasses on the tables that allude more to plates of pan-seared salmon?
I hope Cafe Taste figures it out because as a cafe this spot is a winner. The service was attentive and friendly. I particularly liked the touch of the complimentary carafe of water with lemon I was served while waiting for my order.
Here's a look at the inside of Cafe Taste:
The view from the street:
The menu:
Cafe Taste, 1330 Queen West (near Brock), 416-536-7748
Comments (8)
If the food was good and the service was good, should it really matter if the decor os less than completely consistent?
I think the decor is sending the wrong message which could explain why the place was so empty.
While it may sound frivolous, the little almost biscotti that came with my coffee was a really nice touch. Mind you, the coffee cup was $2. But pair the biscotti up with free WIFI and I plan on becoming a regular.
Decor sends a message about the type of place it is. If walking by, and you look in and see a bunch of tables set like it's ready for dinner, I am less inclined to stop in if I'm just looking for a cup of coffee.
By looking at the photos, this looks like the kind of place I'd go out for a dinner with a friend, and not a spot I'd pop into for a coffee over lunch.
I stopped by yesterday, and the food was amazing. The chicken pesto wrap was great, and the three-cheese grilled sandwich blew my mind. And it's all organic. Nice. Thanks for the heads up about this place.
Brought my mum in there on a Sunday aft after doing some shopping at nearby Blue Igloo. We had some warm apps and something like mulled cider (made with brandy i think) in a snifter. It was perfect for a winter day. I'll go back, most definitely.
Cafe Taste is a great spot for a nice glass of wine, their bread and olive plate, and conversation. The surroundings are dark and cozy, the staff is knowledgeable and attentive, and the bit of dark chocolate with the bill is a really nice touch. Recommended!
Cafe Taste lives up to its name! This place is a local treasure and has proven, like many a good wine, to be aging well and developing in complexity.
Menu offerings are lovingly created with those small touches that make all the difference thanks to David in the kitchen. (Ask about the new house-made bread).
Service is always attentive and friendly - and if you have any questions at all about what to pair up from the wine and cheeses list - just ask award-winning oenophile /owner Jeremy! This is one of the best places in the west end to chill out, listen some tunes, catch a local musician and enjoy an evening with a few friends.
Check out the website for the calender of events or book your own party or wine tasting - tailored to you. Wine and chocolate anyone? My personal favourite is an Ontario mead and the Tower of chocolate dessert.
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