Early morning classes are usually synonymous with no breakfast nor morning caffeine fix. That being said, it's likely that I'll take to filling those voids immediately following said wretched morning class(es).
While trekking back to King on Locke from my visit to Finch, an unfamiliar orange sign had caught my attention. The compact shop displayed "Locke St Bakery - Bagels and Cream Cheese" clearly printed in bold white lettering atop a bold orange background.
Having made a mental note about the cozy, family-style bagel stop, I took to realizing the experience upon my next trip to Locke Street.
While trekking back to King on Locke from my visit to Finch, an unfamiliar orange sign had caught my attention. The compact shop displayed "Locke St Bakery - Bagels and Cream Cheese" clearly printed in bold white lettering atop a bold orange background.
Having made a mental note about the cozy, family-style bagel stop, I took to realizing the experience upon my next trip to Locke Street.
The recent opening proposes a straightforward solution to bagel cravings and classic Canadian breakfast (minus the eggs, sausage, and maple syrup). One quarter of the shop was lined with crates of varying bagel types, another section allocated for a drink refrigerator, and the remaining space for the counter/cashier/preparation area.
During my brief stay, I noticed that several customers filled large brown paper bags with bagels to take them to-go. Few actually opted for a bagel-and-cream-cheese combo at that point of the day, though I may have just missed the hungry - or should I say, hangry? - morning rush.
During my brief stay, I noticed that several customers filled large brown paper bags with bagels to take them to-go. Few actually opted for a bagel-and-cream-cheese combo at that point of the day, though I may have just missed the hungry - or should I say, hangry? - morning rush.
Locke St. Bakery carried several timeless varieties such as Poppyseed and Sesame, along with trendier choices of Blueberry, Pumpernickel, and Onion & Garlic. I suppose the only thing that caught me by surprise was that their crates weren't fully stocked, at least not to the degree I had expected for a weekday morning anyway.
Counter interactions were minimal, as I only required my Pumpernickel bagel to be smeared in Apricot and Honey Cream Cheese. An older lady was in the midst of a phone call when I strolled up to the cashier, but she attempted to multitask to the best of her abilities while fulfilling the transaction in unison. A wide-eyed part-timer stood motionless beside the lady, next to the stocky, bearded man who grimaced at having to remove my bagel from the brown paper bag in which it was inserted before applying its contents.
While the older lady had thanked me for my business, this man did not. My order was hurriedly wrapped in checkered serving paper, then tossed onto the top of the counter without another word. A "thank you" was definitely lacking in this scenario.
While the older lady had thanked me for my business, this man did not. My order was hurriedly wrapped in checkered serving paper, then tossed onto the top of the counter without another word. A "thank you" was definitely lacking in this scenario.
A small table and two flimsy patio chairs were situated outside, adjacent to the raised entrance of the shop. The table allowed for bags to be set down briefly, or for a bagel to be devoured swiftly; Locke St. Bakery was essentially a grab-and-go pitstop with parking at the back.
The Pumpernickel Bagel was a tad soggy despite having been toasted, emerging as a rather chewy challenge to consume. Apricot and Honey Cream Cheese, on the other hand, was actually quite glorious - it was similar to Tim Horton's strawberry spread, but without the icky artificial aftertaste.
The Pumpernickel Bagel was a tad soggy despite having been toasted, emerging as a rather chewy challenge to consume. Apricot and Honey Cream Cheese, on the other hand, was actually quite glorious - it was similar to Tim Horton's strawberry spread, but without the icky artificial aftertaste.
 |  |
Normally, bagels would not rank as my breakfast food of choice, however I had been curious about the bakery ever since that fateful site visit. Now that it's said and done, I think I'll be content in continuing my latte-and-croissant-filled mornings elsewhere.
Admittedly, Locke Street has changed quite a bit since the NaRoma stopover. Some shops have undergone massive makeovers, while others have completed or are currently experiencing much-needed renovations. The Cheese Shoppe on Locke is currently closed for such procedures.
Brown Dog Bootleg Cafe tends to be a popular java joint in this region of the city, so I opted to check it out while wandering the area.
 |  |
The interior of the two-floor eatery is largely dim, with only yellow-tinted bulbs and an oddly placed chandelier providing illumination. Worn wooden tables and patent leather seats line the group floor, while sofas and additional seating could be found on the upper level.
 |  |
Brown Dog's menu was quite expansive, spanning a broad range of carb-laden bakery goods, sweet and savoury crepes, and more beverages that I ever thought possible for a cafe.
Unfortunately, it later occurred to me that the ingredients utilized in these supposedly different drinks were, in fact, largely similar. The sole hint of creativity was in the item names themselves.
Unfortunately, it later occurred to me that the ingredients utilized in these supposedly different drinks were, in fact, largely similar. The sole hint of creativity was in the item names themselves.
 |  |
I ordered a Brown Dog Hot Chocolate, which was a mix of milk and white chocolate and steamed milk, topped with cocoa powder to finish. It was undeniably tasty: it embodied a warm and fuzzy essence laced with subtle hints of sweetness. Economically-speaking though, I likely could have found equivalent quality elsewhere.
View the full album HERE !
Bonus: Simulation of a three-floor building in AutoCAD.
RSS Feed