When impromptu appointments send us southwest to East Mountain in the early afternoon, the second meal of the day is normally postponed until all relevant assigned tasks cease.
Recurring sessions of dining out had me hankering for greens - a salad to be specific. Being ill, however, meant that one was not about to carry on with the remainder of the day sans carbs though. The compromise lay with a Sweet Chili Signature McWrap stuffed with shredded lettuce and lightly salted grilled chicken breast.
En route back from Hamilton, I suggested a caffeinated detour.
En route back from Hamilton, I suggested a caffeinated detour.
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Kerr Street Cafe had originally been reserved as a spot on the Mother's Day itinerary, but a lack of available travel time had prompted us to reconsider the journey for another day. This happened to be that very (lazy afternoon) opening.
We easily found street parking before the coffee shop's entrance on Kerr Street.
The metred parking spaces were on the spacious side - a vast relief from the headache-inducing situations of Port Credit and Streetsville. In addition to that, oncoming traffic was relatively sparse and parking fees were quite reasonable for the scenic neighbourhood.
The metred parking spaces were on the spacious side - a vast relief from the headache-inducing situations of Port Credit and Streetsville. In addition to that, oncoming traffic was relatively sparse and parking fees were quite reasonable for the scenic neighbourhood.
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A few steps were taken around the area upon alighting - first to Mad Hatter Tea Co, then to a nearby tea room situated at somewhat strange coordinates. The latter was home to an extravagant selection of loose leaf teas, tea cups and tea ceremony apparatus, as well as Chinese chess tables.
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Waltzing into Kerr Street Cafe, we were greeted by a shiny, silver La Marzocco. Behind the commercial machine were sets of equally shiny teeth, exposed due to the barista's beaming demeanour. Coffee could be obtained in portable form, or Weekday Brunch could be enjoyed within until 3:30 PM.
Opting to dine in, we were then guided a small table by the window, where several menu slips and a tiny tulip duo rested.
As we were seated, a friendly reminder that the kitchen was closing in five minutes was delivered. (It was nearing the end of brunch hours, after all.)
With time being of the essence, an order of Ricotta Pancakes was swiftly delivered, followed by a Cappuccino and Iced Latte.
As we were seated, a friendly reminder that the kitchen was closing in five minutes was delivered. (It was nearing the end of brunch hours, after all.)
With time being of the essence, an order of Ricotta Pancakes was swiftly delivered, followed by a Cappuccino and Iced Latte.
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The drinks emerged within minutes of their request, given that the cozy cafe was quite empty at our time of visit. The Cappuccino, much to my surprise, boasted no dry foam whatsover. Instead was delicate microfoam and a dusting of cocoa powder for added boldness. It was delicious nonetheless, but more distinctive of a latte as opposed to it frothy relative.
Iced beverages incurred an additional charge of seventy-five cents - something I had not been aware of prior to ordering - and were accompanied with striped paper straws. The straw had not been dunked into the glass beforehand, but rather left on the plate for customers to perform the task themselves. This attention to detail was nice, as it helped to delay the deterioration of the biodegradable absorption device.
Iced beverages incurred an additional charge of seventy-five cents - something I had not been aware of prior to ordering - and were accompanied with striped paper straws. The straw had not been dunked into the glass beforehand, but rather left on the plate for customers to perform the task themselves. This attention to detail was nice, as it helped to delay the deterioration of the biodegradable absorption device.
Both espresso-based beverages utilized the Notorious blend from their own small batch coffee roasters known as Brothers'. The concoction was fragrant and potent, brimming with notes of sweetness and only a faint hint of acidity.
Shortly after the drinks had been set on our table came the Ricotta Pancakes. Stacked high on a dark ceramic plate and bedazzled with an ornate assortment of floral matter, the trio was stunning simply by appearance.
Shortly after the drinks had been set on our table came the Ricotta Pancakes. Stacked high on a dark ceramic plate and bedazzled with an ornate assortment of floral matter, the trio was stunning simply by appearance.
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Surrounding the pancakes was a moat of blueberry sauce-and-custard emulsion. A dollop of crème fraîche nestled itself comfortably between the colourful buds and the fluffy, ricotta-infused specimens.
The rounds weren't particularly tall, nor exempt from the oily fumes typically found in griddle-based creations. However, they possessed a consistency not to be confused with regular flapjacks. Lightly sweetened and adequately indulgent, each forkful was an unsuspecting flare of flavour and airiness. The pancakes could have easily been consumed sauce-less, but it was undeniable that the fruity/creamy condiments assisted in heightening its flavour profile.
The rounds weren't particularly tall, nor exempt from the oily fumes typically found in griddle-based creations. However, they possessed a consistency not to be confused with regular flapjacks. Lightly sweetened and adequately indulgent, each forkful was an unsuspecting flare of flavour and airiness. The pancakes could have easily been consumed sauce-less, but it was undeniable that the fruity/creamy condiments assisted in heightening its flavour profile.
The bee pollen was an interesting element that, along with the flower petal details and tulip centrepiece, evoked an exuberant spring-like essence. The "rosemary" halve of the rosemary custard, though, was not quite as discernible.
As a final remark, I would advise against trying to consume the flowers; they were actually quite bitter. Otherwise, the entire dish was extremely thoughtful and meticulous in their component choices.
Bathrooms took the form of narrow strips and rickety white doors. Much to our surprise, they were ridiculously clean - an indication of regular maintenance throughout the day. Flushing capabilities were also sufficient for the average guest.
Service was prompt, friendly, and accommodating - nothing short of exceptional.
As a final remark, I would advise against trying to consume the flowers; they were actually quite bitter. Otherwise, the entire dish was extremely thoughtful and meticulous in their component choices.
Bathrooms took the form of narrow strips and rickety white doors. Much to our surprise, they were ridiculously clean - an indication of regular maintenance throughout the day. Flushing capabilities were also sufficient for the average guest.
Service was prompt, friendly, and accommodating - nothing short of exceptional.
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We roamed about the area for a short while longer before wrapping around Kerr Street. It was at this very moment that two cherry blossom trees were spotted in full bloom.
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Who needs High Park when the west end's sightings turn out to be this gorgeous?
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