Out & About #607 | Halo Espresso Bar + Bread and Salt Bakehouse

​"Crabby" encircles the complex attributes shared between myself and my birthday buddy, for we are both loud and stubborn citizens of the west GTA, forever living our preposterously overloaded lives.

​It was with great displeasure that our previously arranged plans (603) were infinitely postponed. That said, a last-minute incarnation of brunch plans made up for the lost catch-up time. On a chilly Christmas Eve, we headed to Halo for some much-needed chitchat. I had actually been meaning to pop into the cafe for an eternity, but an appropriate opportunity never seemed to arise.

< Pictured above and below: Latte, Bagel w/ Cream Cheese, Turkey Croissant Sandwich, Pour Over - Single Origin, Columbia >

​Seating was ample, just as Google search results had professed. Dispersed throughout were two- and four-seaters, while two communal tables assumed space at the north end of the interior, by the Christmas tree and opposing bathroom stalls. At each table was a short stack of books, mainly coffee-themed, to tie into the vibe of the espresso bar. A swivelled mound of magazines adorned one of the communal tables. One of these was picked up and transported to a lounge-style two-seater to commence our coffee date.

​We - or really, just me - requested recommendations from the menu. The beverage listing were quite diverse, and some items even featured tiny pink hearts. Given the spot's total operation time of one year and three months, I was informed that some of the fan favourites had changed. For example, Iced Coffee had been a popular pick during the warmer periods, when the café had first opened. Nutella Latte remained a top-seller; espresso-based drinks were also well-loved.

​I inquired about the Pour Over, to which was met with a confident nod of approval. Beans were, in fact, roasted in-house, therefore allowing quality control. Options of the day included: Single-Origin Guatemala (light) and Single-Origin Columbia (medium). As I had previously ingested two cups of cold brew, the latter was the less-ideal-but-nonetheless-safer bet.

The product was smooth, aromatic, and slightly acidic. Still, it was more sour than I would have liked.

A Turkey Croissant Sandwich filled the mid-day void for sustenance with a cross-section that was as crisp and it was fluffy. Moistness was summoned forth from sliced cucumber and tomato. Subtle hints of saline were imposed through butter spread and lean turkey slices. With fresh romaine lettuce peeping out from underneath, it was the ultimate item of satisfaction.

View the full album HERE !

​My birthday buddy's Latte-and-Bagel pairing didn't fall short of expectations either. Albeit "cold and deflated" from my lengthy decision-making process, she confirmed that the duo managed to live up to its presentation.

Several sweet treats were positioned by the cashier area as well. These went untried, however, as we were soon dashing out of the establishment in search of an alternative washroom. A couple had unleashed a vile wave of bodily fumes into both stalls just as I stood up to claim my spot in line. The ordeal prompted us to head elsewhere for bowel relief.

​In the mood for ice cream, I suggested Bread and Salt for Syrian rolled ice cream.

​The samples supplied to us previously had been great. Newly spotted on the roster was a striking pink Strawberry Bouza rolled with toasted candied almonds. The specimen was contrasted against the Speculoos-containing Lotus Bouza, subsequently triumphing over its opponent's drier profile. 

​Toppings were available at no additional charge, so pistachio crumbs and a positively divine pistachio paste were selected without hesitation. Our supposed mix of "avocados and ham" was phenomenal: The bouza was velvety smooth and revealed no signs of disintegrate over time.

​Merry Christmas to all, from our quirky households to yours!