rev:text
| - Anyone who has never been in the One will have their mind blown, because it's totally wacky and a perfect representation of Toronto.
This is not for the faint hearted; if you come in rushing, you will leave relaxed. Don't tap your toes waiting for your drink like a Starbucks caffeine fiend; the One in the Only is an experience. It's as cozy as a hippie commune with the right vibe of a cafe. There are mamas with strollers, musicians, university students, neighbourhood locals and construction workers all sitting and chatting. Come in with a book, laptop or stranger and stay for a few hours. Stare at the photograph of Audrey Hepburn and let your eye slowly move to the handmade robot on the fridge. Anything happens at the One.
Their lattes are a part of my daily routine, but they also offer your usual espresso-based drinks (cappuccino, americano, machiato) and chai latte. They also serve a cafe allongé - basically a stretched espresso with more water, not as large as an americano and with crema! The difference is also that americanos basically dilute an espresso with hot water, whereas an allongé just "elongates" the volume and preserves the taste.
I am salivating again. This always happens.
Another specialty NOT on the menu is a green tea latte, which is macha powder with warm milk, but surprisingly sweet and has a good caffeine kick. A bonus for the adventurous - if you try anything on the menu, end up not liking it, the baristas will make you something else free of charge. They are that cool there.
As for munchies, Circles and Squares scones and muffins are usually soldout by the afternoon but cookies from desmondbeatrice, a cute new place from Leslieville, are always around. If you're hungry for the savoury, ask for the menu (not advertised). They serve samosas, olive and cheese plates (olives come from Uzel which is right next door) and paninis named after Italian movie stars, like Sophia Lauren, Alberto Giocommetti. Once you've stayed too long, just cross the curtains and head to the Only for some solid craft beers.
|