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| - I had mixed feelings about Tinto.
The first time I went to try it was on Sunday at about 10:30 am and it was closed. This seemed odd to me seeing how it's prime coffee-drinking time. But I was determined to give it a chance, so I went back on a Monday at Noon. It was almost completely full. I spotted an empty 4-seater which was quickly snatched by a caffiene-addicted young mind with textbooks to read and $5 in his pocket. It felt fairly crammed, and I was resigned to sitting in an arm chair by the window.
There appeared to be an upstairs section which was closed. A short while later a waitress came, took my order and snatched half of the table away from the student; turning it into two 2-seaters. For a place preaching "Free-Trade" on their menus, this seemed pretty Capitalist to me.
However, I was digging my spot by the window. Perfect for drinking a coffee and reading a good book, bright and good view of the street.
I ordered my trademark double espresso. I personally cannot tell the difference but some people say it tastes better when served out of a porcelain cup. For those who know the difference, this is your place.
To eat, I chose a wrap called Buffo al Trote - Sweet Potato, black beans, cheddar. Which was served with a salad - $12
Full Menu: http://www.tinto.ca/menu.html
The wrap was grilled and a surprisingly tasty combination. At first, all I could taste were cheese and black beans. I completely forgot about the sweet potato until part way through when I noticed a very subtle sweet starchy taste characteristic of sweet potatoes.
It was composed of nutritious ingredients depending on your specific needs. Beans are high in protein and fibre. Cheese in Calcium and fat.. Sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin A and a source of Vitamin C and dietary fibre.
Sitting in an armchair felt awkward and reminded me of eating at home in front of the TV. Except here I had a large window, and Roncesvalles as my magic box.
What I saw out the window was unsettling. The entire street is being torn up in a year-long construction project to repair water-mains and streetcar tracks. I've heard it should be completed in late 2010. From Tinto, I saw orange construction fences all around, and just as I finished eating a giant machine started hammering very loudly at the pavement outside.
The spacey music, calm atmosphere and fair trade coffees couldn't drown out the pounding of the construction outside! It reverberated clearly through the restaurant. I was glad to be finished my meal and on my way.
What a shame. Roncesvalles is one of the best neighborhoods in Toronto, and I'm not sure how it could be improved upon with significant construction. I felt sorry for those who had just arrived or beginning their meals. It was very loud and disruptive. Construction like this will almost certainly take an economic toll on the businesses in the neighborhood.
I'm sure there are other who have had better experiences at Tinto. It seems like a decent place to grab lunch or coffee. I am always on the lookout for a new place amongst the wide variety of bakeries, coffee shops and restaurants on Roncesvalles. Maybe once I've seen the others, I'll go back to Tinto. When the jack-hammering stops.
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