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| - I'm so surprised there's not more buzz about this great spot! Right down the block from the Mile End library and YMCA, La Tasse Gamine is a cozy, welcoming space for parents and their little'uns of any age to come play and grab a bite to eat. The whole spot is designed with kids in mind, and the spot is sure to be overrun with kids most of the time, so I *do not* recommend coming here if you don't have a wee one in tow, but if you are one of those foolhardy parents (guilty as charged) who is looking for a place to escape the cold (or heat, when the weather turns) and entertain the tots for a while...check it out!
There's a spot for stroller parking outside, and for a relatively small restaurant, lots of space for running kids inside. There are two play areas with solid wall enclosures, one for bigger kids and one for babies, and each is packed with toys. Blocks, trucks, dolls, strollers, chairs, kitchen playthings, bead mazes...that's just what I noticed my 2-year-old get his hands on. There are also cozy couches in the back (where it's a little quieter), and a bookshelf full of classics. Or, stop by the library on the way over and bring some new favorites.
The restrooms are fully equipped with padded changing pads and potty seats. I'm big on changing tables, so this definitely earns extra points, although in a place like this I'm guessing it's a no-brainer. Speaking of no-brainers, the place is incredibly breastfeeding friendly.
And food! There's a full kids' menu, with choices like grilled cheese, lentil soup, quesadilla, hummous plate, fruit salad. Kids' options are around $4. For adults, there's quiche, grilled veggie wraps, spinach waffles (I think?)...all in the $6-7 range, and come with a little salad on the side. They also serve muffins/pastries and coffee (espresso drinks, not filter, and they don't always have cream, if that matters to you). Vegetarian fare all around. The menu could be more copious, and the service was lagging (because a bowl of lentil soup for a hungry toddler shouldn't take that long), but it was clearly a one-woman operation, which I give her a lot of credit for.
One note - if you're ordering less than $7 worth of food, there's an extra fee for using the space ($2.50, I think?). It's totally worth it - your kid will love it here. Most people I saw were moms on "mommy dates," catching up with friends who also had kids, and appreciating the chance to talk without worrying about their house getting destroyed or their kids running into the street. I was flying solo (or, semi-solo, as I obviously had my toddler) and wished I'd brought a book, because he was *so* entertained by the other kids and the toys that I really could have kicked back and relaxed for a good half hour or more. If you're childless, you may not understand what a big deal that is. Or how valuable.
They have some craft activities and special events on their facebook page, but my kid's idea of crafts is eating glue, so we're not in that demographic yet, but I'm so glad I found this place - it's great!
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