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| - This is a fantastic addition to the waterfront area, which just opening this summer next to the Walter Carsen Centre for the National Ballet of Canada. Amidst Starbucks, Second Cup, Coffee Time and Williams Coffee Pub, Music Garden Cafe is a breath of fresh air and the kind of place that actually makes you slow down for a moment rather than just grab and dash.
Owner, Elsa is chatty and warm. She listens patiently as the woman in front of me tells her how she just got in a car accident on her birthday (and she later brings this woman a slice of chocolate cake - "for the birthday girl") and after I take my first sip of a blissful chai latte ($3.50) asks me if it's hot enough.
The place is quite small, with a mix of arm chairs, sofas, and stools at the window looking out on the lake and the Toronto Music Garden. The space is pretty, with mini chandeliers and orchids. There are a few patio tables on Queens Quay, even in November! There are lots of magazines to flip through. One of the other staff plays the guitar from time to time. Otherwise the iPod plays an eclectic mix of Elliot Smith, Norah Jones, and world music.
I didn't try any of the food items, although they were making some grilled sandwiches that smelled delicious! They have daily specials, salads, soups, and lots of pastries including Portuguese egg tarts.
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