Yep, I dig this joint 100%! Made a snap decision to meet a friend for coffee on Sunday as it was one of the only places local to us both that was open later on a Sunday that wasn't a Starbucks or Timmies. I should add that this spot is anything BUT those two mentioned.
I walked in and immediately heard a mix of South American music peppered with the light banter of spanish spoken by S.American tongues. This seems to be a hang out spot for a mix of the Queen W/Ossington crowd and South American ex-pats living in Toronto. So much culture! Love it!
My friend got a capuccino, but upon asking what the signature drink was that everyone was enjoying (Yerba Mate) the cashier explained exactly what it was (similar to a green tea) what it would taste like and how exactly to enjoy it. Eager to check the box on my "try something new for the day" list I went with it (and tossed on an beef Empanada for good measure).
The loose leaves of the Yerba Mate at first produce a somewhat bitter/strong tea like beverage (thank god for that metal straw with the filter on it), served in a hollow wooden cup. You're given additional Yerba Mate on the side, as well as sugar and a thermos of hot water. You essentially can sit there and douse your Mate all day with fresh hot water and sugar OR dump your cup and start again. my suggestion, keep the same Mate as the flavours really mellow out and get more enjoyable with each cup.
The empanada was very delicately prepared, paper thin (but strong) crust, enveloping a sizable pocked of ground beef, perfectly seasoned. Perfect side snack!
This was one first that I'm thrilled to have tried, and something I can see myself returning for time and time again!