Cafe Taste

Ericka and I visited Cafe Taste for the first time about a month back. We'd walked past this little gem in Parkdale any number of times. We'd even stopped to check out the menu. But we'd never gone in. Then, one Wednesday night we decided to go in for dessert. We ordered a chocolate tray with cakes and fruit, sipped port, all the while listening to a performance from local musician Gregory Dominato. Snuggling into a cozy corner together, listening to the music, we found ourselves lost in the warm, welcoming atmosphere. When Jeremy came by, we engaged in various conversations about wine, about organics, the importance of green practices, and about good food. We talked about consumer culture and the importance of changing our attitudes towards the earth that sustains us. Keenly aware of the earth's constant degradation and turmoil, it's not surprising to see the cafe's Green Policy on its website: "Our green policies include a commitment to eco-friendly, fair trade coffee, and promoting a non-throwaway customer culture. We do not provide disposable take-out containers, and take-out coffee goes in a travel mug - a gift from Cafe Taste." What other restaurant owner is so concerned with the state of the earth that he would rather give away travel mugs than see another styrofoam cup in a landfill? I haven't heard of any. If only more restauranteurs would be so conscious of their impact, and that of their customers upon the earth. If only we would reduce our earth-breaking practices, and refuse to use disposables. Even with this insistence upon high quality food, and reusable containers, the prices are extremely affordable. Even Jeremy's monthly wine tastings are $40, including several glasses of wine, cheese, and spirited histories of the regions and wines being discussed. If you haven't gone, you must. This is one of my favourite features of our new neighbourhood, and I can't wait to go back...