If I tell this to you, you may give me that sideway glance that's usually reserved for those odd characters standing on street corners prosthletyzing about how the world will end May 21, or you might make assumptions as to my overall character or the genuiness of my convictions..but I must confess, I have never been a consumer of coffee or any coffee flavoured products.
I couldn't take the assault on my tastebuds (memories of bad coffee from my childhood years) and in general rejected anything to do with coffee!
I was quite smug about the fact that a glass of water gave me the "buzz" that most people seem to receive from their morning cup of Joe.
I never could grasp why people seemed unable to kick their day off without that first cup of caffeine, delivered via their usual regular coffee, or an espresso , americano, macchiatio or whatever other products abound at those institutions dedicated to delivering them their steaming cup of drug.
I'm telling this to you now.. in reflection, WHY, because, this past Sunday (Mother's Day) I found myself walking past just such an institution, near Broadview and Danforth just south of the Danforth, (at 748 Broadview Avenue), suddenly overwhelmed by a sensory overload of smells and sounds so inviting, I just had to stop in !!
Not unlike Alice, who, upon finding herself in a strange & wonderous world gets confronted with a family.. a Mother, Sister & Brother happily serving up the beverages of choice and describing in detail the dessert offerings, (all home-made all looking more delicious than the next).
I just wanted a dessert, but coaxed by the Owner Saverio Cosenza, who insisted I try it with a coffee made my his secretive method - then, as he described how he has the best beans and that he could guarantee to turn me to a coffee convert with his tried and true ability at delivering fantastic beans, ground fresh and offered up with an awesome dark chocolate flavour & slightly nutty essence, for the first time in my adult life I was going to try a cup of his choice (like an optrician selecting a pair of glasses to suit my face, Saverio selected my coffee match), what was delivered was, in my estimation.. amazing!
Initially I was taken in by the smoothness of the liquid, Saverio was right his americano coffee was the beverage to win me over, the flavour was delicious, nutty & chocolatey without either flavor angrily hitting back.
His Mother then had me adding to my order, with an assortment of Italian desserts, all made the old world way with all natural ingredients - DEEELICIOUS (and all non fattening to be sure!)
I took a seat on the stool at the window and watched as so many people arrived with their mothers in tow for the free Mother's day Coffee, I witnessed Saverio's pastries disappear along with cup after cup of various coffee concoctions getting consumed, people hung around & bantered with this trio of proprietors (I only discovered later in conversation, that in fact Saverio is the sole owner !).
This spot is apparently not new but was recently bought and renovated by Saverio, who comes with great credentials, formerly Saecco Canada's Sales Co-ordinator and Showroom Manager, top that off with being known as the city's top Go-To-Guy for training top baristas across the GTA and as if that wasn't enough he is rumored to be a gifted espresso/cappuccino whisperer, he decided to make that entreprenurial leap and become his own boss.
Regulars of what was the old spot and now the newly re-energized space, all commented on how fantastic the reno looks, and how superb his Espressos and Iced Coffees were!
I also overheard them commenting how much better his drinks were than all of those other spots nearby, for food, he also offers up nuttella panini & other grilled sandwiches, grilled to perfection and selling out quickly.
Not knowing what it looked like before I found myself looking at this space and realizing that it had the feeling of an interior that was "designed" to draw on current palates, in fact, it turns out that the designer was also Saverio, great touches like a long padded bench with magazines,crystal shaded chandeliers, soft cream painted brick and really great music selections, along with newspapers and tray ottomans placed so you could be a part of the action and still be out of the way of the throngs of newcomers hitting this spot, it was easy to see the draw to Si Cafe, great views from the window stools looking out onto the bustling street outside, super friendly people working the counter, free WiFi and water, clean bathrooms and a really comfortable atmosphere.
I will likely savour a cup of coffee once or twice a week from Si Espresso, I think I have finally come around to understanding the draw to this ancient beverage..and Saverio definitely delivers cup after cup of magic to the beverage of millions.
Check them out next time you are near the Danforth, or make the trip..I promise it is worth it!!
Tel # 416-463-5550
Cash Only
