The Rustic Owl. A small cafe with great expectations and plenty of room for growth. A place where people go to grab a bite to eat, a nice warm drink, and enjoy the atmosphere of calmness, good conversation, and relaxation. Surrounded by the artwork of local artists, the feel of expression, one could easily find it an inspiring place for creativity. Perhaps, in the future, writers and artists will look back at their time, sitting in the wooden chairs, absorbing the rustic vibe of a place that served them their caffeine, giving them the energy to produce amazing pieces. Perhaps it will not only inspire the creative people, but create a place for anyone to come and be at home.
It is a place that takes you away from your busy life; a small home that puts you at ease, in the quietness of the country, and allows you to revel in the silence so desired in a noisy and constant city like Toronto. It is an escape.
The workers go about their business, filling orders, creating great treats and meals with a smile on their face. Their warmth allowing for a wonderful experience, as if the stress of the job never occurred to them. The kind smiles as they get your order makes you feel welcomed and at home. A wonderful difference from places like Tim Hortons and McDonalds, whose sole purpose is to get customers in and out as quickly as possible. Sure you could get your coffee, tea, and food to go, but why not sit down and relax, even if it’s just for a few minutes?
Their coffee is wonderfully unique, with aromas and flavours akin to coffee drinkers alike. Their teas are varied and allow for a selection for even the pickiest tea drinkers. A display sits attached to the counter full of delicious baked goods from cookies, to croissants, to muffins. Their baked goods alone can appeal to most dietary needs, allowing options for vegans and allergies to be accounted for. It’s not just the baked goods that could bring any one person into this authentically unique place in a city full of chain cafes, it’s the food. The Rustic Owl allows for decisions to be made from sandwiches and salads, to even a brunch menu – a rather unique and seductive offer in this cafe.
All around me, sitting in chairs, are people talking, smiles on their faces, wild hand gestures, and in depth conversations. Slight touches of the hands between new lovers, and a smile with softened eyes between couples who have spent years together. Friends regale others with their stories and their adventures; their lives made for entertainment and excitement among their group. Others, who are re-connecting, update each other on their lives, not quite as animated, but just as happy to see an old friend. Employees and co-workers come in, some order, some stay and chat, trying to get away from their busy work day if only for the duration of their coffee and lunch run. Tourists slip into the cafe expecting something different but are happy and relieved that it’s not another Starbucks, that the food here is fresh and delicious, and that it’s not like any other chain cafe. It’s that secret place that they can tell their friends about and recommend to go to if they’re ever in the city.
It’s a home away from home, with excellent food, fresh coffee and tea, and prices that can appease just about anyone. The atmosphere creates a place to be, to hang out, to see friends, co-workers, and lovers. A place with a rustic vibe from their local artists, to their wooden chairs and tables, to the old typewriter that sits near the entrance. It is a place that you’ll find yourself going back to over and over again.
Rachel Sparling 