Taloola Cafe, Windsor, ON

The first time I went into Taloola, which was shortly after moving to Windsor in 2007, I probably spent an hour just gazing around me…at the ruby red chairs, at the deep scarlet Victorian lampshade, at the Victorian chandelier with rainbow beaded fringe, at the bare-breasted ship’s figurehead mounted on the exposed interior brick wall, at the woven area rugs, at the inlaid tables. Oh, my, it’s a feast for the eyes.  Think Moulin Rouge meets Seattle smoothie bar.

Since that time, this Bohemian oasis has become my default stop when I feel like sitting and reading the paper after work while nursing a masala chai latte or pot of Earl Grey. It’s the kind of place where people meet for food or a relaxed game of chess while others sit by themselves reading. On the weekends there is live music.

The menu is no less dazzling than the decor. When you first come in, you can choose the soup, stew and/or sandwich of the day from the little blackboards hanging by the wicket. In the dessert case you will find many gluten-free choices as well as some vegan fare. Opening up the menu, you’ll find their selection includes such things as:

• raw juices (beet, spinach, celery, ginger, apple)
• exotic smoothies, such as the Masala (date syrup, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger) or the Figlioni (yogurt, milk, fig puree, pecans and pure vanilla extract)
• vegan salad dressings
• organic flavour syrups
• buckwheat crepes with mascarpone, basil pesto and/or savoury jelly

The quality and freshness of Taloola’s offerings are consistently excellent as is the service. I especially like the way the chef plates the sandwiches with a beautiful side of raw vegetables and a squirt of mystery dressing that makes me want to lick the plate. How much do I need to bribe someone to get the recipe?

The owner has recently made the cafe wheelchair accessible; call ahead and staff will put the ramp out.

For Taloola Cafe’s hours, address and more info, visit their website: http://www.taloolacafe.com/

Cheers!

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