Toronto Here I Come! Leave town to get inspired. Even stay in town and go hang out at a coffee shop to do some writing.
Embarking on a journey to Toronto wasn’t just about escaping the familiar; it was about plunging into a whirlpool of new energies, spaces, and flavors that promised to jolt my creative spirit back to life. Toronto’s cafes, far from the tranquil havens I had known, were pulsating with life, each one a universe of activity, conversation, and culinary excellence.
It was the allure of these bustling environments, the promise of exceptional lattes crafted to perfection, wines that whispered tales of distant vineyards, and cocktails mixed with an artist’s precision, that beckoned. And then there was the food—each bite a masterpiece, a testament to the city’s culinary diversity and excellence.
This weekend was to be more than a mere change of scenery; it was a deep dive into the vibrant heart of Toronto, where every cafe door opened to a new realm of inspiration. Surrounded by the energy of the city, the creativity of its people, and the unmatched quality of its cafes, I found not just a space to work, but a place to live in the moment, to soak in the environment and let the unique fusion of city, cafe, and culture infuse new life into my work.
The Allure of a New Workspace:
There’s something profoundly invigorating about finding a spot in a café in an unfamiliar city. It’s more than just the novelty; it’s the feeling of anonymity and yet connection, of being alone in a crowd.
Toronto, known for its warm, welcoming vibe and a rich tapestry of cultures, offers an eclectic mix of such spaces where one can blend in and yet stand apart. Each café here is a microcosm of the city itself—diverse, vibrant, and buzzing with life. It’s in these spaces, amidst the clatter of cups and the murmurs of conversation, that my mind finds its freedom.
Freed from the familiar distractions of home, each café becomes a sanctuary for creativity, where ideas that seemed stagnant at home begin to flow with newfound vigor.
Why Toronto’s Cafés?
Choosing Toronto wasn’t just about the change of scenery; it was about diving into a cultural melting pot, where every street and every café has its own rhythm and narrative. In Toronto, each café I stepped into was a different chapter of the same story, offering new characters, inspirations, and backdrops for my work. From the rustic charm of artisan coffee shops to the elegant quiet of hotel lobbies repurposed as workspaces, Toronto’s cafes are more than just places to sip coffee—they are havens for creatives seeking to break free from the monotony of their daily environments. It’s here, among the city’s eclectic mix of work-friendly cafes, that I found the inspiration not just to work, but to create, to dream, and to explore the endless possibilities that lie between the lines of my work.
The Transformational Power of New Environments:
Immersing oneself in the bustling life of a city like Toronto and its myriad of cafes can dramatically transform one’s creative energy. The sheer act of observing life unfold as you sip on a meticulously crafted latte can spark new ideas, perspectives, and even solutions to creative blocks that seemed insurmountable. Each moment spent in these cafes, each snippet of conversation overheard, adds layers to one’s thoughts, enriching them, making them more complex and yet more clear. This weekend in Toronto wasn’t just a getaway; it was a journey into the heart of creativity, facilitated by the city and its cafes that welcomed me with open arms and a hot cup of coffee.
I wish to inspire you to try new places to write; whether in your hometown, a nearby town, or a weekend getaway in a new town. It brings about a fresh energy and fresh perspective. Getting away is glorious because you are freed from all of the normal distractions and domestic duties calling you like a siren from your desk.
This was the 2nd Author’s Summit of Toronto I have been to this year with a group of likeminded writers wanting to get away and seek new inspirations and put our heads down and write the day and night away until our fingers could type no more.
HERE ARE A FEW OF THE STANDOUT CAFES WE VISITED THIS WEEKEND.
TWILIGHT CAFE TORONTO
We stumbled upon an intriguing café in Toronto, a haven for board game enthusiasts and a multicultural mecca teeming with university students diving into every imaginable game, from Battleship and Mahjong to classic Monopoly. This lively and fun café captivated us with its cool, modern aesthetic, vibrant with neon lights.
During our five-day Toronto adventure, we liked it so much we visited it twice. We loved their menu, which was a crazy collection of items from mushroom truffle oil pasta, delectable burgers, tiramisu, omelets, squid balls, and indulgent loaded French fries. The beverage selection was equally impressive, offering everything from expertly crafted lattes and bubble teas to unique mixed drinks like the signature Purple Lady and the most exquisite affogato we’ve ever experienced.
We loved that they were open long hours: each day opening at 11:30 am and closing at 1:00 am on weekdays and 1:30 am on weekends. There is a $6 per person for 2 hours fee for game play that we happily paid.
252 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1V8
416-815-2233
https://www.instagram.com/twilightboardgamecafe
(left photo)
ACE HOTEL TORONTO
The Ace Hotel Toronto is designed as a vibrant and dynamic space that sits at the intersection of diverse influences and cultural experiences. It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s a hub for creative minds and a celebration of community. With various room options that cater to different preferences and needs, the hotel ensures comfort and inspiration for its guests. Its culinary offerings, from the craft cocktails in the suspended Lobby to the refined simplicity at Alder and the rooftop revelry at Evangeline, promise world-class dining and drinking experiences. Each aspect of the hotel is crafted to enrich your stay, making it a memorable part of your Toronto adventure.
“Ace Hotel Toronto reflects the city’s past through a prismatic and future-facing vantage — preserving its layered legacies and adding texture with considered design and feeling. Intentionally crafted as a civic space, the hotel stands both in homage to and in dialogue with the neighborhood it inhabits.” (from their website)
Stepping into the hotel, one is immediately struck by its dynamic and energetic architecture and design—a visual symphony that commands attention. The lobby is a masterclass in vibrant urban chic, with chairs, couches, and small side tables cleverly arranged into inviting pod-like clusters.
Surrounded by a continuous stream of activity and even the occasional friendly presence of people’s dogs, my friends and I found ourselves amidst this pulsating energy, laptops open but often distracted by the charming tableau of life unfolding around us. The hotel lobby is made of up chairs and couches arrange in three communal pods. It was a celebration of community and urban life; a perfect backdrop for creativity to flourish.
The lattes here are nothing short of a masterpiece – smooth, rich, and crowned with intricate latte art that hints at the barista’s flair for creativity. My first was adorned with a whimsical seahorse, the second a meticulous arrangement of leaves – each sip a testament to their craft. Accompanying this caffeinated bliss was their Smoked Salmon Flatbread, a harmonious blend of herb cream cheese, cucumber, caper, and shallot that danced on the palate, perfectly balancing smoky and fresh notes.
Regrettably, I was unaware of their Sunday brunch offering by the Adler; their in-house open air restaurant located below the lobby. Next time I am in town, we for sure are going to their brunch. We did get a bonus special treat; they had live music with a lovely female vocalists strumming melodies from her acoustic guitar floating up to us peacefully in the background.
Side Note: Designers Byron and Dexter of Goodee gave the Ace Hotel their stunning and spectacular design makeover and they can be found at http://www.instagram.com/goodeeworld and http://ww.instgram.com/byronandexeterpeart.
51 Camden Street, Toronto, Ontario
416-637-1200
https://www.instagram.com/acehoteltoronto
(middle photo)
SUD FORNO TORONTO
Sud Forno on Queen Street, nestled beside Terroni Queen, began its journey focused on crafting artisanal bread, such as sourdough, for both Terroni guests and retail shoppers. The 2021 expansion ushered in an enriched menu featuring a plethora of Italian delights, from the stretchy pizza stirata and hearty paninis to fresh salads and sweet pastries, complemented by a curated selection of wines, cured meats, cheeses, and meals ready to take home.
Amidst the lively buzz, Sud Forno balances the casual café vibe downstairs with an elegant full-service restaurant upstairs, catering to all moments of Italian dining indulgence.
The bakery and café area invites visitors into a slice of Italy from the streets of Toronto, as you’re wrapped in an authentic Italian ambiance from the moment you enter. You can grab one of their many delicious food or beverage options. You can enjoy them to-go, or at the bar, or booths, or one of several long communal tables.
The dedicated counters for pizza, panini, salads, and desserts offer a culinary tour through Italy’s flavors, with their fresh-made cannoli being a sought-after treasure. I made the mistake of not getting one of their famous cannolis at my first round, and when I went back later, they were all sadly sold out! Next time, my friends!
716 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1E8
416-504-7667
https://www.terroni.com/locations/sud-forno-queen
https://www.instagram.com/sudforno
(right photo)
KISMET BOOK CLUB: For Readers and Writers 