Taloola's is an anomaly - it offers what no other cafe or venue does in Windsor! It's a whimsical escape: you are enveloped with a warm feeling as you creak on the weathered hard wood floors and take in the eclectic and enigmatic decor that literally covers every inch of the place. Then you are met with an oversized map of the world taking up most of the north wall, surrounded by artistic and mismatched chairs, cups and nickknacks. From the feminist art in the washrooms to the shelf of books and games, Taloola's participates in and celebrates in the Do-It-Yourself ethic and DIY subculture.
As I sit and read with a matcha beverage or have a tea and some good conversation with a friend, the afternoon sun shines through the West-facing window wall and creates a nice warm temperature. Cozy in the winter, airy in the summer and perfect for a spring or fall cafe retreat, Taloola's is a place that is an open space in multiple senses. As a vegetarian, feminist and supported of vintage and DIY culture, this place is a goldmine of welcomeness.
But it doesn't matter who you are, anyone can enjoy! Whether its over a soy late or the usual unexpected recipe for the soup of the day, sitting at Taloola's you are likely to realize that this cafe is to be taken advantage of as an all-seasons-must! The experience of eating, socializing, listening to music or studying there and meeting for tea are a few examples of how I enjoy loads of time there. Follow the trail with your bike and chill on the patio in the summertime or relax inside for a lowkey atmosphere. The small and friendly staff maintains excellent though casual service - remember to grab your own cutlery and napkins!
Drink Favourites:
As for coffee, Organic Fair Trade Dark Roast please! The Cairo Cocoa (with clove, ginger or cinnamon) for $3.25 is a wonderful warming winter treat. I also love the Masala Smoothie with almond milk. They also make what I've heard described as the best macciato's in the city for $2.25. Oh and the White Peach loose-leaf tea in the summertime should definitely be be sampled!Food Favourites:
The Veggie Loola (a signature item that is all its cracked up to be) is a sure staple while I also really enjoy the Organic Peanut Butter and Organic Carrot "Toastie" sandwich with added organic hemp seeds for only $0.50. Any of the salads and other sandwiches are experiences in themselves and for meat eaters, a popular choice seems to be the deli-meat Roberto Panini! A variety of fresh desert and loose leaf teas are always available. The menu is extensive and diverse including probably the best selection of vegan/vegetarian, gluten and sugar free options available in Windsor.Special features include Tea Rituals on Tuesdays from 4-7pm and weekly indie-folk-music that makes for an enjoyable Saturday evening. Aswell as charity initiatives, various seasonal treats and activites keep the venue fresh. For example, right now there are DIY creations for sale - arts and crafty flowers decorate the cafe front while hand made mini windmills dance lazily in the breeze. Come utilize this venue you may not have known was available to you in Windsor. Come back again and again and again as most customers do!
Taloola Cafe 396 Devonshire Road
Olde Walkerville, Windsor
519 - 254 - 6652
Tues - Fri Open 7:30 - 10 pm
Sat - 8:30 - 11pm
Sun - 10 - 4pm
www.taloolacafe.com
That looks lovely. I wish I were closer so I could go!
ReplyDeleteCheers
it is lovely! I forgot to mention that they also have raw food nights put on by www.nudefood.net! Tickets for these "Fresh Fusion" events can be purchased at the cafe. I will write more about it when I blog about the raw food revolution soon! Will most probably be researching and linking to your blog :)
ReplyDeleteHad lunch here with friends a while back and was totally impressed.
ReplyDeleteHey Nicole, here's that recipe
ReplyDeleteIf you do try it, hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Onion Bhaji
Prep time: 20 min. Cook time: 15 min.
Makes 25-30
¾ c. besan (chickpea flour)
½ c. plain flour
1½ tsp. bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp. chili powder
1 egg, lightly beaten
1¼ c. water
4 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
Oil, for shallow-frying
1. Sift flours, bicarbonate of soda and chili powder into bowl. Make well in centre, add the combined egg and water and stir to make smooth creamy batter, adding a little more water as necessary. Add onion and garlic and mix well.
2. Heat oil, about ½ inch deep, in wide flat pan. Drop in tablespoons of the mixture and press into patties. Fry the bhaji on both sides and cook through, drain on paper towels. Serve hot with chili sauce or mango chutney,
For milder taste use sweet paprika instead of chili powder.
Recipe taken from The Essential Asian Cookbook
THANKYOU SO MUCH! I cant wait to try this out as soon as exams are over :)
ReplyDelete