Moonbean Coffee, 30 St Andrew Street, TorontoAn unassuming little place nestled between Chinatown and Kensington market, Moonbean Coffee Company is not to be missed. At Moonbean you’ll find a crowded, colorful scene of people gathered around small wooden tables in two basic, undecorated rooms. In the warmer months two patios open up, one in the front and one in the back. The patronage is made up of your typical Kensington crowd in which there’s a little bit of everyone represented and no one in particular stands out. Moonbean has an entire wall of fair-trade, organic coffee beans & organic loose-leaf teas to choose from. The extensive drink menu is written out over a few blackboards on the wall. For the traditionalist there’s the usual café line-up of cappuccinos, lattes, espressos and teas. The juice bar offers an array of healthy, colorful concoctions with names to match such as the Green Dragon and the Little Red Riding Hood. There’s also a smoothie menu where you can take your pick or create-your-own with rice milk, soy and yogurt options. For lunch there are samosas, soups, sandwiches, and daily specials. There is also a tempting array of muffins, pastries, biscotti, pies & cheesecakes on display. Organic vegan treats on offer include date loaf, banana bread and carob spelt cookies. On a cold winter day try the Winter Soother, a hot lemonade with ginger and honey. In warmer weather the frozen drinks all sound adorably tempting: there’s hugs & kisses, key lime pie, chocolate monkey and peppermint patty to name a few. Hot chocolates topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle and colored sprinkles will delight old and young alike. And if you’re feeling sleep-deprived, the giant triple-shot Hercu-latte will cost you about five bucks with tax, but when you’re in need of a major pick-me-up it will surely do the trick.

Review by: Courtney Murphy

Posted: Tuesday, July 01, 2008