Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood is undergoing a major, and sometimes controversial, transformation. With an influx of artsy bars, gourmet restaurants, and trendy nightspots, all that was needed was the Mascot, my favourite new cafe. Sandwiched between Wrongbar and Stones Place, the Mascot opened this spring and is clearly a welcome addition to the heart of Parkdale. Owned and operated by best friends Eddie Chan, Mike Krupica and Rico Estoy, Mascot is part café, part gallery, and will feature rotating exhibitions of work curated by the owners. While I’ve heard that Vancouver takes its coffee pretty seriously, me, I just add a little milk. A coffee connoisseur I am not (I use a Tassimo at home). Luckily Mascot also serves specialty teas (try the Big Hibiscus over ice and sweetened with agave) and amazing baked goods alongside their espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, et cetera, et cetera. My favourite part? My favourite vice: magazines! The Mascot has a carefully selected magazine rack, featuring only the best in international fashion, art, and current affairs magazines. I couldn’t resist the Summer 2010 edition of V with ScarJo in YSL on the cover, or the pound cake.

The Mascot is located at 1267 Queen Street West in Toronto.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto