Across the road from Value Village, on the corner of Herald and Store, there sits a pale blue stucco building beautifully painted with forest murals. In it resides a hidden gem: Grindstone Cafe.
I frequent this neighbourhood to collect art supplies and drink bubble tea, so I’ve recently discovered the quiet but vibrant atmosphere in Grindstone to be a breath of fresh air compared to the rush of the world surrounding it.
On this particular visit, I was greeted by a nice young woman, and I ordered the Chicken Apple Blue Cheese sandwich and a 12-ounce iced latte. $21 before tax and tip, which I found fairly reasonable for the quality of food and beverage I received.
The man working the kitchen started preparing my meal, while the woman made the latte. Both were ready within minutes.
The sandwich was superb, with fresh roasted chicken, sweet apple, tangy blue cheese, and creamy garlic butter all coming together to create a harmonious flavour profile between the soft yet springy ciabatta buns.
I only got a few sips of the iced coffee as it was intended for my partner, but it was enough to taste the rich boldness of the fresh beans that they source from around the world. I can’t recommend enough giving any one of their coffee-based beverages a try.
They don’t only serve sandwiches and coffee, though. There are other cafe staples such as soups, salads, cold entrees and snacks, and teas. Gluten-free options are also available.
Now, the pièce de résistance: students (and seniors) get a 10-percent discount every day. Unfortunately I only saw the sign after I had ordered, but the woman working the counter assured me that I would get the discount the next time I visited.
Grindstone—which also offers catering services—was established in 1990, and has definitely cemented itself as an integral part of the community. It’s understandable why this cozy cafe has stood the test of time, even when many of our other beloved local restaurants and venues have had to shut their doors or sell to bigger corporations in recent years.
It’s so important, now more than ever, to shop locally and visit small businesses such as this one. We are losing community and diversity in our business ecosystem. By giving our hard-earned money to those who in turn give back, we can restore the vibrant culture, not just around food, but also around our relationships to where we live, grow, and play.
So whether it’s Grindstone or some hole-in-the-wall boutique that sells only the finest recycled cotton clothing you can find (if you know of a store like this, please send the info my way), be sure to give them your support, give them your business, and show them your appreciation for the work they do for their communities.