Cafe Our Hours
Cafe Our Hours is serving up nostalgia on their menu, in a space that opened in The Village just north of Church and Wellesley.
"Having a great time with great people is the most valuable thing in our lives" says owner Steven, who left behind his corporate lifestyle after feeling uninspired by superficial goods and pursued Asian-inspired cafe culture instead.
"What lasts really long? Memories. That's why I named the cafe Our Hours," Steven explained to blogTO.
The delightful and simplistic Church Street spot is indeed an excellent place to spend your passing hours.
Decorated with minimalist furniture, thriving plants, and antique knick-knacks hand-picked and dropped off by Steven's mother herself, the self-titled 'dessert cafe' has a soothing ambiance that feels straight out of Japan or Korea, as Steven had hoped.
When it comes to the food offerings, Steven's Korean heritage and Japanese-influenced childhood continue to inspire.
You will find only delicious sweets on the menu here, baked every morning single-handedly by Steven – who impressively learned everything he knows about both baking and coffee culture entirely from YouTube.
Flaky croissants filled with whipped cream in seasonal flavours such as Strawberry, Mixed Berry, and Oreo Cookie ($5.50) pair perfectly with a Cafe Latte ($4.50), only offered in a dark roasted bean to ensure a seamless balance of bitter and sweetness with every bite.
Decadently stuffed cookies are available in tempting flavours such as Tiramisu, Raspberry White Chocolate Cheese, and Oreo Marshmallow ($3.75); Graham cracker bear cookies decorate the baked goods in a nod to Steven's fondness for his childhood and past time.
The packed treats can be washed down with a summertime drink, such as the Spritzy Americano ($5.25) – a delicious mix of sweet orange juice, bright tonic water, and rich espresso – or one of the many Sparkling Refreshers ($5.00).
Inspired by the Italian sodas Steven drank as a child in Korea, these bubbly drinks feature syrups made in-house, and come in seasonally rotating flavours.
Cafe Our Hours is located at 557 Church St.
Fareen Karim