Monopol Café is now open on Pape Avenue, serving up all sorts of delicious goodies and treats, alongside a hand-crafted signature line of espresso beverages.
The three brothers who own Monopol Café wanted to establish an approachable coffee shop that would be suitable for everyone. As a family-run business, it was important the café be situated in a location that would spark interest from all different kinds of people, so the Danforth neighbourhood was a perfect spot for this cozy, laid-back locale.
With couches in the back, and larger tables up front, the General Manager says, "The owners all have their own families, and wanted to create a sort of 'cozy house' for the café guests. Whether you're on a date, studying for a test or even out for lunch with your kids, we want you to come in and enjoy the café's gorgeous atmosphere, so you can make happy, long-lasting memories with us."
The café specializes in freddo cappucinos, the cold version of a regular cappucino with creamy-cool frothed milk on top, a drink commonly served in Greece and Italy. They also offer drip coffee, an array of espresso-based drinks and delectable milkshakes (with house-made ice cream).
Monopol Café's crepes are also made-in-house using a batter that doesn't contain any soda, a common element found in most batters that tend to fill you up rather quickly. Lalaj makes the batter using a simple mixture of white and brown flour, milk, eggs and a little bit of sugar, for a melt in your mouth crepe that is golden, light and oh-so fluffy.
They offer sweet and savoury options, like the Monopol Crepe (with banana, Nutella, chocolate syrup, icing sugar and your choice of ice cream), or the Beast Crepe (with ham, cheese, tomato, chicken, mushroom, spinach, onion, salt, pepper, garlic and red pepper seasoning).
The team highly recommends ordering their 6ix Crepe, made with brownies, strawberries, chocolate hazelnut and mozzarella cheese, for a crepe that is perfectly balanced with just the right combination of flavours and ingredients.
"The flavour astronomy this crepe creates in your mouth is just amazing and so unique," the General Manager says.
Waffles, brownies (with strawberries and maple syrup) and a variety of pies (like traditional spinach pie and cheese pie) are also available, including some vegan options.
Monopol Café is located at 706 Pape Avenue, and is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m daily. They plan on adding a selection of wine and beer to the menu, as well as the possibility of extending their hours, depending on the demand.
