A recent post about “Strada 241,” that opened last week on the east side of Spadina, has garnered much interest. The cafe caught my eye because of my research into the historic “brick and beam” buildings on Spadina that date from the last century. All summer I watched as they restored the Consolidated Glass building, constructed in 1910. Then, when a cafe opened on the fist floor, it was great to see life return to the old site. The restoration is impressive, including the space where the cafe is located. It holds the promise of becoming one of the most interesting places in Toronto to “suck-in” a little caffeine, if the cappuccino I drank this morning is any indication.
Since my previous post, I have gained new information. The cafe hopes to eventually be open seven days a week, from 7 am to midnight. Free wi-fi is available.
This cafe is a welcomed addition to the neighbourhood, as after late-evening dining in the area, few places of any worth remain open late for coffee and dessert. However, it gets better. On Friday, 5 October, Strada 241 will be offering a full menu. The chef is Guy Rubino, who is in partnership with his brother Michael. Any restaurant that has the owners on the premises is usually superior as it is better able to maintain quality control. The fact that one of them is also the chef is an added bonus.
I examined their lunch menu today, and though at present it is not extensive, I was informed that they would soon be expanding the mid-day menu to include more salads and entrees. I wish this restaurant well, as it is good to see Toronto’s historic buildings recycled for modern use, rather than being demolished.
The pre-opening menu at Strada 241, that will soon be augmented
The above lunch menu at Strada 241 was for 2 October, 2012.
241 Spadina where Strada 241 is located (left) and the restored interior (right-hand photo)
Though the interior space is enormous, it is divided into areas that create cozy dining places. Coffee is served with a glass of ice water and a complementary chocolate, similar to the chic coffee houses in Buenos Aires.
The kitchen at Strada 241 is visible as diners walk to the rear of the restaurant
To view previous posts about Strada 241:
:https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/09/25/chic-new-spadina-avenue-cafe-strada-ii-iv-i-is-open/
To view posts about other historic buildings on Spadina Avenue, follow the links:
Sinfully saucy Spadina Avenue – examining the street from its beginnings at the lake, north to Bloor Street.
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/09/28/sinfully-saucy-and-diversetorontos-spadina-avenue/
The Victory Burlesque Theatre at Dundas and Spadina
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/09/08/the-sinful-victory-burlesque-theatre-at-dundas-and-spadina/
The Dragon City Mall on the southwest corner of Dundas and Spadina
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/08/25/torontos-heritage-the-southwest-corner-of-queen-and-spadina/
Buildings on the west side of Spadina a short distance north of Queen Street.
History of the site of the Mcdonalds on northwest corner of Queen and Spadina
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/08/27/mcdonalds-at-queen-and-spadina-on-an-historic-site/
The site of the Paul Magder shop at 202 Spadina
A former mansion at 235 Spadina that is now almost hidden from view.
ttps://tayloronhistory.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/torontos-architectural-gems-is-this-one-a-joke/
The Balfour Building at 119 Spadina Avenue
A historic building at Spadina and College that has disappeared from the scene
To view the Home Page for this blog: https://tayloronhistory.com/