Unwind @ The Grind Cafe & Espresso Bar – Cornwall

Jun 8, 2010 by Shophaven

Earlier this month, we wrote about our visits to Cornwall and promised to share our experiences about what we saw.

For our second visit, we agreed to stop at the Grind Cafe & Espresso Bar – a new family-run cafe that has been getting positive reviews from the locals and meet with Gaye and Angela – our new Cornwall friends. 

When you first walk into the multi-level establishment, you’re taken with all the colour and artwork on the walls. On the shelves, a rich display of teas, gift baskets and decorative knickknacks pulls you into the main area. At the main floor, you’re greeted by friendly staff and a very cozy living-room style space with a fireplace and a few comfortable one seaters and chairs. The place instantly draws you in and demands that you have a sit-down and take a look at the different canvases of tulips, flowers, geometrical shapes and abstracts – all painted by local artists. The menu itself is written on the chalkboards across from the order counter, with a plethora of caffeinated drinks in their different varieties as well as teas and juices. To go with the drinks, there is a good selection of sandwiches, wraps and treats that covers most tastes and hunger levels. If you simply want to nosh on something, grab a cookie or a biscotti. If you’re looking for a light lunch, a nice Quiche or chicken wrap might do.

We ordered a couple of coffees with a blueberry scone and sat down for a chat with our friends. Our table was situated next to the large window, with views overlooking Second St. The spot was perfect for a couple of people-observers like us, and when our company shortly arrived we turned our attention from the outside of the cafe to the inside of the room. The flow of customers was steady, with people mostly stopping by and resting at the cafe. We asked the table next to us about their impressions of this new spot in Cornwall. They looked like the perfect target market: relaxed, likely discussing a book (Eat, Pray, Love was present), with several drinks and bites in front of them. One of the women happily answered us with, “if feels like you’re sitting at home”.

We found out about the internet-cafe at the lower level on our way out, so we didn’t have a chance to take advantage of the functional space and work on the spot. Upon our departure, we heard about the cafe’s grand opening, which was to take place that very same evening, and decided to perhaps return if time permits us to do so. After all, the small sampling we had during the day had us curious about some of the other items we saw on the menu – and it would be a rather nice end to a day filled with spontaneous activities.

We made it back in time just for the grand opening. The place was already buzzing with groups of people stopping by to sample the goodies and enjoying the great ambiance set by Susan and Chris Martin, the owners of the cafe. With a group of excellent wait staff and the help of their children Kay & Kyle, the attendees were  served delicious treats and drinks at a rate that exceeded a “blink of an eye”. We kept track of what we had, both in terms of drinks and food – so here was our sampled menu (and please don’t judge us harshly for the eating machines we were that day):

As you can tell, we didn’t hold back on the trying – and neither did the Martins on giving their guests ample quantities of food to taste. The quality of the products used was excellent, and the combinations offered surpassed all of our expectations. The Grind’s chef, Gabriel Asselin, kept surprising us with more treats coming out of his kitchen, with a notable artichoke-apple soup that was as refreshing as it was tasty. Trays after trays of food kept coming at us in nice arrangements and with a promise of more delights to come.

The attendees were also treated to a performance by local singer/songwriter Graham Greer, who -incidentally- will be performing at this year’s Ottawa Bluesfest on July 11th. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, from the 30+ people immediately around us to the wait staff flying through the masses.

We talked with the Martins before leaving and found out that the interior decor as well as the furniture and accessories in the cafe were all the result of their hard work. They turned some old discarded items into beautiful pieces that added a personal touch to the establishment, just in time for the launch in April of this year. Their encouragement of local artists was evident on each and every wall adorned by a visual treat, and the locals had nothing but the very best to say about the entrepreneurial family that turned a coffee-shop idea into an enviable space of tranquility, art and yummy treats.

All in all, the Martins get it. The coffee shop is no longer a place to come in, grab a decaf and run out in a hurry. That’s Starbucks’ job. And neither should the Grind compete with these quick mass-produced-mass-purchased outlets. What the city needed on its main streets is a meet-up place, with great food, a pleasant atmosphere and a spot away from home to relax and perhaps work. The internet-cafe element, if not new entirely, is still a great idea to attract the local writers, artists, students and researchers – or people like us that just need a spot to sit and write on occasion. We feel the cafe’s slogan – “Unwind @ the Grind” – is a smart way to position the cafe as the place to be, think and enjoy oneself.

We enjoyed the Grind very much, along with the great staff (a special shoutout to Laurie and Randy) and the Martins. Despite the many options we have here in Ottawa for a similar experience, we find ourselves envious of those within the immediate vicinity of the Grind. We genuinely enjoyed our experience, and will make the hour-long drive back to enjoy the cafe again. 

If you find yourself near Cornwall, ON – or just want to get away for a day and have a fair-trade cup of Joe – drop by the Grind Cafe & Espresso Bar. We promise you’ll like it.

Gallery

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Tags

• ontario
• review
• Support Local

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