Introducing: Smock Café, the new Roncesvalles spot for coffee, kids and crafting
Smock on opening weekend (Image: Yves Freypons)
One day prior to its opening a couple weeks back, a mosaic of pint-sized hand and nose prints adorned the glass front of Smock, Ronvesvalles’ new tot-focused café. “It’s like the kids knew this was going to be a space for them,” says owner Sara Wood. While child-friendly cafés aren’t new to Toronto (Lil’Bean N’ Green, Playful Grounds ), Smock takes the concept even further: there’s no charge for kids to play with the toys, but should parents want some downtime to gab and sip espresso, they can ship the kids off to the craft corner, where, for $8, a facilitator will make sure they’re occupied. For those interested in more than a drop-in craft session, Smock is also offering summer courses in things like print-making (for 4- to 7-year-olds) and Campanimation, a chance for 8- to 11-year-olds to make their own short stop-motion films.
The doggy-and-stroller crowd has been swarming the new café like moths to a flame. With a reading nook, loads of toys, decoupage tables, a Lego-covered bulkhead, a craft corner and an apothecary-inspired craft repository complete with a rolling ladder, it’s no surprise that the local kids are drawn to the space. Indeed, even adults are not immune to the sort of unbridled enthusiasm that the sight of a good marble run can bring on. Other details, such as the fantastic mid-century Argentinean sink or the washroom art installations (hanging paper airplanes made from maps, a spiral of origami-paper butterflies bursting from a jar), only heighten the kid-fuelled sense of whimsy.
The marriage of art and food was a natural one for Wood, who comes from a background that marries the two. She studied at the National Ballet School and at George Brown’s theatre program before opening her own catering company, Les Louises, with her sister and best friend. She sold her share of the catering company when she had her daughter, Adelaide, which is around the time she dreamed up Smock. Being the mother of a four-year-old, Wood knows all too well how picky kids can be, which is why the kids menu ($4.50) has a long list of options (carrots, chickpeas, avocado, blueberries) from which kids can decide on their own favourite three. For the adults, Wood is planning on a daily menu that will feature in-season organic options. On their opening weekend they were serving sandwiches with brie and salami, and cheddar sandwiches with a side of roasted pepper and coconut soup ($11 for a combo). Currently, Wood is in the throes of applying for a liquor license; local parents have their fingers crossed.
141377 (Image: Yves Freypons) It took two-and-a-half months to transform the Polish gift shop, which occupied the space for 35 years Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock_intro.jpg 656 438 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock_intro/ jun12smock_intro 0 0
It took two-and-a-half months to transform the Polish gift shop, which occupied the space for 35 years
141379 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock2.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock2/ jun12smock2 0 0
141380 (Image: Yves Freypons) Wood worked with designers Courtney Wotherspoon of Spoon Studio and Sarah Keenleyside on the space Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock2B-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock2B.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock2B.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock2b/ jun12smock2b 0 0
Wood worked with designers Courtney Wotherspoon of Spoon Studio and Sarah Keenleyside on the space
141381 (Image: Yves Freypons) This glass front fills up with little handprints pretty quickly Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock2C-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock2C.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock2C.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock2c/ jun12smock2c 0 0
This glass front fills up with little handprints pretty quickly
141383 (Image: Yves Freypons) Sara Wood with her daughter Adelaide Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock4.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock4/ jun12smock4 0 0
Sara Wood with her daughter Adelaide
141384 (Image: Yves Freypons) These lights are made from Ikea bowls that they drilled a hole through Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock5.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock5/ jun12smock5 0 0
These lights are made from Ikea bowls that they drilled a hole through
141411 (Image: Yves Freypons) These fishbowl lights with Edison bulbs are from West Elm Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock31-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock31.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock31.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock31/ jun12smock31 0 0
These fishbowl lights with Edison bulbs are from West Elm
141385 (Image: Yves Freypons) The kitchen is sectioned off with repurposed barn board that is covered in numerous coats of high-gloss paint Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock6.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock6/ jun12smock6 0 0
The kitchen is sectioned off with repurposed barn board that is covered in numerous coats of high-gloss paint
141387 (Image: Yves Freypons) The base cost for the crafting is $8, but for older kids there are more premium crafts available at a sliding price depending on the material Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock7.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock7/ jun12smock7 0 0
The base cost for the crafting is $8, but for older kids there are more premium crafts available at a sliding price depending on the material
141388 (Image: Yves Freypons) One busy worker Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock8.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock8/ jun12smock8 0 0
One busy worker
141389 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock9.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock9/ jun12smock9 0 0
141390 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock10.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock10/ jun12smock10 0 0
141391 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock11.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock11/ jun12smock11 0 0
141392 (Image: Yves Freypons) Wonder workboxes: crafting kits that can be assembled in the café, at home or even in High Park. The wonder workboxes come complete with everything one needs (like brushes, scissors and glue) to make, for example, a set of nestling dolls or a playful mobile Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock12.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock12/ jun12smock12 0 0
Wonder workboxes: crafting kits that can be assembled in the café, at home or even in High Park. The wonder workboxes come complete with everything one needs (like brushes, scissors and glue) to make, for example, a set of nestling dolls or a playful mobile
141393 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock13.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock13/ jun12smock13 0 0
141394 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock14/ jun12smock14 0 0
141395 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock15.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock15/ jun12smock15 0 0
141396 (Image: Yves Freypons) The washroom is decorated with paper airplanes on strings Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock16.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock16/ jun12smock16 0 0
The washroom is decorated with paper airplanes on strings
141397 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock17.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock17/ jun12smock17 0 0
141398 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock18/ jun12smock18 0 0
141399 (Image: Yves Freypons) A reading nook Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock19.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock19/ jun12smock19 0 0
A reading nook
141400 (Image: Yves Freypons) The marble run Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock20.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock20/ jun12smock20 0 0
The marble run
141401 (Image: Yves Freypons) The menu on opening weekend (very much subject to change) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock21.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock21/ jun12smock21 0 0
The menu on opening weekend (very much subject to change)
141402 (Image: Yves Freypons) Instructional table tops Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock22.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock22/ jun12smock22 0 0
Instructional table tops
141403 (Image: Yves Freypons) These chairs are made from repurposed tractor seats. “Kids love riding tractors!” Wood told us Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock23.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock23/ jun12smock23 0 0
These chairs are made from repurposed tractor seats. “Kids love riding tractors!” Wood told us
141404 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock24.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock24/ jun12smock24 0 0
141405 (Image: Yves Freypons) Brie and salami sandwich with side salad ($11) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock25.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock25/ jun12smock25 0 0
Brie and salami sandwich with side salad ($11)
141407 (Image: Yves Freypons) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock27.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock27/ jun12smock27 0 0
141408 (Image: Yves Freypons) Quinoa salad with beets, watercress, goat cheese and toasted almonds (salad plate, $9 for three choices) Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock28-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock28.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock28.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock28/ jun12smock28 0 0
Quinoa salad with beets, watercress, goat cheese and toasted almonds (salad plate, $9 for three choices)
141409 (Image: Yves Freypons) Water with mint and cucumber Introducing: Smock https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock29-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock29.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jun12Smock29.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-smock/slide/jun12smock29/ jun12smock29 0 0
Water with mint and cucumber
Smock Café, 287 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-530-0888, smockcafe.com
i guess this is the total gentrification of my neighborhood and time to look elsewhere for new digs. with the increasing number of douchy coffee shops for those people who can reproduce, not bother to shave, leave their dogs tied up to trees while having coffee and not realizing that their double wide strollers have to share the sidewalk with the rest of the world…but the charm of what was roncesvalles is becoming tarnished as this neighborhood went from polish to gay/urban professional to whatever it seems to becoming now
this looks like a great idea and fun for parents and kids alike…
Having been to Smock’s opening party I was in awe of the detail of design, deliciousness of the food and wonderful programming available. I think this is a wonderful addition to the neighbourhood! It’s such a happy place, and how can anyone hate on happy?! Congratulations.
Going to check it out! Hope they have Gluten Free options..
Delicious food and a beautiful space! I was born and raised in this neighbourhood and every generation of kids were always embraced. Great place.
I went here with my kids at 9:30 one morning. it was packed with yelling kids. i felt like i was at yet another playgroup, and wished i had my coffee at home. at least then i’d only be subjected to my 2 kids yelling and not 35.
We ♥ Roncy. We’re a non-profit workshop space for kids in Roncesvalles.
We offer hands-on after school programs, open shops for kids, teens and
adults, workshops, Minecraft programs and birthday parties for adults
and kids based on 3D printing, electronics, woodworking, programming,
sewing, crafting and making of all kinds! http://www.makerkids.ca