Cosmic Treats brings vegan comfort food to Kensington

Kensington’s community of vegan restaurants (Bunner’s, Hibiscus, Grasshopper, Urban Herbivore) just grew by one. Cosmic Treats, which occupies the space vacated by Aspetta Caffé, serves savoury snacks and a few hearty mains, but the bulk of the menu is devoted to dessert. “This isn’t a kale-and-chia restaurant,” says co-owner Elliot Alexander, who runs the café with his husband, Tim Guimond. Instead of protein-packed grain bowls, chef Chris Murray sends out beer-friendly pub favourites (cheese sticks, jalapeño poppers, potato skins) and comfort food classics (lasagna, chicken pot pie). And in place of detoxifying juices: boozy milkshakes. Alcohol-free desserts include baked goods, soy frozen yogurt and cashew-based ice cream (which finds its way into banana splits and between house-made cookies and cupcakes).

Deep-fried and barbecue-sauced tofu, coated in Sweet Chili Heat Dorito crumbs. Served with a side. $11.50.

Italian (vegan) sausage with peppers on a My Market Bakery roll, served with a side salad. $11.50.

This cupcake sundae sandwiches a scoop of spiced-rum and butterscotch ripple ice cream between two chocolate cupcake halves. $5.50.

207 Augusta Ave., 647-352-2207, cosmictreats.ca, @CosmicTreats