The Daily Grind is an ongoing mini-feature that highlights the best cafés in Toronto for freelance editors looking for a caffeine fix and a temporary office away from home.
By Alison Kooistra
When I was 19, I lived in France for six months, and it ruined me for Canadian croissants. That is, until Delysées opened in October. Finally, authentic French croissants made with real butter—flaky outside, moist inside, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Plain is $2.45, chocolate is $2.65, and small versions are $1.25. There is also a variety of other offerings, including gourmet sandwiches and gluten-free macarons. Pastries are baked throughout the day—just wait a half hour and you can have something warm from the oven. The coffee prices are competitive: a medium brewed coffee is $1.95 and a cappuccino, latte, or chai latte will run you $3.25.
I enjoy doing work in Delysées because there is a lot of natural light. And since the background music is in French, I don’t find it distracting. As all freelancers know, sometimes you need a little motivation to get down to work—and for me, few things are more motivating than a perfect French pastry.
Wi-Fi network name: DELYSEES
Number of tables: 9
Number of power outlets: 1
780 King St. W., open Mon.–Thurs. 8 AM–8 PM, Fri.–Sat. 8 AM–9 PM, Sun. 9 AM–7 PM
Alison Kooistra is an independent editor, writer, and consultant. She currently serves as the past chair of EAC’s Toronto branch.
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