I learned about Black Rabbit Café from a tweet by Joy McCarthy, and was pleased to try this new spot in Bloor West Village only a couple days after opening. It is easy to spot as you approach because of the huge black sign they have put up with “Black Rabbit Café” emblazoned on it. It was a pure thrill to open the front door and see the commitment to goodness they are making on a huge blackboard (see picture below). They are definitely supporting the type of food system that’s good for us all.
It was a little confusing to order, but it was only their 3rd day in business and it was also very busy, which is also maybe why their display cases and shelves weren’t full enough. There are plenty of soups, and even an organic, vegan, gluten-free bean and quinoa chili, that we promptly ordered. I also treated myself to a grilled breakfast sandwich with organic egg, avocado, salsa and black beans on a multigrain bagel (they serve them until 2pm, when they stop serving their breakfast menu). We decided to only have water, because their fresh made juices aren’t all organic right now, but I will come back when it’s in season and they choose to do that since they sounded great, and Joy McCarthy created the combos. My sandwich was good under the circumstances, and the chili had a great flavour and was thoroughly enjoyed although was more of a soup than a chili.
The staff were super nice, the space is super clean, and there are plenty of tables to sit at, although with an organic menu in a busy area, I bet it’ll be hard to get space, since it’s going to be popular!
I have to specially point out, that where many organic and sustainable menus/restaurants fail, Black Rabbit Café has all their condiments organic, right down to cinnamon and cacao to shake on coffees. They also can accomodate gluten-free and vegan and vegetarian, which is obviously great, and very smart on their part.
Now only if there were cafés and restaurants that made fresh, organic food available in every neighbourhood!!! It doesn’t have to be fancy to be good!
