TORONTO: A café/store for daily pleasures

Tucked into a drab stretch of Adelaide (at Portland east of Bathurst), La Merceria is a stylish burst of espresso relief and beautiful housewares in what no doubt will soon become a bustling area.

The store is a labour of love for couple from South America (she from Colombia, and he from Argentina). The front is a sunny café and espresso bar; the back holds pretty glassware, fun greeting cards, fresh-smelling bath products, linens — things that add pleasure to your daily routine, says the owner.

I sit down to a lovely Americano; Mike has a larger version and a chicken and spinach empanada.

There’s a mini cookie on the side of our coffees, compliments of the house. La Merceria is all about the little touches.

La Merceria, 506 Adelaide West, Toronto, (416) 848-0057. Open Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.