Commonality

The stretch of College on either side of Dufferin is forlornly unhip for the 10 years I've lived in the area. Dominated by a convenience store on the corner, the remaining businesses are local Vietnamese or Portuguese. However, if it ever became trendy, I would point to the coffee shop The Common as the beginning.

When this little cafe replaced an old business here, I didn't give it much of a chance. But perhaps because of word of mouth, good coffee (never been inside as I don't drink coffee), or the influx of hipsters and 20-something to the area, it became quite popular. There are always numerous people inside, usually surfing on their laptop, and hanging outside. I figure that the cafe has officially "arrived" for 3 reasons. One, "The Common" is starting to show up on Craigslist's missed connections and as a meeting spot (frequently overheard at the local Y: "Let's meet up at The Common".) Two, people actually drive there to get coffee. Perhaps they are in the neighbourhood but in a rush or on their way somewhere else. Nevertheless, considering that within a 30 second drive, there are 2 Tim Hortons, a Second Cup, and a Starbucks nearby (as well as that convenience store), they do have other choices. Finally, a bike shop opened next door. So what? Well, a fair number of patrons arrive at the cafe on fancy race bikes with the full paraphernalia (e.g., tight spandex with bright logos, bike shoes with clip, and so on), others come with their cute fixies and trendy old-timey bikes. In other words, I'm certain the bike shop opened at that location because of The Common. If trendier businesses start to replace the local ones and the area gentrifies, I will claim that it was The Common that created the beach-head.

Contrast this to Arabesque, which predates The Common by about 2 years, and sits kitty-corner to it. You would think this place would also be popular, as it is also a cozy little shop, and has both a front and side patio. It serves a delicious Bedouin-style strong mint tea called Blood of the Pigeon, its Arabesque coffee is boiled with cardamom, and the owner also serves espressos and americanos. Unfortunately, it comes across as more of a middle-eastern lunch place. Although its selection of middle-eastern desserts and pastries is probably one of the most extensive in the city, and its pita wraps are a cut above the average shawarma joint, this also dooms it as an ethnic destination. In other words, you go there if you're in the mood for some falafel or a kibbeh, but not otherwise. But I think one of the primary failing is that Arabesque doesn't usually open until 10 am, and not until 11 am on Sunday (it also closes early at 4 pm on Sunday, too). When your putative competition opens its door at 6 am and has served probably 30-40 customers by 9, well the early bird and all that.

Well if you're in the area, you'll probably want to check out The Common. But maybe give Arabesque some love, too.