Balzac's

The sun is shining. The trees are budding, and it is a great time to try out some of Stratford's cafes. Over the past few years the downtown core has been offering more and more outdoor venues for a quick drink and a pastry, or even a full meal.

One of my favorites is the tiny back deck of Balzac's Coffee. Surrounded by mature trees and vines, it bids the visitor to come and while away a few moments or an hour, chatting or reading in the dappled sunlight while enjoying a superb cup of cappuccino or latte. Drop on by, grab your coffee and head out the back door.

Don't forget to look up on the way through. Original moulded tin ceilings and a display of vintage coffee ads and tins are part of the decor, and of course there is the 12-kilo micro-roaster where the finest selection of coffee beans from around the world are roasted to perfection. As well as traditional blends Balzac's offers a variety of Fair Trade Organic coffees and teas.

So if you are hankering for a little pick-me-up, wander on down Ontario Street to number 149, near Waterloo and enjoy the ambiance as well as the coffee.