Marilyn Monroe Cafe - July 18th, 2013

Today one of my good friends and I decided to head over to the Marilyn Monroe Cafe. To be honest, I was planning on meeting up at the typical coffee spot (i.e. Williams or Starbucks) however, she suggested we check it out and I thought why not. Let me just say that I am so glad that we decided to go because this place is absolutely adorable! Don't believe me? Well, I took some pictures to prove just how exquisite this cafe really is (because I knew that words simply would not do it any justice):

Outside Marilyn Monroe Cafe - there is a cute wrap around patio!

The front counter and display at Marilyn Monroe Cafe - so many cute desserts!

The seating situation on the main level of Marilyn Monroe Cafe. The have some really comfortable booths with cushions and pillows as well as some stand-alone tables. I appreciated the fact that they had electrical outlets so you could bring your laptop to the cafe and get some work done! 

Stairs leading to the upper level of the cafe (pictures below).

Upper level of Marilyn Monroe Cafe - nice, large sofa, individual tables and a great view of the counter from above.

I ordered a double chocolate cupcake and an iced white tea sweet pomegranate (they freshly brew your tea as soon as you order!)

Since this cafe seemed so posh, I was under the impression that prices were going to be ridiculously high however they were very reasonable and a whole lot cheaper than the cult-favourite Starbucks. Marilyn Monroe Cafe also seemed to provide a LOT more variety in both beverages and food! Below are some images from their menu:

Overall, I am extremely impressed by this little establishment. Not only were the drinks and food great, but the staff was so kind and friendly. If it were closer to where I lived, it would definitely become my new go-to coffee spot!

Location:

350 Lakeshore Road East

Oakville, Ontario, Canada

L6J 1J6

Phone Number:

(905) 844-5800

Hours of Operation:

Sunday 7 am-10 pm

Monday 6 am-10 pm

Tuesday 6 am-10 pm

Wednesday 6 am-10 pm

Thursday 6 am-10 pm

Friday 6 am-11 pm

Saturday 7 am-11 pm

What do you think of Marilyn Monroe Cafe? Let me know in the comments below!

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Richtree Natural Markets Restaurant - July 13th, 2013

I always pass by Richtree Natural Markets Restaurants (click on the hyperlink to visit their webpage) and I never bother to order anything spectacular. I usually get the regular penne pasta with marinara sauce (something I could easily make at home). This time, my friends and I decided to hit up the crêpe/waffle bar. I never thought of Richtree as much of a dessert place but I can safely say that their desserts are INFINITELY better than their real food (in fact, I could probably make the food better at home so it's always somewhat of a disappointment eating there). Here are some images of the masterpieces:

Mixed berries waffles with French vanilla icecream, whipping cream and chocolate sauce with a side of berry lemonade (add $2.49).

Mixed berries crêpes with  plain vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. 

There is actual a crêpe/waffle artisan that makes the scrumptiousness right on the spot. If you've never seen anyone make a crêpe before (not so much the waffle because that goes straight into a waffle maker so it isn't as fun to watch), I think it's worth stopping by and taking in the experience.

The only downside to this whole situation was the ridiculous price! Granted you get a HUGE portion but the total came to around $15 with taxes. I think that's a little pricey for a bistro type restaurant. Here's the total breakdown: about $9 for crêpes or waffles with mixed berries (I think if you get a singular fruit like banana or mango, it's a $1 cheaper), about $3 for 1 scoop ice-cream and an additional $1 for whipping cream (chocolate sauce is free of charge). 

To be perfectly honest, we were going to hit up a stand alone crêpe place which would have been 1/2 the price and just as delicious however, it was no where to be found (guess it went out of business - sigh). However, we decided Richtree was worth the splurge as you don't eat these things every day and what's better than to enjoy some high-fat, high calorie and high in deliciousness crêpes/waffles with some of your dearest friends! 

PS - Here's a little secret (that I feel most people already may know). If you hit up Richtree a half-hour before closing time, all of their packaged food goes on sale for 50% off. This excludes the crepes and drinks (as these are not packaged goods) however, most of their baked items like muffins, quiches, cookies and cakes are all 50% off including their pastas and sandwiches.

Let me know, what is your perfect crêpe or waffle combination? 

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