Kid friendly Crumsby’s Cupcake Café: Estevan Village

Crumsby's Cupcake Cafe

image credit: Mama in the City

While recently shopping at Estevan Village (2500 block Estevan Avenue) with a friend and her little girl I got the chance to visit Crumbsy’s Cupcake Cafe. I have wanted to try this new cafe since earlier this past summer I spotted its sign advertising cupcakes and its pretty, seaside holiday inspired decor. My long anticipated visit lived up to my expectations. When we stepped inside we found customers sipping tea served in brightly coloured ForLife teapots while lounging pretty outdoor style furniture finished in matt white paint. The holiday furniture is beautifully complemented by the brightly painted blue and yellow walls and the whimsical decorations, such as the tin picture above, perched on shelves.

Tea is served in cute ForLife Teapots

As the name of this cafe suggests Crumsby’s sell a range of cupcakes – in child and adult flavors – as well as mini-muffins in interesting flavors (raspberry oatmeal and lavender lemon). My friend and I both choose a mini-cakes which were delicious while my friend’s little girl had a healthier muffin.

For parents a highlight of Crumsby’s is the play area located  on one side of the cafe. A lot of thought has obviously gone into this space which is furnished with beautiful wooden toys, a large chalkboard and child sized furniture. While my friend and I chatted, drank tea and munched our lovely cup-cakes her little girl played very cheerfully. Indeed she was having so much fun when she thought her mum was coming over to take her home she bolted to the other side of the cafe. What ensued was a very amusing chase around the cafe until eventually the little run away was captured. Luckily for her it wasn’t time to head home. It was muffin time!And she seemed to enjoy the muffin very much. It seems that this little girl is not the only one to appreciate the play area as the cafe was mainly packed with mums and dads with little ones.

While Crumsby’s has many attractions for parents it is definitely a place that the childless will also enjoy. If you want to see a little more of the charms you can check out some lovely pics of the cafe interior and its changing flower displays taken by one of the women who works at the cafe. (see FlickR) or just check out the cafe itself, with or without a little one in tow!

image credit: Mama in the City

Details:

Crumsby’s Cupcake Café 250-595-2221. 2509 Estevan Ave.

SWPL # 1 Coffee/cafes Victoria

There are lots of great cafes in Victoria. One of my favorites is Spiral cafe. It has a hippy/ grungy feel. There is always music playing and a changing exhibition of local art.  For lunch they have a daily soup special  (always vegetarian). For coffee snacks they have a wide selection of freshly baked goods including lemon slice, almond croissants and cookies. On Sunday mornings there is a story time for kids. Friday evenings there is live music. Check out details on their website:http://www.goforlunch.com/spiral/index.htm Another favorite is Bubby Rose’s Bakery especially the Cook & Fort st location. They have great baked goods and nice coffee although the service can be a little crazy. Every day there is a different pizza and soup special in addition to a daily lunch plate. On the weekends thy sell beautiful channa french bread with roasted apples. It makes a delicious brunch or large afternoon tea. For more details see: http://www.bubbyrosesbakery.com/

Another great coffee spot is The Black Stilt coffee lounge on Fort st. Good coffee, poetry readings and a friendly ambiance make this a great place to catch up with  a friend or spend an afternoon reading over coffee. http://www.theblackstilt.com/index.html

If you are looking for great views of the ocean then the Ogden Point cafe is the place to go. Neither the food nor the coffee is impressive. The main menu is old school (meat lasagna, quiche, chicken pie, and chili) as are the bakery items.

Details:

Ogden point cafe 199 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC phone 250-386-8080 s. Summer hours Apr-Oct 8am to 10pm everyday.

Finally for a witty take on white people and their coffee obsessions and snobbery see:

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/18/1-coffee/