A cheerful, red Adirondack chair might seem a bit out of place on this grey, desolate stretch of Gerrard Street East. It’s positioned neatly outside It’s Jenny, a cozy “organic espresso café.” The charming Cabbagetown café is an ideal spot for a laid-back reprieve or midday pick-me-up.
“The store is small, but it’s cozy,” says owner Jenny Kim. It’s Jenny is, of course, Jenny’s — no matter how busy it gets, this café is really just one woman’s kitchen. She has staff to help her out, but all the menu items are made by hand and prepared with the kind of top-shelf ingredients she serves to her own family.
“Looking for your mom’s food? Come to me!” Jenny says. “I’m like a mom away from home.” A Korean immigrant, Jenny has slightly-broken English but an upbeat, effervescent charm. Because of the language barrier, she says her daughter often works behind the cash register and tells the customers about the food. “My mom makes everything homemade,” her daughter tells them.
Clearly proud of her family and her café, Jenny says she feels “blessed” to have a group of friendly, loyal customers who continue to patronize her business despite the nearly limitless choices available in downtown Toronto.
