Take Me Out // Home Baking Co.
I guess you could call Brockton Village my Toronto "hood" at the moment, and over the past year it's been amazing to watch the neighbourhood grow and prosper. There are so many talented artists and makers living and working in this nook of town, and I really feel like I've found a quaint community on the edge of Canada's largest city.
One of the best parts about living here recently is the influx of adorable restaurants and shops. It feels like every month there's something new to add to my list of favourite local places, and most recently Home Baking Co. has shot to the top of that list.
Home truly lives up to it's namesake: it's one of the coziest bakeries in the city! Opened by Bakerbots co-owner Christopher Stopa, this tiny little bakeshop sells fantastic ice cream sandwiches, Sloane tea, and all sorts of baked goods. The best part? Almost every recipe used at Home is a family secret from Stopa's Mom and Grandmother! How adorable is that?
Because Home is only a few blocks away from my current actual home, I've made it a bit of a habit to drop in for a treat. In the summer I based evening dog walks around Earl Grey tea ice cream sandwiches with circus cookies (aka. sprinkle-covered sugar cookies), and now that the weather is colder I've switched over to hot cups of tea and slices of cake. Oh and don't even get me started on the banana pudding!
After Paige and I's 10 day West Coast vacation, I really needed to spend a bit of time catching up with my thoughts, so yesterday I headed to Home for some much needed relaxation time and a slice of cake. I found a spot at a small marble table in the window, and ordered a slice of Stopa's grandmother's famous carrot cake (I don't even like carrot cake and I love it) with a piping hot cup of Sloane's Oolong Cream.
The weather at this point is undeniably Autumn, so I pulled out my black tights and cream wool coat for the first time this season, both staples for this time of year. With my basics aside, I put together an outfit with an adorable pleated swan print skirt and a warm chunky Free People sweater that reminded me of hot cocoa and falling leaves. Accessory wise I stacked some beautiful handmade Loren Hope bracelets (now available at Bicyclette), because every outfit needs a little sparkle, and topped the whole look off with a warm felt hat.
If you're looking for a cozy den to settle into with a book or a loved one this winter, look no further. Between the lovely warm service, the hot tea and the perfect little butter tarts, you'll feel right at home!
Photos by Brianne Burnell