I Spy Montreal Interview: La Tasse Gamine

We have spent a lot of time in parent-baby cafés and play centres. They are definitely lifesavers when you need an intimate moment with your coffee, but they tend to be in out-of-the-way and, um, un-hip locations.

So it’s great to welcome the new kid on the block, La Tasse Gamine, on Park Ave. between Bernard and St. Viateur Sts. in the heart of Mile End. Our 3- and almost-6-year-old spent more than an hour (AN HOUR!) exploring the two separate play areas – one for babies and crawlers, the other for walkie talkies. Plus, they have some board games, which is a great idea for older kids.

So, how did this place get started and is that really lentil coconut soup on the menu? Here’s an interview with Marianne Filion, one of the owners of La Tasse Gamine.

Tell us about why you and your partners decided to open La Tasse Gamine. Are you all moms who wished there were more parent-child pit stops/resources in Montreal?

Marianne: My partners, Stacey Bebbington and April Defalco, and I have all found it challenging and a little unnatural to have to divide our waking hours between living as parents and living as “ordinary people”. La Tasse Gamine is our response to the stark division between adults and children that has become the norm in North American society. Not just for mommies and babies, nor only for children, La Tasse Gamine makes an effort to accommodate all family members, and their friends, in a child-friendly space.

We wanted to make a place that we would be happy to visit regularly, where socially and ecologically responsible business practices are the norm, and where health and wellness are a priority. Hence our decision to provide vegetarian, homemade, organic and local food that appeals to picky eaters and finely tuned palates. We compost, recycle and offer meal choices and products in our boutique that help parents to care for themselves and their children.

Why did you choose to open in Mile End, and what is close by that Tasse Gamine visitors might want to check out?

Marianne: I live in the neighborhood, it’s such a vibrant community. I really wanted to contribute something that residents could enjoy and feel good about. We also wanted to choose a place where parents are active with their children, and share similar parenting, social, and ecological values with us. Mile End is a fantastic neighborhood, teeming with engaged families. Between playgroups and family swim at the local YMCA, the Mile End public library, and a number of parks, La Tasse Gamine is a great complement to the destinations and activities that are already available.

What age range are you targeting?

Marianne: We’re hoping to be accommodate children of all ages, really. The other day some friends (without children!!) played Candyland for hours over iced cappuccinos and a sampling of desserts. We have two play areas, one for children who don’t move much on their own, and a larger one with lots of bigger toys. While most of the children who have come in so far have been happy in the play areas or working on board games, we would like to create a large reading and puzzle area for older children. And of course, we want to keep their adults happy as well, with a pleasant and whimsical atmosphere, free wireless internet, and good conversation.

Can you tell me about a couple of yummy things on the menu (other than coffee)?

Marianne: Our menu is inspired by organic, locally available seasonal produce, and so it changes frequently. Everything is homemade and prepared to order. We do not use microwaves, processed, or package foods. Nonetheless, we do have some staples, like the organic grilled cheese for kids, or the the apple, brie and arugula sandwich on whole organic bread for adults. Our red lentil coconut soup is a delicious kid-pleaser, and insanely healthy. I can’t give Stacey enough credit, though, for our desserts. Always homemade with as many organic ingredients as possible, they are inspirations of the moment, and always delicious. Rest assured, though, that our organic oatmeal cookies are a staple!

Aside from the play area, what activities/services do you plan to offer?

Marianne: We are going to start offering weekend family brunches, as well as stay open for dinner a couple of nights during the week, in the late summer. During these meals, we will be providing children’s animation so parents can have some time to themselves. We are also looking at hosting a number of community activities, such as conversation evenings, information sessions and lectures on topics of interest to parents. Children’s clothes and toy swaps, where a portion of the admission as well as leftover items will be donated to a charity of the guests’ choosing, are in the near future.

Our space and catering services, as well as a registry at our boutique, are available for birthdays, baby showers, and other events. If you’re interested in keeping up to speed with what is being offered and when, please join our Facebook group, and send us a message or call if you have any questions! All the details will be on the website soon.

Best wishes Marianne, Stacey and April!

La Tasse Gamine
Address: 5658A Park Ave., Montreal
Telephone: 514-439-9950
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