It’s Jenny Restaurant Review

Ever since moving to Toronto’s east end, I have been on the hunt for a cozy cafe that serves almond milk lattes and guilt-free goodies. You can imagine my excitement when I happened to drive past a cute little espresso boutique in the heart of Cabbagetown (you really can’t miss it!). It’s Jenny boasts many coffees, teas, and snacks for vegans, carnivores and everything in between using local and mostly organic ingredients. Continue reading the It’s Jenny Restaurant Review to see if it looks good naked!

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Meet the Fabulous Owner

After almost 15 years in the food industry and very successfully operating a Pumpernickel Deli & Catering in downtown Toronto, Jenny decided the time was right to branch out on her own. A veteran in the biz, Jenny recognized that many people struggle with food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities and that there are still very few dining options available to them. She identified that she could cater to these people by offering healthy and delicious food options that appeal to people with food restrictions and people who just appreciate great food.

Growing up Korean, her knack for cooking comes from loving food and taking the time to create nourishing meals that bring people together. A “mom” in every sense of the word, owner Jenny can’t help but infuse love into every bite of food she creates. In keeping with the homey vibe, Jenny chose the cafe name from years of answering the phone “It’s Jenny…” to her catering clients. Since opening its door in October 2012, It’s Jenny has made customers feel like they are walking into her kitchen, rather than a coffee shop.

It’s Jenny Undressed

Except for the brownies and muffins, which are sourced from Circles and Squares Bakery, all of the food sold at It’s Jenny is made in house. The owner is an avid believer in buying local, organic ingredients and is a frequent patron of the St Lawrence Market. Jenny believes in supporting the local community and depending on the day (and what she decides to put on the menu) you may see her at various markets, butcher shops and other independent food providers in the neighbourhood.

Who’s Hungry?

It’s Jenny is dedicated to combining healthy, gourmet food for people with a wide range of dietary preferences. Coming from a family of food lovers, It’s Jenny boasts a large (and growing!) menu which offers something for everyone.

My dear friend Jesse and I decided to have a brunch date at It’s Jenny on a Saturday. The cafe was bright and friendly and my eye was instantly drawn to the back wall, which is painted a beautiful Tiffany blue. I also notice that the walls are adorned with art created by local watercolour painter Susan Thomas. “Everyone takes care of each other here”, Bianca (Jenny’s daughter) tells me, as she warmly greets us as we enter. Not only is Bianca a student at George Brown’s chef school, but she also often works at the cafe and is interested in studying nutrition. I can already feel the strong sense of community this little café has built!

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Bianca recommended It’s Jenny’s signature drink to start: Ginseng Tea, which we learned is not only a delicious beverage but a powerful cure-all and health remedy. She sweetens it with honey, and I’m instantly a believer. This is a MUST TRY!

Next up, our taste buds are treated to a couple of sweet treats:  It’s Jenny’s Gluten Free Pecan Shortbread Cookie and their Gluten Free Organic Peanut Butter Cookie. NOTE FROM THE NUTRITIONISTS: Eating dessert first delays gastric emptying, helping you to feel fuller quicker – so you’ll eat less (at least that’s what we told ourselves as we scarfed down the cookies!).

For the main event, I ordered the Egg White Sandwich which came with havarti cheese, greens and was served on multigrain bread. It was delicious and just what I wanted!  It is deceptively filling though…or maybe it was the cookie beforehand? Jesse opted for the Veggie Western and substituted out the multigrain bread. She also really enjoyed her meal and was very happy with the portion size. The menu at It’s Jenny is quite varied, with weekly specials like the White Tuna Wrap, Grilled Greek Pita, Grilled Veg & Goat Cheese Sandwich, Baby Arugula Salad  and the Volcanic Chilli (which practically requires you to sign a waiver), It’s Jenny truly offers something for everyone. And the best part? Jenny continues to add to and adapt her menu based on the needs of her customers.

In addition to organic espresso, It’s Jenny serves a collection of Tealish teas (my absolute favourite!) which can easily be made into tea lattes. I’m told Coconut Bongo and Early Grey Cream are the most popular tea lattes on the menu. But even more exciting is the fact that It’s Jenny makes HOME MADE almond “mylk” in addition to offering soy and regular milk options. Needless to say, this has become a regular haunt of mine as I think It’s Jenny looks great naked! See you at 253 Gerrard St E, I’ll be the one guzzling down almond mylk tea lattes and munching on organic vegan treats while flipping through nutrition textbooks!