For those who remember The Ritz Deli North, an exciting new café has opened up at 641 George Street North.
Joe Hay and Lindsay Brock, a beautiful married couple, have taken the cozy little space and turned it into a French- inspired affair.
With chandeliers that brighten up the intimate, open space, it has quite a different vibe from the establishments that have previously resided at the location. Framed photographs Lindsay took on a trip to Paris add to the quaint Parisian decor, offering a unique atmosphere in Peterborough’s concentrated cafe selection.
Lindsay, with her extensive background in coffees and teas, and Joe with his culinary background, have put together a menu that reflects the café’s motif. “We are a coffee shop built on European Coffee Culture,” Brock tells Arthur.
“Finding out about this location was somewhat of a happy accident,” says Brock, who heard the space had become available through a tenant in the building in June. “Everything that has started here, such as The Ritz and Food Forest, have been great successes. That is something we hope to accomplish.”
Brock had taken a couple of years off and began experimenting with baking, and is now the talented baker who provides the fresh pastries every day.
A rare thing to find in Peterborough, artful gluten- free macaroons and perfect madeleines, sit at the counter where you can place your order. Buttery croissants and delicious paninis are also made fresh on the premises. At Amusé, butter tarts are provided exclusively by Pies by Melissa.
Amusé takes their beverages seriously, with a large variety of Fair Trade Organic teas and coffees. Lindsay has created a draft- brew coffee (coffee brewed in a Keg) served iced that has become popular during the specially hot summer we have had in Peterborough.
One of their seasonal specials right now, a Pumpkin Spice Latte, is the subject of this editor’s adoration. A drink that is sure to warm you up on a cold Fall day, the latte is topped with a cream cheese icing and a pastry crumble topping provided by Pies by Melissa.
Coffee is a hard thing to come by in the George and Parkhill area. One has to trek downtown to find a good brew to satisfy that pretentious pallette. However, now one can get anything from a strong cappuccino to an americano, to a creme brulee coffee and many more on upper George Street.
There is also Pumpkin Spice C hai, and if you’re a tea- lover, this cafe has you covered with a wide assortment of teas. Though newly opened, this quiet and intimate French- inspired fare is sure to become the talk of the town.