There was a time when I couldn't imagine being able to find a coffee shop that catered to my needs and wishes: a chai tea latte with a thick layer of foamy nondairy milk and a squirt of agave, and perhaps a sample of a vegan brownie calling my name from the display case.

But thanks to Toni and Elaine of Mylk Uncookies, my latte dreams have come true.


Located in Toronto's east end, not far from the first apartment I rented when I was in school, this bright and cheerful cafe is hard to miss among the brownstone buildings that surround it.


Inside, I immediately sensed a comfortable and homey vibe after I spotted a young girl accessing Wi-Fi on her laptop and a shelf of board games and magazines near the back counter. But I was there to meet Lisa and Ashley. We decided that yesterday's cold, rainy weather was a good excuse to meet for an afternoon chat about careers and cookbooks over a warm cup of joe.


Just as the name implies, Mylk Uncookies offers a variety of vegan treats, most of which are naturally gluten-free and raw, as well as coffee, tea and lattes made with co-owner Elaine's homemade almond milk. And while there are ample vegan options, the cafe is not exclusively vegan—dairy milk, honey and a few traditional dessert options are also available.


Lisa, Ashley and I were eager to gaze at the selection of drinks and treats, and we all settled on some version of a latte to take advantage of the available almond milk.


I was delighted when my chai tea latte came with a sprinkle of cinnamon and lots of foam.


The three of us also shared a raw cacao ginger macaroon that was dense and flavourful; a raw lucuma bite that was deliciously sweet and chewy; as well as a raw strawberry cheesecake that involved a punch of lemon and lime in its silky smooth filling and strawberry puree topping.


It was a perfect afternoon with two inspiring girls and some delicious treats. If I lived just a little closer to Mylk Uncookies, I could definitely see this becoming a regular gathering place.