Cafe Retro

I went to Cafe Retro on a day I was being very determined indeed about this cafe-hunting business. Sad to say though, it seems my determination does not do much to propel me out of my inertia.

Suzie called to say she was going to meet Islay at the cafe close to the International Office but I dilly-dallied for so long that when I got to Norreport and was walking in the direction of the cafe, I was just in time to... catch Suzie and Islay on their way out. Haha. They were heading back but I decided to forge on anyway with my cafe plans. After trying to follow Islay's directions to The Living Room and failing, I decided to make my way to Cafe Retro!

It's a nice little cosy place and it's non-profit so all the proceeds go to some charity I think? The people at the bar/counter were really nice and friendly and they have student discounts on their coffee although truth be told I can't afford anything even AFTER that discount which is probably why I should stop pretending like I have so much money and going out to cafes everyday but... I can't. This addiction is too great.

There are two levels to the cafe and it's nice and cosy with low lights and cushy chairs. They have random little tall counters with bar stools in some areas and then sofas with coffee tables where bigger groups can congregate too. Although they had a pesky little (but very pretty) staircase that you had to climb in order to get to the second level--the stairs are in a closet-type thing and you have to open doors both at the top and bottom of the stairs to get in and out. I must say though, it was decorated very prettily inside with hanging fairy lights. =) Yes, I am all about the fairy lights.

They also have a little stage in the corner for bands to play in the evenings. UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME, the WORST BAND IN THE WORLD played that night. I swear the moment they started playing people started getting up to leave. 5 minutes into their set, the completely-full second level had cleared out. And still they played on... A complete lack of self-awareness is what I call this. Or perhaps they had driven themselves deaf-- which would explain the insane VOLUME at which they played (because they wouldn't be able to hear) and the lack of any sort of real melody (because they must not be able to hear themselves).

The little corner where I sat.

Disclaimer: bottles of beer NOT MINE, I swear. They were already there.

I have been on a quest for the perfect chai latte and hence have been ordering it every chance I get. It is sad, though, that it is often the most expensive thing on the menu. My staple order of late has been: Chai Latte+Cookie.

Soon I will be poor and fat--which really is the LOUSIEST combination of two things ever.

Upper level of the cafe. I really like the exposed beams and the wooden banisters.

View of downstairs from upstairs. See the crazy head-shaking, vein-popping yeller? Yes, a yeller is what he is. Or a shrieker. But by noooo means a singer.

Glimpse of the bar downstairs through the banister. Oh they also have a computer there with internet access if you need it. Good stuff. I approve.

Look at the peaceful people sitting there before the horror show began.

Perhaps I will give Cafe Retro a second chance because I do like the atmosphere and I appreciate what they are doing with the free trade coffee and the non-profit and the charity but I do believe I have been scarred by that experience. The other day someone was talking about Cafe Retro and saying something about how they have pretty good live music at night and I had to keep from baulking. I probably just had a constipated expression on my face and I swear my left eye would not stop twitching.