Beaver Cafe's a good place to know about if you've landed in Parkdale. The name and decor are nod-and wink coffee-shop-kitsch, with quirky staff, a fun breakfast menu and beaver-oriented design accents as well.

Easily the cutest new diner in these parts, Beaver Cafe's light and bright and features the best top-40 of 1979. That, and the forced intimacy of shared cooking on a hot grill, apparently does the trick. It's possible to order a la carte entrees, but the premier panini - which includes a grilled bocconcini tomato and pesto sandwich - are the way to go.

From its rotating service staff (one day Matt’ll be serving while Megan cooks, the next day it's Hazel, while Matt's at the stove) to its modest-to-a-fault menu, Beaver Cafe's clearly aimed for what the future of this area will bring.

Whiten has made a name for herself at Oyster Boy and the Bovine prior to opening this café. Big, bright and full of energy, this casual spot has its flaws, but there also are unexpected treats, such as the Grilled Chevre, ham and sundried tomato panini sandwich. It’s a build your own sandwich system.

Ask Matt - or Megan or Hazel - to bring slices of rustic New Moon "Nana" bread. Next, an eye-catching mixed green salad ($4.95) dolled up for an additional two bucks with a mound of slightly grilled chevre. Among the daily specials, we sampled a round of breakfasts: eggs that were steamed too long, with mounds of ham and toast ($5.50). The bowl of Granola provided the kick for a fine bowl with fresh fruit and yogurt ($5.50). A chocolate croissant was enough to inspire us to get up, get out, and go to work.