here was a time when Parkdale was a top hats and big car, well-to-do neighbourhood (seriously). Just track down a geriatric, he'll tell you. Things changed, but I'm sure you've noticed. As of late, however, Parkdale, having taken small hits of gentrification serum, has taken on a retro-cool cache, resulting in new resto-lounges, bars, clothing boutiques, and conspiracy shops (well, a conspiracy shop). Though Drake-ification may never fully take hold west of the Dufferin underpass (that last bastion for the impoverished), antique row (or, junk shop land, depending on your perspective) at Queen and Roncesvalles has undergone noticeable changes in the last year. Looking less like a grandmother-furniture repository, the stretch has experienced a resurgence. The latest addition to the strip is an unassuming, ebullient little coffee shop: Zippie Café.

Owner Kasia Kuniec, who had a previous life in the software industry, and her stepson, Peter, have transformed a former retro/antique shop, Henderson's, into a cozy, picturesque café. Once inside, you immediately feel warm and relaxed; the aura, enhanced by the jazz soundtrack, dark brick wall, indigo/denim blue paint job, and soft chandelier lighting, gives the place a hip, downtown loft feeling. Zippie's high ceilings make it feel slightly larger than it really is (think: small hands), while the light wood chairs and table provide a nice contrast to the dark furnishings. With two couches and an antique chest as a coffee table, it feels like you're in a Schwimmer-less Friends fantasy.

The menu isn't an elaborate one and it will probably stay that way. Food focus is light breakfast and lunch and hearty snacks for casual strollers perusing Parkdale and Roncesvalles Village.

"Zippie" comes from the Polish word "zapiekanka": a toasted sandwich sold by street vendors throughout Poland (and you thought that street meat was good). A favourite on the sidewalk and a Zippie specialty is the sautéed mushroom and cheese. All sandwiches are open face with topping choices that include Tuna, Ham and Cheese and Pomidorro (Bruscetta-esque). Zippie also has a cereal bar stocked with oats, Shreddies, multi-grain Cheerios, a hippie-pleasing homemade granola mix and other breakfast favourites, while crepes, a select amount of pastries and diverse coffee options round out the menu. Also, ask Kasia or Peter about the freshly stewed kompot juices. This traditional Polish beverage with the beautiful name is a staple in the home country and comes in billberry (a.k.a blueberry), raspberry and cherry.

The Kuniec's are hoping to fill the sizeable café void on this part of Queen Street. Though a few things need tweaking, the proprietors are cognizant and malleable. Because of its lounge-inducing atmosphere and desirable fare, Zippies should find its footing as a sit-and-stare hang-out spot and, once the Wi-Fi gets connected, the monitor gazing, laptop contingent will have a new place to call home. -J.B.