The front of the store – plain, sleek and welcoming – leads you through the door into the fusion-décor of light green walls, dark wooden tabletops, chrome accents and white, sleek-yet-comfy seating; "my mom designed a bright, warm space," said Christine. "People always say it's fresh and welcoming – as opposed to a dark rustic coffee shop, we're bright and fresh and clean."

The homey-meets-modern design makes for a warm feeling that rushes through your body into your stomach, begging for something delectable to fill it – before you know it, you're ordering a crème brûlée, lemon tart, coconut roll or, Christine's favourite, a pecan ganache bar (butter-crust caramel pecan square with chocolate ganache). You can't help yourself, but we wouldn't expect you to. Drooling yet? – M.K.