Goat Coffee Co. has been, asits Twitterstates, "kinda sorta open" for a little over a week inPape Village. Occupying what used to be a Cash for Gold, its name is based on a legend that coffee wasfirst discovered by goats.

Owners and proud East Yorkers Anna and Damian Michaelidis surveyed locals about what they wanted in the space (their responses were generally, "anything but a Cash for Gold"), and decided the area needed a friendly neighbourhood coffee house.

Hanging Edison bulbs, reclaimed wood from a whiskey distillery that Damian has transformed into tables and benches, exposed brick, and eye-catching salvaged marquee letters that light up and spell out "GRAZE" are pretty standard decor for indie cafes these days - but arguably atypical for this part of town. It's a pleasant place to hang out, use the free WiFi and get work done (a year-round side patio is also in the works).

There's a respectable java-serving setup with a Mazzer grinder, a Nuova Simonelli espresso machine and beans from Toronto roasterRufino. A perfectly likeable latte can be had for $3.50 for a single shot, or 50 cents more for a double. Reverse-osmosis water offered on tap is a considerate bonus.

With a dearth of of healthy food options on this strip, the Michaelidises recruited chef Akis (Ike) Tzakis to make salads, soups and sandwiches in the cafe's back kitchen.

A bowl of lentil soup ($6), served with fresh bread, accompanied by a grilled chicken breast sandwich with caramelized onions, garlic aioli, havarti and spinach on a ciabatta ($9) are just what's needed on a cold and dreary fall day.

In keeping with the theme of healthier options, other offerings include gluten-free, nut-free baked goods fromQueen B Pastryas well as cold-pressed juices and nut milk fromForbidden Fruit.

Anna, who also works asa real estate brokerdown the street (she sold this cafe space to the current landlord), and her husband have pretty much created the ideal lunch/coffee-break spot for herself and her co-workers, and by the warm welcome it's received, it seems the rest of the neighbourhood is glad they did.

Photos byJames C. Lee.