Via Quartier Greene     Via Tessa H. Chabot 

Tessa H. Chabot  

Contributor

Situated in the heart of Avenue Greene sits a small cafe, Avenue G. A short eight minute walk from Dawson brings you to a hidden gem of the Westmount community. From the beginning of my Cégep journey, what beganas visits to annoy my sister during her work hourstransitioned into Avenue G becoming my home away from home. 

When you first enter the establishment, your nose is immediately hit with the bitter scent of the cafe’s fan-favourite drip coffee mixed with the sweet smell of their delicious cherry and yogurt danishes. Avenue G is always busy. Everyone is always in a good mood whenspeaking with each other. The baristas are happy to converse with the customers, enhancing the homey atmosphere of the business. There never seems to be a dull moment at the cafe. The soothing music, chosen by the baristas, quietly seeps out,  just loud enough to hear. The tables sit just close enough to fill the place nicely. The cafe has a comforting air of ‘just right’ that flows out of it. 

I frequent Avenue G after classes nearly every week. I find the afternoon to be the best time to focus on my school work but, also, to watch people. An older couple, “regulars”, typically walk hand in hand, always ordering a drip coffee with one sugar and one milk. They always find themselves sitting at the table next to my own. “Gosh, I’ve spent so much on those shoes”, the woman says. It seems she’s just noticed the sizable dent she’s made in her wallet. The man beside her simply laughs and calls my sister over to test out his new dad joke. These small moments are what I go to Avenue G. for. The cafe offers a safe place for people to express themselves and relax after a long day.

This homey establishment was first conceptualized by the cafe’s owner, John Kanellias, a little over eight years ago: where Avenue G is now once sat a Second Cup. It was not a very popular place and closed down in late 2017. Kanellias bought the building, transforming the location from a franchise to an independent Montreal-based business. Of course, Avenue G has its downsides, such as expensive drinks and pastries or the cold draft that comes through ever so often from the open door. These small issues do not diminish the magic of Avenue G and what it means to the people of its community.

Although the street of Avenue Greene is always changing, many people can rely on Avenue G to be a constant presence in an ever changing world. The friendly faces that greet you each time you enter make this place truly special. As I sit at my favourite table, with my favourite latte by my side, I am filled with a sense of warmth — not just from my coffee, but from the love that pours out of this exceptional cafe.