When Erin Pimm says everything at the Teatree Café and Eatery is made from scratch, she means it.

Step into this Danforth cafe and you’ll be jettisoned back to a simpler time where baked goods were made on site, with whole ingredients and served over a country counter. 

That wooden counter, the brick feature, the refurbished chairs, the giant tree-wall, even the light fixtures were all made from reclaimed materials.

But it’s the made-with-love baked goods and light meals that really deserve attention. 

Call in for lunch and wrap your hands around her yummy sandwiches oozing with interesting insides like brie and baked apples or lemony hummus. Or kick off the weekend right with brunch items like gluten-free quiche or the filling Breakfast Greens (eggs, black bean patty, toast, organic greens and avocado). Everything is vegetarian or vegan – not that you’d notice.

Erin’s not afraid to take chances with unique flavors like chocolate black bean cakes and green tea cupcakes. Somehow she makes them delicious and healthy. Her carrot cake has everything in it but dairy and eggs: apples, coconut, zucchini, raisins, nuts and don’t forget the carrots.

Celiacs will vow to never leave once they get a taste of her gluten-free desserts. Erin’s selection of squares and cakes are worthy of grandma’s three-tiered treat tower.

Erin opened the Teatree Café in 2010 without any formal training in food, hospitality or business.

Her shop is proof that natural talent and chutzpah will take you a long way - especially when you’re willing to start from scratch.