Rick B.
Yelp
Si, under Severio, works. The location is great. Classic Gourmet is a fine coffee and in Severio's hands, it's as good as it gets. It's not the sweetest coffee out there, but whatever sweetness there is, Severio manages to bring it out.
He's 'not' winging it. As a former employer for Saeco, and one who over the course of many years has shown many shop owners and baristas how to pull shots, he knows how to makes espressos and espresso-based drinks.
He carries a nice selection of indie shop-appropriate eats. Over time they may get changed up as Severio monitors the situation. Some are nice. (He carries a rather nice, special chocoloatey biscotti.) Some are so so.
The small shop is positively funky. The wifi is appreciated, although I prefer to socialize at indie shops. Sometimes though, the wifi is handy.
if you want to eat, you're close to a zillion eateries. My fave (bearing in mind that I can't explore much while I remain dirt poor) is Bread & Greens, a stone's throw from Si, on the north/ east corner of Danforth & Broadview, next to McDonald's.
Severio is enjoying what he's doing and it shows. He's friendly, a gentleman and a craftsman.