If you’re looking at cold, hard facts, there are many things just plain wrong with Ella’s Uncle. It’s small, cramped, and you’re never guaranteed your favourite baked goods if you arrive past noon.

But if cold, hard facts dictated my world, I would be studying medicine or accounting, and that clearly would not be the best news for anybody.

I heart Ella’s Uncle.

Sure, it’s small, and holds barely more than its quaint kitchen and a little standing room, but it doesn’t need any more than that.

Besides being one of the most charmingly named cafes in town, IMHO it’s home to some of the best baked treats in town. The toffee-chocolate chip cookies? Heaven. The scones — every freaking flavour — make me go ga-ga.

And though I’ve never been guaranteed the type of scone I get with every visit, it doesn’t matter. The surprise makes me feel like I’m stopping by a friend’s place and taking whatever they have to offer. At least I know it will be good every time, and that’s all that matters.

Above all, I love the staff. Every time I’ve been here, the subtleties of the exchanges are warm. They’re quick to pick up on customer needs, they don’t keep customers waiting too long, and best of all — they’re very, very quick to smile. And not even in that fake, my-cheeks-hurt sort of way. Real. Smiles.

I mean, I can see why. If this was MY work place, I wouldn’t even hesitate to spread a little happiness, too.