At the corner of Richmond and Jarvis sits Mystic Muffin. Its been here for 22 years. A quiet Toronto institution that no one really knows about.

It’s famous for their owner Elias who is extremely kind (which I will get to later) and his phenomenal Apple Cake.

I hadn’t had Apple Cake for a while,  so Friday right before he closed I went in for a slice.  Luckily, there was one slice left. I didn’t happen to have change or  cash on me so he said it was on the house and to come back later. That won me over as a customer for life. He didn’t know me but was kind and trusted me enough to come back and pay for it when I could.

The slice of Apple Cake is $2.50 and a pretty big slice measuring 2 inches high and 5 inches long. Half a cake is $9 and a whole cake is $17. I’m not actually sure how large the pan is but it looked about 10 inches wide by 15 inches long, but don’t quote me on that.

The Apple Cake is fluffy and moist with chunks of Apple,  hints of cinnamon and crunchy brown sugar glaze on top.  Its delicious and sweet but not heavy so you feel ok after eating a humongous slice.

As stated, the owner Elias is extremely kind. I have a soft spot in my heart for people who care about everyone and take care others (because: Love).  Its people like this that make the world a better place and restore my faith in humanity.

On the wall is Elias’ story about coming to Canada at 21. He challenges our notions about what we think and who we think homeless people are.

I tried to pay it forward by buying a whole cake (for the free slice he gave me on Friday) and ask him to just give slices to those in need of they should come in hungry and looking for something to eat.  He politely declined and said he takes care of those in need and thanked me as “the thought that counts”.  So instead I bought a bunch of slices for my coworkers. Everyone who had a piece had their mind blown and are now Mystic Muffin Apple Cake fans too now :).

Elias also gave free meals and cooking classes during the Recession. So I can’t help but like this man who gives back to the community and who can also bake a mean cake and makes his food with love.

If you happen to be in the area,  pass by for a slice and a little friendly conversation with Elias. I am sure you will fall in love with Mystic Muffin too.