Nova Era: A Bakers Delight #cozycoffee

Price: $ Service: 8/10 Spice: 0 Student Friendly: 4/5 Freshness: 10/10

Nata Nata Nata.. Nata - Need I Say More?

Nestled in east London right around the corner from the Western fair, Nova Era Bakery has been a neighbourhood staple for quite some time. Although the Café first opened it's doors in Toronto, they're now in their 9th year here in London serving home-made, freshly baked Portuguese style food to all who enter their humble abode.

With everything made fresh in house, you’re bound to find something you like between the warm bread, sandwiches, tarts and pastries. Not a week goes by where I don't think about sinking my teeth into one of their freshly-made and ever so flakey Natas.

If you’re unfamiliar with Nata, I would now like to take a minute of your time to tell you about this magical little pastry. Nata, or Pastel de Nata, is a famous Portuguese custard tart, and Nova Era makes a damn good one, dare I say, the best in the city. If done right, Natas balance a perfect combination of a flakey and crisp exterior, with a thick and creamy custardy middle. The first bite is basically euphoric.

I could go on.. but it would be best if you just went out and tried one. I would only let you down in my attempt to put their goodness on the page.

BACKDROP

The ambiance in Nova Era is casual, and homey; the smell of fresh coffee and pastries putting you immediately at ease. A steady flow of new customers are always present, but with many taking pastries to go, I find you can always grab a table. Inside, the sight of families sharing a meal and the sounds of grandparents still carrying their accents almost transports you out of London to a small café in Europe.

MY ORDER

Although it is always hard to choose a dessert, I went with, a Nata (duh), alongside a Bola de Berlim - a lightly fried donut made from sweet yeast and filled will vanilla cream. Because I can never only eat sweets, my mom and I also shared two of the house specials, a Shrimp patty, the Codfish Patty, as well as the Bifana sandwich. The patties are essentially fish mixed with herbs, fried to a crispy perfection. Bite into one of these and you won't regret it. The Bifana sandwich, also a house special, comprises a fresh sourdough bun topped with grilled pork cutlets, and Portuguese style onions.

Staying true to Portuguese cooking, the food at Nova Era doesn't aim to gloat or embellish. It is simple, fresh, and comforting. It's a place where you'll never be surprised, but you'll never have a bad meal. If you ever find yourself near the Western fair looking to grab a bite…I think you found a new spot.