With visions of character-filled Agricola Street hangouts like Salvation, the And Cafe and One World dancing in his head—and the opportunity to rent some prime real estate—Chris Cookson made a proposition to his good friend and Zulkamoon bandmate Inti Gonzalez this summer. And a little enthusiasm in return was all it took for the mysterious Cempoal de la Calavera Negra (2378 Agricola Street) to come to fruition.
Open for just over a month, the Mexican-infused, north end cafe has been bringing in neighbours and passerby with its signless allure, and keeping them with warmth, conversation and great coffee. For now, the cafe serves a fine cup of Java Blend brew, but Cookson says he hopes to diversify and experiment with different flavours. Cempoal is also taking shape as a prime venue for movie nights, private parties and intimate acoustic shows. Its stage, recently christened by Al Tuck by the by, will also host three shows during In the Dead of Winter festival. Good things!
Cempoal de la Calavera Negra loosely translates to marigold of the black skull, referencing the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, but pay a visit and you'll see this cafe is nothing short of alive.
