Belgian fries (frites) and waffles are some of the non-Chinese food I can legitimately be snobby about. I think eating my way through Belgium qualifies me as a near-connoisseur of the two famous staples of that country. After travelling through the area, I also developed a love for mussels and decadent chocolates. I think Cafe Medina and Chambar have done a great job introducing this under appreciated cuisine to Vancouver.
After another laborious day of condo cleaning, Chenoa and I made our way to Cafe Medina to reward ourselves with a quality brunch. Unfortunately, we missed the brunch time. To ease our brekkie mood, we ordered one of their famous waffles.
We had this nicely chewy and soft waffle with the White Chocolate Pistachio Rosewater sauce. The waffle was of course 100 times better than an Eggo and the sauce was surprisingly light; with all those ingredients one would thing it be overwhelming but it was subtle with a hint of everything.
As my lunch, I ordered the La Tartine
It was marinated shredded carrot, grilled haloumi cheese, tabouleh, houmus, olive on rosemary sourdough. When I saw it on the menu, I thought it was a sandwich and didn’t expect the colourful platter that arrived. It was a bit baffling to figure out how to best eat it but I just ended up eating one at a time. It was light and healthy tasting, and the bits of olives on the plate added a hint of savoury to the dish.
Chenoa decided on Les Boulettes
It was Spicy Moroccan meatballs and roasted vegetables with a side of humus, yoghurt, cucumber salad and grilled foccacia. These hearty spicy tangy tender meatballs were pretty darn good…but didn’t think that the ‘mystery meat’ used was lamb which Chenoa was allergic to. We ate a bit of it before we realized that there could be lamb in it. The staff was incredibly nice and was willing to substitute another dish for her.
Cafe Medina serves one of the most original and best brunches (and lunches) in the city. They serve quality food at decent prices. For the night time fare, head next door to the popular Chambar and enjoy the food while witnessing cute awkward ‘PlentyofFish’ first dates.
Cafe Medina
556 Beatty Street
Browse Timeline
Comments ( 2 )
Cafe Medina is a bit snug for first dates in my opinion, but the food stands out. My favorite is the Les Merguez ($15) – Flat bread wrapped roasted merguez sausage, baba ganoush, haloumi cheese, grilled eggplant, tabbouleh.
Jonathan added these pithy words on
Aug 17 10 at
5:07 pm
think it’s a pretty cute setting for a first date..casual, quality food, quaint …and snug ;)
Senses Inspired added these pithy words on
Aug 17 10 at
5:10 pm
