Cafeteria, created by the same team behind Pied a Terre and La Buca, took over Pings’ spot. I didn’t think Pings was that good as all I remembered were fried food and tempuras on the menu. Since this is the centre of one of the coolest parts of town, any decent quality restaurant would do well here.
After a fun bbq competition held by Swallow Tail Supper Club, @foodandtell and I still wanted to eat. You know you’re a foodie when even after a bbq you still get excited in trying a new restaurant. How eager were we? We entered Cafeteria once they unlocked the doors. The decor is simple with expansive menu boards that conveys a ‘cafeteria’. The menu changes up on a daily basis…just like that of a cafeteria. In this case, I’m glad I didn’t have to choose between Costco quality chicken burgers and Mr. Noodles.
We decided to order a few items to share
The scallop sashimi dish was completely different and fun. This generous plate had notes of sweet and spiciness with the avocado pineapple salsa, chilli oil, jalapeno pepper…and wasabi peas. I wasn’t sure why the peas were there but added a touch of crunchy playfulness. I didn’t try the matzo ball soup but foodandtell said it was pretty darn good.
Next we picked some heartier dishes
The lamb kaftka with eggplant tomato stew was tasty and tangy. The kaftka is like a Greek lamb meatball so it’s game-ier tasting than beef or pork. The stew covered the gameyness and seem to make the kaftka even more tender with each bite. The mussels with chorizos was ok with the mix of slight piquant heat and tang but I still prefer my favourite shellfish dish at Stella’s or Chambar.
With our stomaches full, I purposely left an inch of space for desserts (way better quality picture courtesy of @foodandtell)
Quoting ’someone’ (inside joke), the egg custard dessert was like a sweet version of a quiche. The texture of the custard was similar to a quiche..firmer than that of flan. It had chunks of cherries in it so the sour helped cut into the richness of it.
Cafeteria is a quaint low key place which suits the vibe of SOMA. The ever evolving menu of fresh, fun, and innovative dishes will keep me coming back..even after a gut-busting bbq.
Cafeteria
2702 Main Street
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Comments ( 3 )
[...] ordered dessert It’s very similar to the ‘quiche’ like dessert I had at Cafeteria. It was a interesting mix of fluffy, smooth, and rich custard like texture with the sour cherries [...]
Jules Casual French Bistro - Gastown, Vancouver, BC | Senses Inspired added these pithy words on Dec 20 10 at 12:00 amThis looks really good -a casual place that would be my kind of good. Since I’m a fan of La buca and pied, I will try this for sure.
Lol I like that you went in as soon as the doors opened.
Liv added these pithy words on
Aug 11 10 at
1:26 pm
yeah think you’ll like it! hehe…it was just timing. We left the bbq early, walked around, and thought might as well go to the restaurant when the door opens
Senses Inspired added these pithy words on
Aug 11 10 at
2:27 pm
