Brunch tasting at the new Medina Cafe on Richards Street in the Library District on September 19, 2014.
I was invited to swing by Medina Cafe's digs on this rainy afternoon to get a taste of their signature dishes and latest offerings. Newly reopened and already always packed, Vancouver's favourite Mediterranean-inspired brunch eatery is now located in a cavernous location, bringing back old favourites while injecting some fresh energy.
The beautiful dining room is romantically lit with an open kitchen and coffee/waffle bar surrounded by a usual long line of eager diners. Inside, the traditional decor (designed by film/TV set decorator Brian Kane, brother of owner Robbie Kane) has an intentionally aged quality, looking to build some immediate vintage character and well-worness.
There isn't much new to say about Medina's signature Belgian waffle (also available on the go). I had mine with some sweet peach and bourbon butterscotch. It's a well-made, delightfully crisp brunch staple and snack enjoyed with a plethora of dipping flavours. We also nibbled on a well-cooked blistered wood stone flatbread, made in-house from their inherited wood-fired oven.
I was very interested and curious about the special sodas offered (created by Cibo/Uva bar manager Lauren Mote). The buttermilk cream soda (with Madagascar vanilla, bergamot citrus, buttermilk, and chocolate bitters) was a mild/light, refreshing, and smooth starter drink.
The new space is a welcome change from the intimate and charming but veery cramped Crosstown setting just a few blocks north, famous for its long outdoor lines and distinct brunch menu.
I was extolled on the meaty virtues of the new Harissa pain plat (with fried egg, beef burger, grilled pita, Manchego, tomato salsa, and spiced hummus). It was described to me as a "burger" baked inside of a pita bread. It tasted hearty and filling in its layering of beef, bread, and eggs. It's deceptively filling.
I struggled over what to get, pouring over the expanded menu, and finally settling on the popular fricassée (with fried eggs, braised short ribs, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, and applewood smoked cheddar), also available in veggie (champignon) and vegan versions. It was richly satisfying. I enjoy my mixed bowls and by serving it in a hot, cast-iron skillet, mixing meat, potatoes, and cheese over eggs, it assures its hot and tastiness.
Medina Cafe still is and was what everyone knows it for, just a little bigger now. Their scrumptious waffles and delightfully edible brunch dishes (mostly, in bowl or skillet form) full of eggs, meats, and veggies are solid all-around. I'm pleased the variety has opened up a little bit. It's a good time to rediscover it for yourself. If the wait in line isn't too long, so much the better.
More | YVArcade / 2010 / Straight
I was invited to swing by Medina Cafe's digs on this rainy afternoon to get a taste of their signature dishes and latest offerings. Newly reopened and already always packed, Vancouver's favourite Mediterranean-inspired brunch eatery is now located in a cavernous location, bringing back old favourites while injecting some fresh energy.
The beautiful dining room is romantically lit with an open kitchen and coffee/waffle bar surrounded by a usual long line of eager diners. Inside, the traditional decor (designed by film/TV set decorator Brian Kane, brother of owner Robbie Kane) has an intentionally aged quality, looking to build some immediate vintage character and well-worness.
There isn't much new to say about Medina's signature Belgian waffle (also available on the go). I had mine with some sweet peach and bourbon butterscotch. It's a well-made, delightfully crisp brunch staple and snack enjoyed with a plethora of dipping flavours. We also nibbled on a well-cooked blistered wood stone flatbread, made in-house from their inherited wood-fired oven.
I was very interested and curious about the special sodas offered (created by Cibo/Uva bar manager Lauren Mote). The buttermilk cream soda (with Madagascar vanilla, bergamot citrus, buttermilk, and chocolate bitters) was a mild/light, refreshing, and smooth starter drink.
The new space is a welcome change from the intimate and charming but veery cramped Crosstown setting just a few blocks north, famous for its long outdoor lines and distinct brunch menu.
I was extolled on the meaty virtues of the new Harissa pain plat (with fried egg, beef burger, grilled pita, Manchego, tomato salsa, and spiced hummus). It was described to me as a "burger" baked inside of a pita bread. It tasted hearty and filling in its layering of beef, bread, and eggs. It's deceptively filling.
I struggled over what to get, pouring over the expanded menu, and finally settling on the popular fricassée (with fried eggs, braised short ribs, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, and applewood smoked cheddar), also available in veggie (champignon) and vegan versions. It was richly satisfying. I enjoy my mixed bowls and by serving it in a hot, cast-iron skillet, mixing meat, potatoes, and cheese over eggs, it assures its hot and tastiness.
Medina Cafe still is and was what everyone knows it for, just a little bigger now. Their scrumptious waffles and delightfully edible brunch dishes (mostly, in bowl or skillet form) full of eggs, meats, and veggies are solid all-around. I'm pleased the variety has opened up a little bit. It's a good time to rediscover it for yourself. If the wait in line isn't too long, so much the better.
More | YVArcade / 2010 / Straight
2 reactions:
Wow, great photography! which camera are you using?
Olympus OM-D EM-5.
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