Medina Cafe

I went to Vancouver, against my better judgement (see here), and the culinary highlight was Cafe Medina. I live in Edmonton, also know as chain restaurant hell, so any reprieve I can get, I take. It was the morning after the night before and my com rads and I were damaged to say the least, food was necessary in order to get my act together and enjoy the last day of my trip. My friends Kristen and Tony are professional diners, if there is a cool, new, delicious, buzzed about restaurant, anywhere in the world, they know about it, and they were going to Medina, so I was going too.

As we drove up to Cafe Medina, there was a huge crowd gathered outside, I wondered if Jesus was inside. I trust a crowd 25 people deep waiting for a table, so we sheeped out and waited like the rest of the herd. 45 minutes later, we were escorted into the back dining room and what was to follow was a sensory orgasm that I must recount. Don't let the description fool you, the back dining room, was nothing like the back of the bus. Exposed brick walls and giant windows with a view welcome guests into this culinary experience. The place was buzzing with happy guest, the music of Thievery corporation and Gotan Project wafted through the room like the scent of waffles (more on that in a minute). I knew immediately that I was in for a treat.

I started with a lavender latte, if I was standing, my knees would have buckled. It wasn't an immature or offensive flavor, no, it was the perfect latte, appropriately perfumed with the scent of lavender. It even looked gorgeous, the work of a coffee artisan, I (almost) didn't want to drink it.My friend Semi had the Moroccan spiced mimosa, after one sip, I will never look at the average Mimosa again. Spice with cinnamon and figs with steeped saffron threads. Words cannot describe. I laboured over what to eat, it was a tough decision, as everything, and I mean everything, on the menu sounded absolutely divine. I chose the Fricassee, braised short ribs with 2 fried eggs, roasted potatoes, arugula, smoked apple wood cheddar and toasted foccacia. I died. I have never had a brunch like that in my life. I feel ruined now, I don't know how I can ever go back. As soon as our meals came, the talking ceased and the only audible sounds were that of "oooh", "ahhhh" and "mmmmmmm". I briefly came up for air and my cohorts faces said it all, happiness. After stuffing my face, I thought I couldn't possibly eat another bite, I had forced the last bites of my fricassee, as I knew it would some time before I could come back, so I wasn't leaving a morsel uneaten; but, Medina's brunch is not complete without a homemade Belgian waffle (the chef/owner is Belgian, there is also a extensive Belgian beer list). The waffles are small but just right. There is an assortment of toppings from the tart mixed berry, white chocolate pistachio rosewater, milk chocolate lavender, dark chocolate, raspberry caramel and fig orange marmalade . The waffle was the perfect end to an unforgettable meal (my gluttony got the better of me, and I ate the waffle before it even crossed my mind to take a picture). I can honestly say that I have never had a meal experience like that in my life. From start to finish the experience was one not to forget, from the room to the servers to the food, Medina has the market cornered on excellence. If you are ever in Vancouver, GO TO MEDINA, don't walk , run, and if there is a very long line, whether it be rain, sleet or snow, please wait, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Medina Cafe

556 Beatty Street, Crosstown Vancouver

Monday to Friday 8am-4pm

Weekends 9am-4pm