Cafe Medina first opened in 2008 on Beatty Street and was soon the it place for brunch, often, and deservedly so, called the best in the city. Now it’s nestled into the L’Hermitage Hotel on Richard’s Street in the Library District and fortunately offers much more seating, although line ups are still seen, even on week days.
The original location was co-owned by Chambar’s Nico and Karri Shuerman along with Robbie Kane, but before moving Kane bought out his partners and chose to relocate and expand on the initial concept. The new spot has a cocktail bar complete with house made tonics and fresh pressed juices, a waffle bar and an open kitchen with a proper forno oven left over from the days when Quattro occupied the space. The room is comfortable open with lots of light shining in from the large windows, friendly positioned tables throughout the room, some bar seating and banquettes against the front wall.
Chef Jonathan Chovancek is now in charge of the kitchen and he’s amped up the menu serving items such as the Harissa Pain Plat, a dish consisting of a fried egg, beef ‘burger’, grilled pita, Manchego, tomato salsa, spiced hummus & summer greens and Paella with a poached egg, orzo, chorizo, summer vegetables, Grana Padano, avocado & tomato salad.
We stopped in for a leisurely lunch and ordered fresh juices the above mentioned Harissa Pain Plat, along with a Mushroom Fricasse with fried eggs, sherry roasted mushrooms, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, summer greens, applewood smoked cheddar served with grilled focaccia and a salmon tangine special.
The eggs were all perfectly cooked and the each dish was full of rich, flavours and accented with super fresh spices.
Originally open just for breakfast and lunch, Cafe Medina recently announced it will be be now offering itself up for celebrations, parties and gatherings for up to 60 guests seated or 100 guests reception-style in the evenings. They can circulate canapés and appetizer platters, or dish up a dinner buffet or a plated dinner, all along with drink pairings.
Cafe Medina
info@medinacafe.com
604-879-3114
780 Richards St. (between Robson & Georgia) Vancouver BC
