Salade de Fruits Café
Vancouver | $$$ | Website
A couple of years ago I stumbled upon a little slice of Paris along West 7th, the 'Salade de Fruits Café'. It happened to be closed that day and I wasn't as Familiar with Vancouver then but I never forgot about my Parisian find. After a brief hiatus in Europe, fast forward 2010 and back to the West Coast, another familiar stroll and voila, I was in the heart of the French Cultural Center signing up for french language classes and somehow also standing at the 'Salade de Fruits Café'.
On a gorgeous summer evening I dined at this French Cafe Bistro with my fiancé we didn't reserve a table and they were fully booked but to my delight we were offered a place on the terrace, if we could wait 10 minutes. Chefs, Balendran and Antoine create reasonably priced, exquisite cuisine with an excellent choice of fish, meat and sometimes vegetarian dishes. We sipped the french house vin rouge, ordered a poisson du jour, moules et frites (a long time customer favorite) and for dessert crème brûlée. Every week there is a Table d'hote au menu (fixed priced) for $22.99.
The wait staff are friendly, speak fluent french and more often than not are French as was our waiter that night.
With it's relaxed atmosphere, charming setting and perfect location (close proximity to South Granville's art galleries and antiques stores, Granville Island is a 15 minute walk away), it is the ideal place for a rendez-vous with friends for Brunch, or Dîner with loved ones, perfect for lazy weekends and summer nights. During the Summer the terrace is open almost spilling onto the sidewalk and after 8pm West 7th is usually deplete from traffic.
There are times when I will simply pass by to admire from afar, listen out for a tête-à-tête and see how my own french has improved. Just drop by any day of the week (except Sundays & Mondays) and you may hear the odd Quebecois and French in conversation as the restaurant is literally at the heart of The French Cultural Centre.
Only cash is accepted and to avoid disappointment I suggest you book in advance especially on evenings and weekends . They are closed Sundays and Mondays.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday: Lunch from 11:30 am to 2:15 pm, Dîner from 5:00 pm Saturday: Brunch 10 am to 2:15 pm, Dîner from 5:00 pm
Visit their website and see what's on the menu.
(For more information on the Vancouver Francophone Cultural Center visit http://www.lecentreculturel.com)