Vancouverites who love their brunch (and, more so, love their Café Medina brunch) will be pleased to learn of the institution’s decision to update their space and shift locations as of August. That’s right, they’re switching things up and migrating a few blocks away to 780 Richards Street (yet another micro-hood dubbed the ‘Library District’).
Café Medina’s new location will boast a number of upgrades, such as a proper bar, more seats, open concept kitchen, and vaulted ceilings to help create plenty of natural light.
Owner Robbie Kane aims to preserve the same brand of eclectic, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, warm and inviting atmosphere, and stellar service that has captured the hearts and stomachs of fans since they first set up waffle-shop in 2008.
Shares Kane, “We pride ourselves on feeding the soul of each one of our guests and providing them with sustenance in every way, shape and form. That is what has made Café Medina an institution and why people keep coming back, and that remains our top priority as we transition to the new space.” Given the number of times we’ve groggily made our way down for our own Sunday brunch fix, we have to say we fully agree.
With the move to their new location also comes the appointment of Executive Chef Jonathan Chovancek, returning to his culinary roots in the kitchen after spending the past four years steering his successful retail line of small-batch cocktail bitters and culinary extracts, Bittered Sling, with life and business partner Lauren Mote. We’d be remiss not to mention a sweet side note here: Café Medina was where the two had their first date back in the day… Aw!
Now, we know how new appointments in the kitchen can often translate to entire menu overhauls – but fear not as Chovancek won’t be tempering with a good thing too much. Though, he could given the caliber of training and skills he’s honed working at acclaimed places such as The Aerie Resort, Sooke Harbour House, Zambri’s, and Vancouver-based Culinary Capers. Look for his inventive take on cuisine to find its way onto plates at the new restaurant with the addition of full dinner service added to the mix.
Café Medina will remain open until mid-July, and will then reopen at its new address in August. For more details and to check out the entire menu currently featured, visit them online.
Are you excited for Café Medina’s new chapter? Comment below or tweet us @ViewtheVibe!
