Just before the holidays hit, we noted that a new little hotspot had quietly (and finally) opened its doors on the fringes of Gastown. Danica’s Cafe (Baked Coffee Bar) had been under construction since the summer (when we popped in to intro ourselves to the owner).
At the time, we were given a little rundown as to what guests could expect: a quaint little cafe that channeled a hint of NYC and Paris, infused with a menu laden with hearty/healthy countryside cuisine.
Already a winner in our books (if not due to the name choice alone), we recently hustled our way over to see for ourselves — expectations high and appetites piqued.
Named after the owner’s grandmother, Danica, the cafe aims to embody a rustic/homespun charm melded with hints of modern design. With a farming history in the family, they wanted the overall look and feel of the 40-seat space to capture a relaxed vibe.
To that end, we think they’ve done just fine with an upscale-yet-homey décor throughout, featuring plenty of warm tones and lots of polished wood and vintage touches. Eclectic artwork and accents help pull it all together.
The menu is fully-loaded, boasting home-baked goods (muffins, cookies, pies), fresh ground coffee (Elysian), a healthy dose of cocktails, lunch, and brunch bites.
If you go, we suggest you order their house-made organic granola topped with whipped coconut cream, coconut-crusted bananas, and fresh seasonal fruit for some serious fuel. Alternatively, go for Danica’s family-recipe European pancakes, Ukrainian cabbage rolls, and deliciously savoury smoked salmon frittata.
Save room for dessert though – you’ll thank us later. They’ve got one of the best cinnamon buns we’ve tasted in the city yet (loved the orange glazed top and crunchy pecans) and a killer chocolate pecan pie.
Be sure to check out their dinner menu, which recently launched in full bloom, making Danica’s Cafe your definite go-to for any time of the day. Check them out at 556 Beatty Street location (old Cafe Medina).
Have you been to Danica’s Cafe yet? Let us know your thoughts on “VAN: Danica’s Cafe Opens in Gastown” in the comments below or tweet us at @ViewTheVibe.