BreakfastAcme Cafe
[rating:5]
No, Acme Cafe isn’t a fake cafe — part of an elaborate hoax by Wile E. Coyote to lure the unsuspecting Road Runner to certain doom. Acme Cafe is a new diner in the redeveloping East Hastings neighborhood (right next door to the old Save On Meats), serving up a menu of sandwiches, quiches and a large assortment of pies and baked goods, all in an open kitchen.
(Top to bottom: 1. Croque Monsieur. 2. Joe.)
Acme Cafe’s menu consists mostly of sandwiches, salads and baked goods, very few items that require a full kitchen to prepare. Most items seem familiar, but have a slight twist. I had the special of the day, the Croque Monsieur — generous slices of carved ham, turkey and cheese pressed together between two slices of multigrain toast. It was served with a thimble of fruit salad and a cup of endive salad and vinaigrette.
(Clockwise: 1. Shrimp Guacamole Sandwich. 2. Side of homemade chips and broccoli slaw. 3. Random shot of ugly doll.)
Case ordered the Shrimp Guacamole with a side of homemade chips and broccoli slaw. The guacamole mix of baby shrimp, avocado, corn, tomato, cilantro and cheese, was refreshingly light with a hint of curry (deja vu?). The roll it was served on, however, was a bit too thick and kept squeezing out that beautiful shrimp mixture each time a bite was taken — perhaps a softer bread would be a better choice. Two types of crunches were provided on the side from the thick, ridged, homemade chips and creamy broccoli slaw.
(Above: Homemade oreo cookie.)
Acme proudly displays their baked goods (in the middle at the rounded bar, and up front by the cashier). Scores of cookies and pies line the countertop. Even though it was only brunch, we couldn’t resist trying something. That something being the homemade oreo — a decadent creamy icing wedged between two, thick chocolate cookies.
Our meal came to a reasonable $33 with taxes and tips and two cups of unlimited refill coffee. The staff was upbeat and amiable;, the vibe was laid back, down to earth and kid friendly — a nice addition to the neighborhood.
Perfect for: Contemporary diner food with a dessert for chaser.
The Details
51 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
604.569.1022
acmecafe.ca
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