Over the course of the year, I’ve been traveling from country to country, but nothing’s better than home. During one of my smaller trips, the bf and I visited Salt Spring Island for the first time.
It’s a small place, a few hours could get around the entire island. A place where there’s no such thing as strangers, a place where it’s almost douchebag free. Magical, right? Didn’t think the food would be very impressive, but boy was I wrong.
We were walking around town with a map in hand when one of the locals asked if we were lost. He suggested a few places for food, but insisted that we check out the cafe. He said it was one of the locals favourites around here and that it’s different.
Walking along the harbour area, we saw it. It’s a place that’s guaranteed to make you smile. The cafe reminds me of something that’s taken out of a Disney movie, a little cafe that encircles a tree. There was a charming sign hanging from above the door, a few patio seats, and no matter what hour, is always at least half full.
Entrance to the cafe.
The server we had was attentive, was there when we needed anything, and prepared us with a stack of napkins for what we ordered. An order of cheese burger with a spinach salad and an order of the deluxe burger with a Caesar salad. While we were waiting, we took some more pictures from the inside of the cafe.
The tree. Most of the locals sat out on the patio area to bathe in the sunlight.
When the food came, I was just shocked by how good it looked and healthy. You’re thinking, ew, healthy burger? What the hell is this, a flax or 12 grain bun with a tofu and oats patty? No. But it did look like a fresh, home made ciabatta bun with a good, rounded patty (not that frozen waffle shaped crap) with some greens that didn’t look like it came from a bag of shredded paper. My salad was in a bowl, topped with sprouts and pumpkin seeds. The bf’s burger was oozing out some pan fried mushrooms and juices.
My cheese burger…to heaven.
Words cannot describe what came next. When I bit into that burger, it made my life complete for a moment. It was like an orgasm in my mouth (no offense to my bf), it just felt so right. There was the right amount of seasoning; no, not salt, REAL seasoning like fresh or dried herbs. The bun was soft, but a little chewy for texture. The cheese melded the whole bite together. When I looked down, I could actually see the juices glistening in the sun like Edward Cullen (jokes, no?). Then there was this trail of juices down my wrist… the burger juice trickle.
My salad tasted light, refreshing, and loved the dressing. It wasn’t sour, but there was a tang to it and definitely a mango taste. The toasted pumpkin seeds definitely gave it a bit of a crunch and a wonderful texture.
Foodgasm in the mouth. You rarely see me this happy.
We enjoyed our burgers, probably a little too much and of course left empty plates. An amazing start to our mini vacation and is definitely my favourite burger I’ve had so far. If I remember correctly, I think the burger and salad was about 12 dollars? Maybe more, but well worth it. I will definitely be back to Salt Spring for future vacations and come here for another juicy burger.
Happy eating!
The Treehouse Cafe
106 Purvis Lane, Salt Spring Island
250-537-5379
www.treehousecafe.ca
VanFoodies.com 
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