VanFoodies.com

For those of you who follow me on social media, you would know that we took a trip to Vancouver Island. It was a pretty epic trip — travelled from Nanaimo to Port Hardy and San Josef Bay in the northwest corner, and everywhere in between — 2,300km in 9 days.

First stop, Nanaimo. It was brunch time when we arrived in Nanaimo. Downtown Nanaimo has no shortage of brunch options, and Gabriel’s Cafe caught my eyes. Gabriel’s is about eat local, farm to table.

Food

Ordering wasn’t an easy task for me, because I was just recovering from a bad stomach flu. I had to pick something light so I avoided pulled pork, braised beef, or anything rich and heavy. I opted for the Breakfast #11 — Coconut Milk Pancakes with Roasted Apples, Seasonal Fruit and Yogurt. I thought coconut milk pancakes wouldn’t be too heavy and there would be a good dose of fruit on the plate. Haha the portion size was not for the faint of heart. There were 3 good sized pancakes, topped with loads of fruit, and a big dollop of Greek yogurt. The pancakes were fluffy, eggy, and lots of coconut flavour from the shredded coconut. The roasted apples added acidity, and yogurt and banana added creaminess. I couldn’t finish them all, but it was quite good. Honestly, I was really eyeing #12, which was 2 coconut milk pancakes with pulled pork and fried egg in between, and bourbon maple syrup and spicy sour cream. Doesn’t that sound delicious?! Our next-table neighbour was having it and it looked so good! I was jealous.

Mr. ordered Lunch #11 — Curry Chicken, Apple Tomato Chutney, Brown Rice, Green Onions and Cilantro in a whole wheat wrap, with a cup of Seafood Chowder on the side. Gee it was a big wrap! The curry chicken had good flavours, with good balance of acidity from the chutney. A little too much rice, though, to the ratio of curry chicken and everything else.

Oh did I mention Mama Lam and Papa Lam joined us for this portion of the trip? Papa Lam ordered Lunch #15, Wild Salmon Burger with a Sriracha Mayo and Pickled Vegetables. The salmon wasn’t dry, which would’ve been my biggest fear. It was a decent portion too, but I wish they included a side such as potato chips or fries, just to make the plate more interesting. That being said, consider it’s only $10, it’s pretty good value.

Mama Lam was probably the smartest one. She just went for Breakfast #4 — Ham and Egg English Muffin with Chipotle Mayo. She’s not a big eater so it was just enough food for her. It was not like fast food muffin sandwiches, with a fried egg and thick cut ham. And’s only $5!

Ordering Food

Interesting approach to ordering here. Menus are on clipboards near the entrance. You may pick up a menu to study, and once you know what you want, go up to the cash register to order. You will be given a number and food will be delivered to your table. There is a sign near the entrance telling you to only be seated after you place an order. I must confess, I asked Mama Lam and Papa Lam to grab a seat before we ordered. There were more tables than people, and I frankly didn’t think it’s helpful to have four people standing and waiting in line.

Final Thoughts

Overall the restaurant is a bit hipster, and has character. Food was quite enjoyable and prices were reasonable. I wish I could order the Pulled Pork Coconut Pancakes. Next time.

Gabriel’s Cafe
39a Commercial Street, Nanaimo
250-714-0271
gabrielscafe.ca