223 East Georgia Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-899-2777

Web: http://eastofmaincafe.com/

Twitter: @eastofmaincafe

Advice: Call to reserve ahead if you have a larger party.

Every once in awhile when travelling you come across a restaurant that would be your favourite had you lived in that city. Last week I discovered one of those special places right here in Chinatown. This newly opened restaurant is East of Main, literally that is and the profits go toward sustaining their other venture, Project Limelight Society, a not-for-profit children’s theatre program. This is where social enterprise meets passionate restaurateurs and a chef that loves to create and cook, where the menu features Moroccan, Spain and the Mediterranean influences and flavours. Owned by sisters Maureen Webb and Donalda Weaver; Maureen has been a prolific casting director and agent for over 20 years and has worked with some of the world’s finest writers, directors, producers and actors.

Almond Duqqa

Fattoush with Za’atar

Roasted Cauliflower

I joined my friend and fellow food writer Cassandra Anderton for dinner last week and we happily shared a selection of dishes starting off with the heavenly Almond Duqqa ($6) you dip the soft flatbread into the Spanish olive oil, then dip it into the almond crumbly mixture which then coats the flatbread and I loved this dish. Next was the tasty Fattoush with Za’atar ($9) salad followed by the delicious Roasted Cauliflower ($7).

Morrocan Kefta

Lemon Coca

The next sharing plate was the Morrocan Kefta ($9) these lamb meatballs had a spicy tomato sauce with a tasty zing, which was followed by the light Lemon Coca ($9) which was a Spanish dish similar to flatbread.

Roasted Vegetable Strudel

Lamb Shank

For our mains we shared just two as they were each a good size, I adored the Roasted Vegetable Strudel ($14) that was filled with vegetables served on a bed of quinoa salad; the Lamb Shank ($18) was tender and flavourful as well.

Chocolate Layer Cake with salted caramel

To finish of this outstanding meal we shared the Chocolate Layer Cake with salted caramel ($7) which was quite rich, loved the salted caramel, there desserts are ever changing.

The Bar Manager Andrew Flynn is equally talented on the beverage side as Chef Jenny Patsula, his cocktail list is well thought and creative offering unique and bold flavours in his drinks. The star is shining bright on this block in dark-lit Chinatown, make sure you visit and visit again!

Review By: Richard Wolak