213 East Georgia Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-336-0213

Web: http://www.matchstickcoffee.com/

Twitter: @MatchstickYVR

Advice: Sit at the communal table and meet others.

Known for their popular hip café and coffee roastery in East Van, the passionate owners have created yet another center of place to foster conversation and community. Located in the heart of Chinatown, it’s a cool set-up of a café with large communal wooden tables for sharing, bright and open with a large selection of seats. Chef Trevor Pruegger is manning the beautiful oven in the back for baking breads as well as a variety of baked goods from scones to croissants, cookies to muffins and more.

In time for my usual 3pm afternoon coffee, friends Tammy and Brent joined me to share some treats, pretty much trying all on offer. I had an Espresso Macchiato, while Tammy had a Latte and Brent a Pourover Coffee. We then indulged in their sourdough croissant, a spelt and a chocolate chip cookie, a cranberry and a pear muffin as well as a savoury scone.

You will also find a selection of entrees for lunch or an early dinner along with beer on tap. Don’t forget to strike up a conversation with the like-minded people sharing your table.

Review by: Richard Wolak