When it comes to comfort food, it’s not always easy to eat the entire dish and still feel happy and healthy. A comfort food binge is often-times followed by painful gut-groans, distention, bloating and what is commonly referred to as the ‘meat-sweats’. This my friends, is not the case at Aphrodite’s Cafe. In fact, it is the complete opposite. At Aphrodite’s, you can eat the mouth-watering mac and cheese, the whole dish- and still feel capable of going about your day at the end of your meal. This is a place where delicious, mouth-watering pastry is no stranger, and food traditions are truly showcased. However, they’ve managed to incorporate traditions of food and decadence with what is really important today when it comes to the food industry: sustainable, local and seasonal. Keep reading to hear what I really think in this Aphrodite’s Cafe Restaurant Review!
Now a days, it is difficult to eat out and trust that the food is doing your body some good. So many things come into play when the issues of food and health are on the table- where is the food from; who grew it; is it organic? Thus, it’s a lovely surprise when you find somewhere like Aphrodite’s. It really is the perfect combination of good eats, great people and the perfect location!
So, what makes Aphrodite’s so wonderful?
You know that feeling when you walk into your grandma’s house and you just know that you’re in for a delicious meal and great comfort? That’s Aphrodite’s. This is the kind of place you come to for a familiar meal, with new twists and great company. Located on the south east corner of West 4th- Aphrodite’s really knows the meaning of ‘regulars’. After speaking with Rachel, the executive chef and leader of the kitchen, it was clear that in all of it’s wonder the truth of Aphrodite’s is really a neighborhood cafe. Every morning, upon opening, their guests who frequent the cafe daily are graced with delicious, house-made baked goods such as muffins, scones and of course, their famous fruit pies.
Aphrodite’s has quite a heart-warming history. It’s creator and magic mind behind the business, Allan Christian, who passed away in 2008- initially opened up Aphrodite’s as a pie shop. The concept behind the business is farm to table. Allan had a fervent passion in farming and agriculture and felt a strong desire to build a connection between farming and city life. Following this drive, Allan made the decision to open up a pie shop on west 4th in Vancouver, which is now located within the same area of it’s original position and has grown into a bustling, busy, and famous cafe!
Stepping into Aphrodite’s, you really can feel the warmth and charm of the place just by looking up and admiring the adorable pinatas, one of which is characterizing the creator, Allen, with a handful of carrots and a rake in his hand- truly depicting his love of the farm life!
What does Aphrodite’s look like Naked?
Dare you ask.
Organic, farm, fresh & local are what characterize Aphrodite’s, in a nut shell. 99% of the food served at Aphrodite’s is organic, and if it isn’t organic, it is of the highest quality and integrity. Although organic is integral to the cafe and it’s values, local and seasonal are also foundational to it’s existence. Aphrodite’s has a very close relationship with the local farmers in and around Vancouver, and continuing this relationship is of utmost importance.
Aphrodite’s is continuously working on growing and taking on new projects. One of their newest additions is Inform Dining- which is a way for them to communicate the nutritional information to the customers in an efficient and simple manner. So, next time you stop in for a delicious breakfast or scrumptious slice of pie, don’t hesitate to ask a member of the team for the nutritional breakdown information!
A Quick Look Behind-the-Scenes aka Into the Kitchen
We had the privilege of meeting and sitting down with the Executive kitchen manager and chef, Rachel. Having been a part of Aphrodite’s for a few years, she was the perfect person to speak to about the history and mission behind this delightful business.
Some of the main points that stood out are that Rachel has a very close relationship with the farmers, she truly values the importance of the farm-to-table concept and is always working on improving the dishes and changing the menu around according to seasonal ingredients.
Now, let’s get your mouth-watering!
Aphrodite’s is really one of those places that get’s your senses vibrating from the moment you enter it’s doors. I was really happy to be accompanied by my brother, Sam, who astutely followed my instructions and brought his manly appetite along with him.
To start us off we shared one of Aphrodite’s ‘main squeeze’, the Goddess Bowl. The essence of this dish is truly appealing to all of your senses. Beautiful bright colours, all sorts of textures- it’s a dish that could please anyone.
What stood out to me was the warm, orange scented quinoa and the homemade raspberry coulis. You really can’t go wrong!
Next up, Joe, the day manager, brought us a couple tastings of some of their top selling beverages. This included a spiced chai, a delicious hot chocolate, the blueberry lemonade and the mulled juice sorrel tea. My favorite was the blueberry lemonade. I could just imagine being out in the farm, working hard in the summer, and being cooled down with this palate pleaser! Sam’s favorite was no surprise to me, as he slurped down the decadent hot chocolate.
The grand moment of our visit came next. Sam and I were blown away by these next three dishes. I ordered the wild mushroom quiche, which is one of their traditional entrees and best sellers.
The pastry at Aphrodite’s is really something to talk about, and for good reason. They have had the same pastry chef since the beginnings of Aphrodite’s. Nothing less of an expert! Sam devoured their spin off of a traditional French Canadian dish- the tourtière. What really stood out to me about this dish is that it is served with maple syrup (yum!) and is made with fresh sage, thyme and cinnamon.
Sam and I were both extremely quiet during this time. We also were graced with one of the newest and most popular dishes- the gluten-free vegan mac and cheese.
I have a feeling this dish can speak for itself!
Last, but most certainly not least, we shared two desserts (you can imagine that by this point, we were extremely full, but we couldn’t say no to a slice of their famous pies)! We were going to split one slice of pie, until Max, one of their servers, managed to sell us on one of their new desserts, a vegan cheesecake! I felt as though I owed it to the readers at The Naked Label to try it out! So, I did!
The pie we shared was the raspberry rhubarb pie along side a scoop of the Mario’s coconut ice cream gelato. I’ve heard about Aphrodite’s pies- and now I know why. If you haven’t enjoyed a slice of their pie yet, I strongly encourage you to do so soon!
All in all, I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed my visit to Aphrodite’s. The food on it’s own would bring me back, however, the staff and their energy and positivity was really the beautiful, delicious icing on the cake (or better yet, the slice of homemade pastry, pie)! They really are a family, and their doors are always open to welcoming a new face into their farm-to-table world. What’s more, you are bound to meet and chat with a regular about the beautiful neighborhood cafe and can probably get a good story in too!
Have you been to Aphrodite’s before? Are you excited to check it out? I’d love to hear your comments and what you thought of this Aphrodite’s Cafe Restaurant Review! Be sure to share this on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about Aphrodite’s and help friends find this amazing gem of a place on the south east corner of West 4th in Vancouver! If you are at all intrigued and find your mouth watering from this review, stop in and try one of their delicious menu items!
