Lunch Pick: Relish Food and Coffee

An espresso from Discovery Coffee with a house-made hazelnut and candied blood orange brownie. Photos by Ellie Shortt

Steps away from a car garage and a McDonald’s, Relish Food and Coffee could easily be missed as you fly down Pandora on your way to the city centre. This delightful cafe and restaurant is fresh, friendly and fun – a beacon of light on an otherwise dull part of the street. And if you have tried their food, then you’re aware that this is a destination never to be passed by again.

Their menu is a select chalkboard list of ever-changing dishes, and although there are only 10 or so items to pick from, the thoughtful variety provides choices for many taste preferences and needs. In fact, your biggest problem may simply be deciding upon just one item, so come prepared and bring friends that are willing to share.

Pork sandwich served on a focaccia bun with apple, beet and cabbage slaw and aged white cheddar

Chef and owner Jamie Cummins explains that the wide-ranging menu is simply a combination of items he craves and seeks for his own personal dining experiences. An innovative contrast of international cuisine and more expected café fare come together to form a seasonal selection of housemade dishes. From sauces and condiments to the fluffy focaccia that holds together your sandwich, you know that you’re getting quality food presented with passion and purpose.

The knowledgeable and friendly staff are as equally adoring of Relish’s small but impressive menu, and when asked what they recommend they’ll simply respond with a cheerful “everything” – a gesture that may seem insincere at some places, but is clearly a legitimate answer at this delightful dining destination.

Locally roasted and much-loved Discovery Coffee complements assorted housemade baked goods and desserts. In addition to kitchen experience at Paprika Bistro and Sooke Harbour House, Cummins also worked at Discovery so that he could develop his coffee knowledge before opening his own restaurant. It was important to him to have impressive cuisine plus quality coffee – something he felt doesn’t often coexist.

Roasted pork cheek on kimchi fried rice

A year and a half after opening and Relish is proving to do just that – uniting great food and great coffee in a welcoming, relaxed and bright environment suitable for a coffee break with a book or a lunch date with a friend.

The time: 2-5 minute wait for a coffee, 10-15 minute wait for a meal.

The cost: Varies on whether you order just a coffee or a full meal. Main dishes range from around $8-$14, soup is usually between $4 and $7.

Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-4pm *But if you can’t make these weekday times, don’t fret – Cummins and his staff are in talks of expanding their hours to evenings and weekends as early as this spring!

Relish Food and Coffee: 920 Pandora Ave, Victoria BC (250) 590-8464

www.relishfoodcoffee.com

*Check out their Facebook page for a list of daily items: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Relish-Food-and-Coffee/214755578557283