recipes

MODERN CAFE, PARKSVILLE

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There is a cafe in Nanaimo that has been in business for more than 50 years. The MODERN CAFE. I’ve never been to it but recently they opened a second location in PARKSVILLE.  Right beside Thrifty’s   where Lefty’s was for many years. 

We figured we needed to try it and let you hear about it. So yesterday we paid a visit to the MODERN for a late lunch. The restaurant has been renovated and features booths with very nigh backed black benches. So it seems a bit dark. We perused the menu which had some interesting items. A KALE Caesar salad. Seriously? Who would do that?  What’s wrong with Lettuce. Among the handhelds is a Brisket Dip. Sounded possible but it didn’t seem to be a BBQ joint to me. Leave the Brisket to the Rusted Rake or Montanas.  

Sheila was quick to choose the Tomato Soup with toast. And it was really good. 

I decided to attack the Mount Washington Benny. A RATHER unusual iteration. Small waffles, not muffins, with ham, tomato, Avacado, Poached eggs and Hollandaise. It was the high rise of Bennie’s. Hard to eat as it kept falling over. Tasty although the waffles were a bit wanting. A nice array of potatoes accompanied the Benny. The long rectangular plate kept Skittering around so the server brought a cloth to put under the plate. That helped. 

Service was good and prompt. And the prices were pretty normal. I’m sure lots of folks will enjoy the MODERN but it just misses for me.
There is a patio that might be nice when it opens too. Check out the menu here. https://www.moderncafenanaimo.com/menu

Would we go back?  Probably not. 

Just saying…

Cuckoo’s in Coombs

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It’s been some time since our last visit to Cuckoo’s in Coombs but since we were in the area someone suggested we share a Caesar Salad and a pizza for lunch. Why not ? 

Cuckoos is still a delightful spot for lunch or dinner. Few restaurants in our area use real white tablecloths and napkins and it’s a touch that we appreciate. The main room with its big windows looking out on beautiful shrubs and trees is really lovely. 

Two glasses of Italian White were quickly on the table and since I had recently made a few Caprese Salads at home, we decided to share one for comparison. Theirs was very good with the addition of some capers. Must remember that for next time I’m feeling creative.

As usual we shared a Margharita Pizza. Cuckoo’s pizza crust is super thin just the way we like it. Did you know the pizza is named after a Queen? A popular legend holds that the Margherita Pizza was invented in June 1889, when the Italian Royal Palace commissioned the Neapolitan chef  Raffael Esposito, to create a pizza in honour of the visit of Queen Margarita.  Of the three different pizzas he created, the queen strongly preferred a pizza swathed in the colours of the Italian Flag—red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). Apparently this type of pizza was then named after the queen. 

Queen or not it’s our favourite! 

Oh yes, they still serve their own wonderful bread with their own Bruschetta on the side. The latter is so good we took a tub home. 

Thinking of lunch or dinner? Cuckoo’s is always an option. They have been serving up Italian food for 14 years now. They are open 7 days a week from noon until late. And when the weather is a bit warmer their fabulous patio will be open. Our favourite spot is in the corner under the plum tree. Delightful. 

Currently they are taking reservations. After June 1 only for large groups. 

cuckooincoombs.com

(250)248-6280

Just saying…

Cinnamon Buns in Ladysmith

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In the last 50 or 60 years I have driven through Ladysmith several hundred times. Every two weeks for 20 years when I was working. But in all those trips I have only ventured off the highway about half a dozen times. And never have I taken time to visit the infamous Old Town Bakery. Until this week. 

Off we went, a 45 minute drive from FRENCH CREEK.  We arrived just after noon and immediately found a table since we planned to have lunch. There are only 6 tables. A short line up to order whilst overseeing some serious deliciousness. Everything from sandwich’s, meat pies, scones, bread, danish pasties and of course, the famous Cinnamon Buns. Best on the Island award for these apparently. We chose the soup of the day, a very unique Minestrone, a Blueberry Scone and an Italian Pastry. We ordered, paid and very promptly the delights arrived at our table. Excellent! Top marks for everything. 


As we noshed, the lineup increased until it was out the door. Hungry customers just kept appearing. Some for take out some for eat in. A older couple next to us shared a Cinnamon Roll,  each with a fork,  attacking it with some serious gusto. 

In the window next door you can watch the talented staff icing and decorating cakes. Oh my ! They look fabulous. They do custom cakes if you have a special occasion on the horizon. I’ve think it would be a great idea. 

The Building has housed a bakery since 1932 under various Ownership and names. In 2002 the current owners took charge and renamed it OLD TOWN BAKERY. Based on the crowd of customers they know what they are doing and doing it well. Great to see. 

If you are passing through Ladysmith and crossing the 49th Parallel and have not made the Cinnamon Roll pilgrimage you really must. Stop in for a cappuccino and a pastry, have lunch or get some of the wonderful fare for the road. 

Check out their website https://www.oldtownbakery.ca/

Old Town Bakery is on top of the hill on the main drag in Ladysmith. Big Maroon Awning, easy to find. Just follow someone. They are probably going to the bakery. 

Just saying…