Where to Eat in Vancouver: East of Main Cafe Officially Opens

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On November 19, Vancouver Food Tour attended East of Main Cafe‘s official opening event. Located on Georgia Street, literally east of Main Street, this cozy cafe stands apart on this little strip in Chinatown.

On a particularly chilly and wet Vancouver evening, it felt great be welcomed into this beautiful and intimate space by the proprietors and sisters, Maureen Webb and Donalda Weaver. 100% of East of Main Cafe‘s profits support the sisters’ other venture, Project Limelight.  This not-for-profit society offers free theatre arts programs for youth who live in Downtown Eastside Vancouver.

East of Main Cafe bar

East of Main Cafe decor

Now, onto the food and drinks.  Guests were treated to a selection of 5 cocktails, created by barman Colin Turner, formerly of CinCin. The Greenwich Sour (Collingwood, lemon, simple syrup, egg white, angostura, red wine float) and Bitter Kisses (Beefeater, Ramazzotti, lemon, elderflower, orange bitters) were both favourites of the evening.

5 featured cocktails at East of Main Cafe opening event

Creating our delicious selections

Chef Jenny Patsula impressed with her Mediterranean inspired canapés and the artistic displays of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and spreads.

One of many amazing spreads

Food loving guests enjoying the event

I’ve passed by East of Main Cafe many times en route to a wildly popular Cambodian restaurant, Phnom Penh.  This opening event was a wonderful opportunity to explore what will become one of my newest hangouts.

Its location in the rapidly evolving Chinatown-Strathcona neighbourhood, combined with the comfortable decor, delicious food and cocktails, and connection to a meaningful cause, all make East of Main Cafe a highly recommended destination.

East of Main Cafe

223 E. Georgia St.
Vancouver, BC

Maren Walker works in Communications and Relations for Vancouver Food Tour. Originally from California, living in Vancouver, BC via Texas. Lover of culinary adventures, food trucks, beer, travel, hiking and design.

Follow her on twitter @marenw