The GOODS from East of Main Cafe

Vancouver, BC | Guests have been hiding love notes and messages in the drawers of an antique coffee table at East of Main Cafe since the restaurant opened this past summer. The letters came as a pleasant surprise to proprietors Maureen Webb and Donalda Weaver. “I opened the drawer and there was a note,” says Donalda. “It seems that letter writing is contagious, as every week there are a few more. It is the highlight of my day to find a new message.”

It has become a secret tradition amongst regular patrons of East of Main, but this Valentine’s Day all guests are encouraged to bring their own letters of love to be placed in the drawers. Valentine’s Day is about love; love of a person, place or thing. Guests are invited to write about whatever love means to them. The letters will be stored in the table, accessible to other diners to read and to be inspired by for years to come.

“We started East of Main Cafe for two reasons; to support Project Limelight and to create a gathering place for the community to share thoughts, ideas and a love for good food and drink,” says Maureen. “These letters are a testament to that.” Learn more after the jump…

East of Main is also sharing the love by offering a three-course small bites Valentine menu designed for couples. Each sharing menu starts with a brie en croute, followed by a tapas platter of signature dishes and finishes with a white chocolate and rose water mousse. The Valentine’s Day sharing menu is available for dinner on February 14 and is priced at $49 per couple.

Bar Manager Colin Turner has created an exotic sharing cocktail to complement the dinner menu. This romantic libation, named A Sailor’s Valentine is made with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Cinzano Rosso, Aperol, Bittered Sling Lem-Marrakech bitters and fresh juices. To top off this epic lovefest, guests will walk away “feeling the love,” as all profits from East of Main Cafe benefit Project Limelight Society.

Valentine’s Day Menu

(designed for two to share)

Brie En Croute
spiced kumquat marmalade with baguette

Tapas Platter
a variety of signature small bites including Moroccan kefta, roasted cauli?ower, spanish torta, labneh, hummus and flatbread, fattoush, sun-dried olives

White Chocolate Mousse
rose water, raspberry coulis

Cocktail: A Sailor’s Valentine (designed for two to share)
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Cinzano Rosso, Aperol, Bittered Sling Lem-Marrakech bitters, fresh citrus and pineapple juices

Date: Thursday, February 14, 2013

Reservations: Valentine’s dinner reservations are only available for parties dining with the $49 Valentine’s Day menu on Thursday, February 14, 2013. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 604 899 2777. A credit card number is required to book.

Price: Menu, $49 (priced per couple) | Cocktail, $12 (priced per couple)

Details

223 E. Georgia (between Main & Gore), Vancouver BC
Telephone: 604-899-2777
Web: www.eastofmaincafe.com | Twitter | Facebook

Gallery

The People

Chef: Jenny Patsula
General Manager & Head Bartender: Colin Turner
Proprietor/Manager: Donalda Weaver
Proprietor: Maureen Webb

About East of Main Cafe

Nestled on the border of historic Chinatown and Strathcona, the East of Main Cafe impresses instantly with high ceilings and original works prominently featuring images of the Downtown East Side of Vancouver. While open and airy, the room invites with plenty of comfortable nooks to settle in to. This vibrant cocktail spot showcases an array of hand-crafted classics and original creations utilizing ingredients that complement the cuisine. Tapas is prevalent with a few thoughtful entrees and sandwiches (available at lunch) rounding out the menu, which is heavily influenced by flavours of the Mediterranean. All profits from this arts community hub benefit Project Limelight – a free performing arts program available to children from the DTES.