Never Heard Of It is a series of stories exploring Vancouver’s many informal hole-in-the-wall eateries.

by Marshall To | If you were ever looking for a reason to pull over on West 70th Avenue, Gigi Blin is definitely it. The charming Italian market cafe’s frontage – with its picture windows and striking logo in bold, sans-serif typeface – stands out on the busy route like a well-dressed thumb. Inside, a beautiful long table takes centre stage under high ceilings and shelves loaded with olive oils, salts, pastas, sauces, and more. Owners Marc and Ivanka named it after Marc’s grandfather, who hailed from the Veneto region of Italy. Aim for the ample panini sandwiches, hearty soups, and proper cortado coffees pulled from a Lady Victoria Arduino machine.

Gigi Blin | 1400 West 70th Avenue | Mon-Fri 7-5 , Sat & Sun 9-3 | www.gigiblin.com