Inside the Kitchen: Uncommon Cafe

The Uncommon Café is just that: uncommon. A rare gem located in Vancouver’s Japantown district, the homey, unpretentious café creates dishes that are equal parts tasty and Instagram worthy. With their selection of drool-worthy sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and an assortment of beverages, customers are guaranteed to leave feeling beyond content.

The Restaurant

Uncommon Café was opened on July 1st, 2015 by Luc and Lisa Leimanis. It was their shared love for food and entertaining that led them to take the next natural step into the restaurant industry. Luc, who has been a chef for the last 16 years, and Lisa, who has around 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, combined their respective expertise to create a menu and space that brings together homemade comfort with a uniquely Vancouver twist.

The owners have made sustainability a priority. Not only have they been conscious of using biodegradable containers and using locally sourced ingredients, but they have also gone the extra mile and decorated the space with pre-owned furniture. With its Persian rugs, mismatched seating, and paintings on the wall, Uncommon Café resembles a cozier version of the modern eating area.

Source: Uncommon Café

The Food

If it seems as if most of the food at Uncommon Café is borne from secret family recipes, that’s because it probably is. Many of Chef Luc’s recipes are inspired by his Latvian heritage—one of the most popular being the bacon stuffed buns. And, if it also seems as if the pastries are straight out of a café in France, that’s because they (basically) are. Uncommon Café’s baker is a French native who is known to make many of the cafe’s most delectable baked goods, including her scrumptious choux, or, as we call them, creampuffs.

The owners both feel strongly about making sure that their food is not only delicious, but also fresh and homemade. In order to do this, Chef Luc takes the time to prepare each dish in-house. Nothing on his menu is generic or manufactured; in fact, the restaurant doesn’t even use ketchup or mayo, instead choosing to create their own signature sauces (like their famous jalapeno jelly). This attention to detail and creative flair for cooking has produced one of Vancouver’s homiest, most feel-good menus, which include a variety of soups, sandwiches, salads, and weekend brunch. Other must-tries on the menu are the Uncommon meatballs, which are drizzled in garlic marinara sauce and stuffed with your choice of either bocconcini or brie.

Uncommon Café also supports Vancouver businesses by selling local products and beverages, which mirrors their commitment to serving food that is as locally sourced as possible.

Customers who visit Uncommon Café know that they are in for a treat. Putting the delicious food and dessert aside, it’s the charming, cozy, and neighborhood friendly vibe that attracts people. Altogether, every visit to Uncommon Café is memorable: the comfortable space, friendly staff, and great assortment of food and dessert set the café apart. Make sure you don’t miss this one-of-a-kind menu and order from Uncommon Café for your team today!

Source: Uncommon Café

Filed Under: Foodee HQ