Che Baba Cantina
603 Kingsway
604-558-1519
chebaba.ca
  • Client negotiations: Yes
  • Social lunch: Yes
  • Price range: $6 - $15
  • Rating: 4 out of 5
Receiving a gift in January when you thought the holidays were over — quite the thrill, no? This is how I felt, leaning against throw pillows, listening to ‘chill tunes’ as Che Baba’s French Canadian co-owner placed my picture-perfect Brunch Tartine before me.

The new ‘cantina,’ touting predominantly Southern French cuisine, offers salads, tartines (open-faced sandwiches with an option of gluten-free polenta), light breakfast and desserts.

With an adjoining yoga studio, one might expect just smoothies and healthy salads. Nope.

Customers are welcomed, however, to modify their meals. My Brunch Tartine was quite perfect as was, featuring incredible house made polenta that, to the touch, almost felt like jelly with a firm, slightly charred exterior. Soft-poached eggs made for a delicious yolky sauce, mixed with spoonfuls of cranberry caramelized onion compote and tender, non-oily strands of duck.

A delightfully soft artisan mint macaroon was the icing on the cake as I paid. Residents of Mount Pleasant have a new great dining option.