I’ve told you about a couple of experiences I’ve had recently on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. In particular, how it’s gaining considerable social ’street cred’. And, from a service point-of-view…well deserved ’street cred’!
For those of you that have known this for quite some time, my apologies.
For those of you who are figuring this out for the first time, my condolences.
Here’s how I see it - as more and more Vancouverites (myself included) venture outside of our respective bubbles in search of new and interesting entertainment, food, and drink sources, more and more options are becoming available (read: supply meets demand).
Sound familiar? Probably.
Is this a coincidence? No.
It’s time to level the playing field and introduce you yet another little gem on The Drive… Havana Restaurant at 1212 Commercial Drive. Where’s that? See the map on the right…and go North West for a while and you’ll hit it, eventually.
I mean, really, if Jennifer Beals (minus the body suit and leg warmers circa 1985) likes Havana Restaurant on Commercial Drive, it MUST be good! (ps - she really does, but I digress, like usual). ‘Know what? It is!
On this particular weekend in question, let’s make it a Sunday, I found myself having a late brunch at Havana Restaurant. Truth be told, Havana Restaurant’s dining area and interior art gallery (which I found really cool and undergoing a renovation at the time) on this day was jammed. However, we were promptly shown a table on the (heated…nice touch) patio.
Patio sitters or not, I do agree with Degan, however, if you plan to drink three large plastic containers of alcohol, including Havana’s oustanding Mojito, you should probably dial up the food intake in lock step (or thereabouts). [great photos, by the way]
Now, Vancouver has a lot of interesting little brunch spots (we’re a brunch culture after all) some of which have exemplified great service (like Paul’s Place) and some which haven’t really hit the mark (like Juliet’s Cafe). Havana Restaurant, from what I experienced on this grey Sunday afternoon, was definitely a ‘mark hitter’. In fact, more like a ‘mark exceeder’. Here’s why:
1) our meals came quickly and correctly (even given the fact we had some vegetarian substitutions which can take some time to plate);
2) they were served hot;
3) presentation was well done;
4) our server’s attitude was as bright and snappy as the freshly squeeezed orange juice I was served (highly recommend); and
5) when the time came to go…we were attended to promptly and with a smile.
Despite the fact that Havana Restaurant’s crowd on this particular Sunday am/pm would rival Home Depot’s crowd on any given weekend (size-adjusted, properly of course) , I was thoroughly impressed to be treated with such attention and class.
You know that when a server gives your table their un-divided attention such that you feel that you are the only one she/he is dealing with, no matter what kind of bullets and pieces of food are flying around behind her/him, it’s worth a repeat visit.
Tip? Totally.
Over-tip? Absolutely.
Viva La Havana,
darren
0 Responses to “move over cohiba...havana on commerical”