Reader's Garden Cafe Revisited

Reader’s Garden Cafe certainly can’t be beat for atmosphere. This is a return visit, as I was originally here last year for my birthday. The food was good last year, but simply out of the ballpark this year. Thanks to a change in chefs.

We started with a complimentary appetizer from the kitchen. Popcorn mixed with flowers and herbs from the garden. A nice way to wake up the tastebuds. My friend and I split an order of eggplant soup and tomato & watermelon salad. The soup was flavourful and smooth. The salad was out of this world. The sharpness of the granita went well with the coolness of the watermelon. I could eat it all day. Hubby had the smoked salmon salad. It was beautifully presented. There were these tiny cucumber balls, and a mysterious olive shaped fruit. Hubby thought they were tiny watermelons, but I’m not sure what they are.

Onto the entrees. My lamb was succulent. It was nestled in tasty garlic broth. The cabbage rolls filled with lamb were delightful. My friend also enjoyed her lamb and hubby found his chicken tasty.

For dessert, we all shared the beet root mouse. I found the taste unique, and enjoyable. The meringue and sesame seeds added a nice contrasting texture.

I still love that their veggies and flowers are from their garden. I love their food even more now and expect to return.

Popcorn Appetizer with Herbs
Popcorn Appetizer with Herbs
Eggplant Soup
Eggplant Soup
Tomato & Watermelon Salad-Watermelon granita, pickled watermelon rind, chilli
Tomato & Watermelon Salad-Watermelon granita, pickled watermelon rind, chilli
Smoked Salmon Salad - Spring greens, cucumber balls, crisps and mysterious olive shaped fruit
Smoked Salmon Salad – Spring greens, cucumber balls, crisps and mysterious olive shaped fruit
Alberta Lamb Cabbage Rolls-Lamb & garlic broth, wild rice filling, roasted root vegetables
Alberta Lamb Cabbage Rolls-Lamb & garlic broth, wild rice filling, roasted root vegetables
Roasted Chicken Breast-Toasted barley & sweet onion ragout, seared Brussel sprouts, natural jus
Roasted Chicken Breast-Toasted barley & sweet onion ragout, seared Brussel sprouts, natural jus
Beet Root Mousse - Apricot, meringue and toasted sesame seeds
Beet Root Mousse – Apricot, meringue and toasted sesame seeds

Reader's Garden Cafe on Urbanspoon