Trixi’s Crepe & Coffeehaus

One place worth considering on South Cambie, should you ever be in the area for a movie or otherwise, is definitely Trixi’s Crepe & Coffeehaus. This little place is a small, cute, yet nondescript “hole-in-the-wall” type place on the corner of Cambie and W 17th. Aside from serving up the obvious — crepes and coffee — Trixi’s also offers a selection of cold desserts (ice cream, sorbetto, gelato…), teas and tisanes, baked goods, and lunch items like bagels, paninis, soups, and salads. It’s the perfect pit-stop if you need a quick bite-to-eat or just a place to visit for a warm, inviting place to chat with a friend over coffee (or, if you’re like me, tea!).

Mocha Latte

Emme, who just so happened to need an afternoon snack before we went to watch a movie at the Park Theatre one time, suggested we drop by since the place didn’t look too busy. Upon entering we were greeted by a welcoming counter attendant and an equally welcoming interior. Trixi’s is a long and narrow café, but is quite cozy — even more so because of the cushy, comfortable chairs available if you’re not running out the door after getting your coffee. Not in the mood really for crepes — though all the combinations and choices on the board seemed really delicious — Emme ordered a Vegetarian Panini and got a Mocha Latte on the side.

The latte was apparently perfectly done… Emme couldn’t really compare it with one from Starbucks, since she usually doesn’t order mocha-anything from Starbucks, but this latte was hot, tasty, and flavourful. Quite nicely done.

Vegetarian Panini

The veggie panini looks delicious, and, Emme assured me, it was actually as delicious as it looks. The veggies were fresh, as was the egg (which was also cooked to perfection!). The melty cheese brought all the ingredients together and the oregano sprinkled within and on top of the panini was a particularly nice touch. It added a pleasing herby flavour to the sandwich.

Raspberry Dream tisane

I’d eaten a snack just a bit earlier and was satisfied enough with a tea – or rather, a tisane, as it was a fruit infusion. Trixi’s carries teas and tisanes made by Steeps, and they all sounded extremely appealing to a tea-lover such as myself, but I managed to pick one: Raspberry Dream. It was a lovely blend of flavours in its own right, with a strong raspberry taste and delicate undertones of rosehips and hibiscus. If you’re starting to feel blue thanks to Vancouver’s seemingly semi-constant rainy weather, perhaps you could try sipping some of the Shi**y Weather tea? (I don’t swear, really, but that tea’s name definitely made me chuckle a bit, and Trixi’s does offer it — along with the perfect environment to enjoy it in on a rainy day!)

Although we didn’t stay for long and didn’t try what the café is obviously known for — its crepes — both Emme and I agreed that we would happily come back again just to taste the crepes and maybe some of the gelato. Both sweet and savory crepes are available, so there should be something for everyone! And if the quality of the panini is a good reflection of the rest of the food options at Trixi’s, then we can decidedly say that the place has great food… Alas, that’s a far shot just based off of one sandwich, but the place definitely left a good impression. The attendant at the counter (actually the owner, I think?!) was also super friendly and happy to answer any and all questions we had as well as strike up conversation and make us feel even more welcomed. True, it’s not a restaurant, but I’d still compliment the place on great service. The ambiance was also lovely, and aside from comfortable chairs, the décor was also tastefully done (and the bathrooms clean – always a good sign, haha).

All in all, a very pleasant “dining” experience! We will be back to try the crepes (and more tea and hot coffee!). [And if what I’ve been told is true, then the counter attendant is actually no mere attendant, but the owner! Even more impressive, in my opinion. Good way to build up strong connections with customers and ensure that they get nothing but exceptional customer service.]

Ambiance: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4.5

Overall: 4.5