Last Crumb Bakery and Cafe

Earlier today, I was at my grandparent's house. They live a block off Main Street, so I decided to take advantage of the warm, sunny weather and go for a walk to get a coffee. I originally decided on Kafka's and as I made my way down there, I passed by Last Crumb Bakery and Cafe and the place immediately caught my eye. Since I had a habit of checking out new cafes, I decided to stop there after coming back from Kafka's. If you know me, you know that I need more than one cappuccino a day to function.

Last Crumb Bakery and Cafe is located on 3080 Main Street, between 14th and 15th. The cafe itself is super new, just opening earlier this month. In fact, when I last walked by the location, the place was yet to open and that itself was recently.

If you're a food network junkie like myself, you've probably seen numerous shows that feature cafes that are based in the upper East Side in New York. Well, that's what this place reminded of. While I've never been to New York myself, I felt like I was transported to a sophisticated, modern cafe. It looked very becoming and hip. There was tons of floor space and plenty of seating room. It almost reminded me of the cafeteria at my old college, Langara but much nicer and more appealing. The amount of pastries, baked good and other food items was amazing. If you're health conscious or have special dietary needs, you're in luck. The place has tons of vegan and gluten free items, all which look absolutely delicious. Yes, vegan and gluten free food items can be good for you and they can taste good too. If I had not eaten at my grandparents house before I left, I certainly would have bought something but in this case, I was content with admiring everything. However, as I was waiting in line, a woman walking there walked around, offering customers a sample of curry chicken salad on a piece of bread. I love curry and samples, so I gladly took her up on her offer. I was glad I did, because it was absolutely delicious. I promised myself that I would get the bigger version next time I was in. The menu was perfectly placed and easy to read. There's nothing worse than a menu being out of sight or too small. Even though I knew what I wanted already (a cappuccino) it was comforting to know that I had an easy to read menu there for me.

I was immediately helped. Most cafes only take your order at the til but in this case, I was approached in line by a worker who was kind, efficient and helpful. So efficient that by the time I got to the til, all I had to do was pay instead of reminding the person what I ordered. Talk about fast, effective service! The only thing I had to wait for was my cappuccino.

I'll admit that because the cafe was fairly new, I didn't have high expectations. I've been to a couple new cafes where I was let down because my cappuccino was either burnt, too bitter etc. I was hoping for this place to be the exception & my hopes were granted. The cappuccino was phenomenal! A lot of the cafes I frequent use the same beans from the same roasters so eventually, all cappuccino's end up tasting similar. Luckily, that wasn't the case here. It was smooth, creamy with body but in its own,unique way. Needless to say, I was pleased that the cappuccino wasn't horrible and that I actually enjoyed it.

Would I recommend this place? Absolutely! It's like a taste of New York in Vancouver, with amazing service, coffee and food choices that appeal to everyone. Next time I go, I plan to bring a friend so we can sit at one of the marvelous tables and soak the ambiance and main street vibe in. For a new cafe, it seems like it's being run by professionals who have been in the cafe and baking business for years & that is something I gladly welcome. I cannot wait to become a regular here.