It seems like everywhere you turn in this city, there’s a restaurant. A cafe. An ethnic food place. A diner. A steakhouse. A fast food joint. For foodies like me, this is both a blessing and a major headache.
All the choices and diversity = a blessing.
Having to sift through a nearly infinite list and the mehs = a headache.
So when I discover a place that seems perfect in nearly all ways, my mind (and mouth) explodes with triumph.
Sure, we had to wait 40 minutes for a table for two, but that wasn’t a problem. At a place like Dairy Lane Cafe, the wait time merely heightens the anticipation. Down some coffee or tea while you wait. Just make sure you wait. DO NOT LEAVE.
Before I get to the food itself, let’s look at something that really makes Dairy Lane stand out: the little things. The fresh bathroom with wonderful soap. The organic tea. The cozy, quirky decor. The friendliness and devotion of the staff. A ton of other things that I don’t have time to write about.
On the other hand, the cons, in my opinion, are limited to one: it’s very cozy. Even with the limited amount of seating overall, the space is quite crowded. Whatever. Once you taste your meal, it becomes irrelevant.
Oh right. The meal itself! Don’t stress too much with the menu, becomes you really can’t go wrong. You can be sure that your meal will be sustainable, fresh, expertly prepared, full of quality ingredients, and insanely, incredibly, unbelievably delicious. Plus, there’s an abundant selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free choices.
I had the Grilled Chicken Tacos (“Tequila lime dressing, fresh cilantro, salsa fresca, refried beans, queso freso cheese.” $14), with the mandarin side salad (which was adorned with a sesame seed dressing). A burst of freshness and flavour. Within those three corn tortillas was down-to-earth goodness that is much to rare these days.
For real, honest, virtuous food that is guaranteed to please, comfort, and refresh, head to Dairy Lane Cafe.
As if all this wasn’t enough, certain meals are further elevated by the fact that they are part of the MealShare program, meaning if you order one of the designated choices, someone in need also gets a meal! Even more reason to try the Eggnog French Toast (“Three slices of eggnog spiced Engel’s white bread, dulce de leche, salted pecan crumble, house cat hash browns.” $15).
Sure, the prices are a bit higher than your average breakfast or lunch joint, but it is well worth it.
If you haven’t been to Dairy Lane Cafe yet, aren’t there right now, or don’t have plans to go soon, something needs to change. Fast.
Dairy Lane Cafe
319 19 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2J2
(403) 283-2497