Cafes
Wagamama
In Japanese, "wagamama" means selfish, which is what Miwa Yamada's parents called her as a child. So when she grew up, she was like, "yeah that's right, I'm so wagamama that I'll open my OWN CAFE. Take that!" And Miwa The Pastry Chef opened Wagamama Cafe, and it was good.
Originally a co-partner business, Wagamama is now run solely by Miwa, the keeper of recipes and the baker of goods. Almost all food is prepared on premises (the croissants and danishes are supplied by a local baker) with Miwa's personal recipes, some influenced by a Japanese twist (green tea cake, sesame cookies).
Tuesday's potato leek soup of the day is a hit and in-house breads are sold every Saturday at Sanko Market (daily leftovers are donated to The Good Shepherd). Gorgeous cupcakes tempt my belly at the cash as I order a cafe mocha and a carrot wagamuffin (come ON, that was necessary).
Turns out I got a serendipitous pumpkin muffin instead, cause whoa - taste central. Server Christine says they're so popular that people will call in advance to ensure the flavour bombs are in stock. And while I'm on the subject of "people", Christine also estimates that 90% of customers are regulars.
As I sit at my table, three people enter (separately) and a group conversation commences (together). The cafe mocha and my friend's hot chocolate were decent, but I think the real star of this show is the fresh food - my mood was a little shifty when my good camera died mid-cookie, but the smell of baked goodness made everything better.
There's less of a make-yourself-at-home vibe here than other spots (only a few tables, no wi-fi and closed at 5pm), but the friendly staff and satisfying eats make Wagamama a worthy stop for King West dwellers.
So maybe I don't like raisins...
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I always hated raisins, but I tell you, if it's a childhood aversion to raisins, I would give them a try again. I did and I'm happy that I did so!
HOWEVER, I find the staff, especially if you go in the second half of the day, are sometimes quite rude to customers. I find that if you're recognized as a regular, you get smiles and good service, but otherwise it's pretty disinterested.
I have had a mixed bag of experiences, but thought it worth mentioning in case anyone ever gets a cold shoulder at this place - it's not always like that :)
p.s. DELICIOUS chocolate croissants.
Their daily soups are fantastic and the sandwich bread is incredible. Thursday's are my favourite for the Tomato Vegetable soup and Tuesday's Potato Leak is a close second.
I do have to agree somewhat with Corina. The staff can come across as borderline rude sometimes. There is not a lot of smiling and cafe-employee-banter that you would expect and want from a small owner run cafe. Perhaps that's because they're just so busy churning out great food.
Since El Penco which was replaced by Craft Burger well over a year ago the only serious soup competition remaining has to be Sadies Vegetarian Diner.
And then, for trying to order a coffee from the doorway with a 'keep the change' tip (the place was pretty empty, not like the girl was too busy) .. I was treated as though I had broken a dog rule or something. Good coffee though :)
Oh, and the dog thing? Isn't that a health issue? I didn't think any business that serves food allowed dogs in. Personally I don't want to eat in a place that allows dogs. Maybe that's just me.
I've never seen a rude, unfriendly or otherwise unwelcoming moment, and I recognize allot of the people who go at the times I do. They couldn't keep a crowd of regulars without having something going for them other than the quality of the fare.
It's definitely worth a going a few extra minutes out of my way, and not starting my day there sort of ruins it.
Rude staff? Never had this experience. If you want drama - and a small coffee that's called "tall" along with a $5 cookie, go to Starbucks!
Some of the posts here regarding bad service surprised me. Never once have I had a bad experience, even during the lunch time rush. I have, however, observed some pretty rude customers!
I have no qualms recommending Wagamama (and have introduced it to numerous people).
- Johanne
You being the competition and all.
Great food and coffee's.... I think they have been open for like twelve years.
Wicked treats! YUMMMM!