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Cafe 13 Main Street Grill
Cafe 13
Restaurants have an annoying tendency to label themselves as a “landmark” to lend themselves gravitas – despite the fact that the average age of an eatery is five years or less in Canada.
Not so with Cafe 13. Its stand-up bar alone is just about the same age as Canada. Located on the corner of Water and Main Streets in a converted bank building that dates back to 1893, the ambiance is casual and classic tavern - all dark woods, brass and marble. The food on the other hand is anything but pub grub.
Snap! Publisher Frank Centofanti and I checked out the new menu recently and were both very impressed with the creativity and quality of the food.
Our server Meagan started us off with the Red Pepper Mussels – a very generous portion steamed in this yummy roasted red pepper and basil crème sauce with some garlic bread for dipping. Frank is on a diet so he passed on the bread – which was excellent for me. ($11.99) We also ordered the Spiced Pork Spring Rolls. Star Anise was the signature spice with this dish, which was very complementary with the pear and cherry merlot dipping sauces. ($10.99)
Frank had the pan seared Mahi Mahi for his main course. It had this killer orange ginger beurre blanc sauce and the delicious coconut infused rice accompaniment was topped with a nice fresh mango salsa. ($22.99)
I had the Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin drizzled with pecan gorgonzola butter and partnered with these fabulous port poached pears. – This was so good that I’ve already attempted to duplicate this dish at home. ($19.99)
We were finished off with the Maple Poached Pear dessert, topped with a triple cream brie and hazelnut crumble reduction sauce which was worth the visit all on its own ($5.99). All the desserts at Café 13 are homemade, by the way. Meagan told us the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake was the best but we had no more room – and Frank is (or was) on that diet.
As you can tell, the food is not your typical barroom fare – although there are plenty of items like wings and burgers available on the menu for the casual snacker, or School of Architecture student, which sits just across the river.
Chef Joe Coleman is a young, no nonsense guy whose food philosophy is to create innovative dishes using the freshest local ingredients, all at a decent price. Restaurant owner Adam Cull describes his establishment as upscale food in a casual setting for a great price.
For Frank and I that was just what was delivered, which is exactly what a local landmark restaurant should do.
Cafe 13 Main St Grill
519-622-1799
13 Main Street,
Cambridge, ON N1R 7G9
Wheelchair accessible
The Galt Club, an impressive separate dining room and bar area, is available for private functions.
