Transcona’s L’Arche Tova Cafe is a humble palace serving simple yet memorable comfort-food meals like all-day breakfasts, house made soups and in-house roasted turkey sandwiches.
L’Arche Tova Café
Address: 119 Regent Avenue West
Phone number: 204-421-9388
Website: larchewinnipeg.org/larche-cafe/
Neighbourhood: Transcona
L’Arche Tova Café opened in Spring 2012 and is the work of L’Arche Winnipeg, the local branch of a national organization that creates homes for the intellectually challenged. The new Transcona-area café, which is named after local philanthropist Tova Vickar, employs several adults with intellectual disabilities, who help in the dining room and the kitchen.
The cafe is another step towards integration of those with disabilities and the general public.
Good intentions only go so far. But at L’Arche Tova Café, the food stands on its own. You can feel good about supporting this community effort and have a great breakfast or lunch while you’re at it.
The menu is stocked with hearty, simple and satisfying dishes with a few surprises thrown into the mix. Freshly roasted turkey breast on the L’Arche Double-Decker is a must try. This toasted, three-slicer is loaded with succulent, moist and full-bodied hunks of turkey breast and strips of crispy bacon. Romaine, slices of thick, ripe tomato and generous smears of mayo complement the meat perfectly.
A classic Monte Cristo, with its substantial egg-dipped French bread, is also loaded with delectable shaved ham with touches of honey in every juicy bite.
The menu also includes sweet and savoury crepes and an all-day breakfast. Burgers, sandwiches, melts and house-made soups also define the menu.
Insider’s tip: Try the German potato salad. Chunks of potato are tossed generously with a mild and grainy Dijon/mayonnaise dressing. Large bits of crunchy bacon and roughly chopped dill pickle make appearances throughout. (This sandwich is definitely a three-napkin affair.) The classic breakfast and lunch menu isn’t extensive but L’Arche Tova Café delivers big taste on its plates.
It’s quickly apparent that others have discovered this neighbourhood gem. On a weekday lunchtime visit, the dozen or so tables were full and more diners came as others left.
This breakfast and lunch spot, located in the heart of historic downtown Transcona, is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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