ocusing on vegetarian and vegan fare, this newly-opened restaurant caters to the Main Street crowd: it is funky, well priced and doesn’t try too hard. There is a mysterious vibe to the entire space, as the entrance is almost private; sharing its storefront with a hairdresser, the doorway is discreet and unnoticeable unless you are looking out for it. But once you make your way in you are inundated with outrageous wall designs and a flower in a votive on each table. Nice touch.

The menu is classic vegetarian dishes accompanied by some additional treats. Along with the regular soups, sandwiches and salads, you can get a rice bowl, which includes marinated tofu steak or a portabella mushroom, a delicious selection of sauces and seasonal vegetables. Almost every night contains a different dinner special, sometimes Currie and rice or rice congee, with a featured pizza and a variety of sauces. The specials differ from day to night, leaving the selection quite a bit larger than what they have on the menu. I hope they can keep developing the choices here, as everything I have tried is absolutely delicious.

When the daylight begins to set and the hipsters are looking for a place to go, Wink opens its doors to a great event. Every Sunday night you can catch the most up-and-coming improv guys strut their hilarious selves onto the stage of a packed house full of ravenous non-carnivores. It’s called the Sunday Service and they can run for half an hour on one suggestion and keep the room in stitches. The wine flows, the appies are munched and laughs are guaranteed. It seems like the whole neighbourhood has already discovered this weekly event, as there is hardly any room for visitors. Let’s hope more of these evenings establish themselves throughout the week to keep this gem a happenin’ place.

I am not sure about the men’s washroom, but the woman’s has to be mentioned: the door to the stall is the best in Vancouver. I’m sure there is no award for such a thing, but if there were, Wink Café would surely win the trophy. The door and walls of the stall are made of a thick slab of wood that has been finished and left to look as close to natural as possible. There was something about the unique touches in this place that made me take notice. I guess I just appreciate the little things. - L.H.