Wake Bistro
207 10th St. N.W.
(403) 264-4425
Hours of operation: Tues-Fri 8 a.m.-7 p.m., weekends 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rating: ***
Reservations: No
Client negotiations: Yes
Lunch with co-workers: Yes
Social lunch: Yes
Quick solo lunch: Yes
Time in: 1:30 p.m.
Time out: 2:15 p.m.
Low $: Granola $5.95
High $: Meatatarian omlette $13.95
Licensed: No
Converted from a gelato shop, cozy Wake Bistro has landed a daytime niche in the pedestrian-heavy Kensington neighbourhood. The bistro lives up to its “fast, fresh, flavour” banner with simple but stylish sandwiches for lunch and breakfast.
Pesto aioli adds zing to a chicken panini wrap ($8.95) stuffed with spinach and red onion. Strawberry mayo gives a sweet burst to the nice contrast of turkey and havarti ($8.95) on multigrain ciabatta.
A side of spinach salad comes with a tasty honey lime dressing, bright strawberries and salty feta. Too healthy? I recommend forgoing the salad then for hot wedges of steak fries.
Other sides ($3) include homemade soup and Caesar salad with asiago cheese dressing.
On weekends, the menu expands to include crepes, French toast and omelettes for brunch. Wake also offers ice cream, cheesecake and daily dessert specials.
Friendly servers seem to be the kind that gets to know regulars by name.
