Finch’s artistic sandwiches attract Gastown connoisseurs

It’s truly infuriating that my school schedule last semester coincided with the operating hours of every awesome restaurant in Gastown. Now that summer is here, I still can’t go to all the awesome restaurants. But I’m checking them off my list, slowly but surely.

First on the list! Finch’s Tea and Coffee House on Pender Street caught my eye when I first moved to Gastown in the fall. Transit rides to work always take me right past Finch’s, so when a friend invited me to lunch on an afternoon that I finally had off, I was so excited.

We got two baguette sandwiches for lunch in a dining room of mix-matched tables and chairs. It was almost like walking into a flea market transformed into a cafe. The stuff that your grandparents probably have in their house, shed, attic…and that vintage seekers would love to get their hands on.

But enough of the furniture. The food definitely takes precedence in this 8-table tea and coffee house.

First: pear, prosciutto, blue brie, roasted walnuts, oil and balsamic vinegar.

Second: prosciutto, edam cheese, tomato, red-leaf lettuce, oil and balsamic vinegar.

My mouth is watering thinking of just how good they tasted.

And the cookies!

They were baking a fresh batch of their classic chocolate chip cookies while we were eating our sandwiches, so we paid in advance so as not to miss out on the popular treat. Seriously, you remember the melty, straight-from-the-oven cookies that your mom and grandma make? These are pretty close. If not better. We had to eat them with a fork, they were falling apart. Oh yeah.

Can’t wait to go back this week and try their Continental baguette, or the baked brie and grape baguette with the caprese cheese plate!

Bon appetit!

~ AV