The aroma of ground espresso mixes with the buttery scent of freshly baked pain au chocolat, chasing away the cold of the rain-soaked Vancouver streets just outside the café doors. The whoosh of steaming milk from behind the counter and the chatter of other patrons provides the perfect soundtrack to the homey atmosphere of Le Marché St. George.
Founded in 2010 by husband and wife team Pascal Roy and Janaki Larsen, the café/grocer is located on the bottom floor of a quaint two-storey house at East 28th Avenue and St. George Street. A local favourite, the café at Le Marché St. George offers delicious European fare crafted from locally sourced products. The other half of the interior is dedicated to wooden shelves filled with specialty goods and gifts made by Lower Mainland and Gulf Island artisans. The unique offerings include coffee beans, gourmet teas, cocktail bitters, candles, and honey gathered from hives located in the café’s own backyard.
Regulars sit and knit in a window seat with a steaming Americano, or laugh with friends over French crêpes and perfectly crusted quiches. First-timers admire the eclectic mix of serving dishes, or drool over the golden pastries stacked in the antique display case.
Since its opening, Le Marché St. George has solidified its reputation as a friendly, well-run local business with strong ties to the community. Roy and Larsen’s passion and dedication is obvious in the carefully crafted cuisine, the high-quality local products, and the cheerful staff. Whether it’s for a quick catch-up with a friend over coffee or a “hunker down and get some work done” kind of day, Le Marché St. George’s rustic charm provides the perfect backdrop.
