I feel an inexplicable connection to Edgar, a new neighbourhood café near Parc Moussette in Hull.
Maybe it’s because I have my own dream of opening a little hospitality-related place, something like a bed & breakfast. Since I discovered in late September that Marysol of she eats bears was opening a café, I watched with admiration and anticipation as she made one of her dreams come true. It takes courage to do that. And smarts. And perseverance. I wish her success. Based on the buzz around the café’s opening, the growing chorus of glowing reviews, the packed tables, and sold-out menu items, I have no doubt she will be successful!
Maybe it’s also because I’d like to create a connection to Marysol herself. I barely know her, but she seems like the kind of person I’d like to get to know better – Someone down-to-earth who shares a passion for good food. Luckily now I can go to Edgar, and if it’s not super busy, chat a little. She already gave me a baking tip the other day!
In any case, the strongest connection is the tangible one. It’s going into a chic little café, feeling the positive energy, and being greeted with a warm smile. Of course, there’s the delicious food – homemade with love.
I’ve tried several of Marysol’s creations, all fresh, flavourful and prepared with flair: cheddar and apple panini with caramelized onions (sweet and savoury harmony), Vietnamese sandwich (crisp and delicately spicy), breakfast wrap with egg, goat cheese, bacon, mushrooms and greens (fresh yet hearty), date and bacon brioche with orange glaze (sweet originality made better with bacon), Edgar bar (curiously nutty and delicious), and the apple-pecan muffin (wholesome caramel-y goodness). The coffee is good too! Edgar serves my ideal cappuccino: a “small” cup with perfect proportions of coffee, milk, and foam.
Why I ♥ Edgar
- Soups, sandwiches and sweets are made from scratch, with love and local ingredients (sometimes from her own backyard).
- Creative flavour combinations. There’s some serious tastiness coming out of the tiny kitchen.
- Menu changes every day based on what’s fresh, the season and the inspiration du jour. I love handwritten menu on chalkboards!
- Everything is served with a smile.
- The cash receipt reads “miam miam miam.” Oh, how true!
- Fresh frozen soups and meals to go.
- Simple, stylish and cozy interior.
- Marysol’s blog makes my mouth water – tasty recipes and beautiful pictures – and you can see how Edgar took shape.
- Edgar is just off the Voyageurs bike path in Gatineau, a short ride from Wellington West and Westboro!
Things to be aware of:
- Go early (especially if you’re looking to try the infamous brioche)! On busy days, Edgar will sell out.
- Be prepared to take your order to go. It’s not unusual to find all 11 seats taken.
Your post reflected EXACTLY how I feel too!
And the feeling hasn’t changed since I wrote that post!
A week before Christmas and again Saturday 12th.
Enjoyed Soups and crusty tasty Paninis, Edgar Bar, Truffles, crunchy cookie and Marysol’s efferescent vitality.
Will be back soon.
Effervescent is a good way to describe Marysol! I say enjoy frequently and with pleasure!
[…] the hip and happy little place that has just opened up to rave reviews (read about it here, here, here and here. There are links to even more glowing reviews on Edgar’s website). L and I each had […]
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I love (like BIG TIME LOVE) how much YOU love this place. It is amazing – but mostly because it’s so much an extension of who Marysol is. She’s incredible. You walk in and you can see how much hard work and time and dedication she’s putting in … and it makes you smile and want to order one of everything!
Thanks for mentioning me as the “growing” part of the reviews! whoot whoot! that’s AWESOME.
Cheers.
Thanks for your comment and absolutely agree with your “assessment” that Edgar is an extension of Marysol! I enjoy reading your ongoing adventures at Edgar (and all the others too!). When can I get in on the fun?! :-p
Kim: Great write-up! Thanks for the mention! I like being the word ‘chorus’!!! Thank you for letting me have that word.
I loved your list for why you like Edgar.
In a sick way it reminds me of the bar in sitcom Cheers. It is just a place to go when you need a place to go.
“Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
And they’re always glad you came;
You want to be where you can see,
Our troubles are all the same;
You want to be where everybody knows your name.”
Its addicting for sure. Been there 3 times. I hope they don’t start calling me Norm. (Esp. since I am a girl!)