The one where I get Sweet Revenge on my diet

Last night, M and I checked out the opening of JG Mair's Thought Control exhibit at Little Mountain Gallery. The space lives up to its diminiutive moniker, and after a few minutes, we'd already enjoyed all of the very intriguing text based sculptures. We realized we would need a supplemental activity to make our jaunt to Riley Park worthwhile. Enter Sweet Revenge, a tiny patisserie to match the petite gallery across the street.

As someone with a formidable sweet tooth, I'm surprised I'd never heard of this desserts/evenings only spot, which has been around for over a decade. Better late than never, though, and in we went. The randomly Victorian decor is beguiling in the extreme, and I didn't even mind (too much) that we had to sit side by side on a narrow banquet crammed against the front entryway. The old-timey music playing softly in the background adds to the considerable charm.

We overheard the server explaining that there was one remaining "CSI: Vancouver" chocolate sampler for two, so we decided to go all out. The CSI  is normally only available Monday-Wednesday, and this being a Thursday, ours had clearly been waiting in the fridge for at least a day. The cakes were a little too cold and hard, and much to my dismay, the chocolate shavings and raspberry drizzle garnish were, by this point, solidly attached to the plate. That being said, we could taste the homemade goodness through the oldness, and I'd like to go back to soak up the atmosphere and try something a little more fresh.

I love Lucy's

Last Sunday I sidled up to the counter at another eastside diner, appropriately called Lucy’s Eastside Diner. I was meeting a carless friend who lives nearby so while it’s not the most convenient location for me, I can definitely see myself making a repeat visit, perhaps in the middle of the night, since Lucy’s is open 24 hours.

The place is blink-and-you’ll-miss-it small, but this only adds to the charm. We received very friendly service that I suspect I can only partially attribute to the server’s obvious crush on my dining companion. The food was yummy, though again I didn’t venture very far off the beaten path (artichoke, mushroom, pepper, and goat cheese omelette). I’d better start being more adventurous lest I bore you with an endless parade of omelette reviews!

The décor is 1950s hipster, which I can really get behind. My very favourite part was the bicycle handlebars mounted like trophy heads on the wall. Very clever.

My only complaint is the lack of depth between the stools and the counter. I’m not exactly working with Gisele-style pins here, and my knees had no place to go. It’s a small quibble though, and one that’s easily solved by sitting at one of the tables. Then again, maybe they’re just keeping it real; surely those midcentury types were shorter on the whole than we are now.