FIRESTICK CAFÉ
Firestick Cafe is easy to find — and like
If you don’t mind a short drive out of the city, then you are in for a real treat.
If you know me, you know I love to garden almost as much as I love to eat. So imagine my delight when I heard that the fine folks at Solar Gardens (perhaps you’ve seen them at the farmers market selling their succulents) opened a restaurant.
If you don’t mind a short drive out of the city, then you are in for a real treat. It is located just off of Highway 60 on the way to Pike Lake. The place is quite easy to find, and the directions I received over the phone when I made my lunch reservation were excellent.
We drove through the gate and into another little world. Meandering around the compound (for lack of a better word) means you’ll be peeking your head into greenhouses and The Tasting Studio — which sells imported jams, olive oils, vinegars and other pantry staples. Be sure to take a look here — you most likely will find something to take home. Wander around the back among the sculptures and you’ll see a swimming pool; follow the signs and you’ll come to Firestick Café.
We were quite thrilled to be seated in the glassed-in conservatory, with colourful tarps hanging among the potted succulents. The interior really is something to behold, full of mismatched chairs and reclaimed wooden pews; light bouncing off the glass-topped tables, almost all with a “reserved” sign on them. Given that it was raining, the space was filling up quickly, but I was told that seating is also available outside, even poolside, weather permitting. At this point, I was already enjoying myself immensely and I hadn’t even had a coffee yet.
Firestick prides itself on their wood-fired pizzas, but the menu also has salads, appetizers and sandwiches to choose from, all with coy little names. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. We knew we had to try the pizzas ($13-15), and really, the hardest part of your day will be deciding which one to order. There are some original pies — toppings include rice noodles, poutine, jicama pickles, charred lime slices, fried eggs, sauerkraut and kielbasa, brussels sprouts (!!), even a pizza with all of the flavours of the Big Mac. There are more simplified pizzas for the less adventurous — not to worry you can still have your ham & pineapple and pepperoni.
The server said the pulled pork pizza was to die for. He also quite likes The Hangover, and seeing as I love anything with a fried egg on top, our choices were made. Our affable server also suggested the Citrus Salad Mocktail to start. The menu claims it to be a party in my mouth. How can I say no to that?
We waited a little too long for our lattés, but that didn’t make me grouchy because the room was just so lovely and my companion equally so. We talked to the tables next to us because I’m nosy and I wanted to know what they were eating. Thumbs up went to the beet salad, as well as the Caesar. They were also eating these lovely lettuce cups filled with jasmine rice and grilled pork in a spicy Korean barbecue sauce. I hailed our server down and ordered it. We left our neighbours alone and our food came out of the kitchen quickly enough.
First up was the citrus salad, bursting with segments of orange and grapefruit, chunks of jicama, slices of red onion, toasted almonds, and fresh mint. A good grinding of fresh black pepper may sound odd but this salad had vitality and freshness and made my mouth happy. Yes, there may have been a party in there. I blame it on the honey balsamic reduction.
Next up were our pizzas. And this is where I get a bit picky. Up until now the glassware and plates had been tasteful and carefully chosen, so imagine my eyes when the pizzas came out served on Chinette paper plates. Yes, the ones with the blue flowered rim. I wish with all my heart they would have plated them on lovely round white plates. I’m hoping they re-think this decision if not for the presentation of the food, but for the environment as well. The pizzas themselves tasted great. My companion’s pulled pork was utterly delicious — it’s all in that sauce, and the pork really did melt in the mouth.
The Hangover pizza was piled high with hash browns, roasted tomatoes, honey ham and cheddar cheese. The fried eggs were a bit of a disappointment as they had an unappealing black coating underneath, perhaps due to a flat top grill that needs a bit of a clean. Anyway, I still enjoyed the pizza, especially the thin crust. The Korean Lettuce Pray Cups ($8) were the hit of the day. That pork was spicy, yet not overly so, and married well with the cooled rice and crunchy lettuce. A bit messy, I would have liked a damp towel, but a trip to the bathroom meant I got to snoop around the space a bit more. Do not rush out of here; take your time to explore this little gem in our neck of the woods. Literally.
Firestick Cafe is open only on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April until Christmas. Call 306 280-2761 for reservations, which are required. Check website for more info and directions: solargardens.ca