After an early jaunt to the Strathcona Farmers' Market this morning, Zed and I came home to nap and enjoy our delectable purchases (Happy Camel Pita bread and hummus, Maple Walnut Fudge and carrots... also a savory vegetable pie for later). Once our breakfast of fudge had worn off, we decided to head over to Leva for a late lunch.
It appeared that many others had experienced a similar brainwave, as the cafe was packed. We successfully made it past the gelati and dessert coolers without a glimpse to place our orders of a chai latte for me, along with a margherita pizza, and a cafe latte and chicken pizza for Zed. We snagged a table for two just as a couple was leaving, and sat down to sip our drinks and await our pizzas.
I love Leva's chai lattes - they are creamy and smooth with a mild chai flavour (although I quite enjoy the strength of Remedy's as well). Zed equally enjoyed his latte - artfully prepared with freshly ground beans, this drink continually remains his favourite.
Neither of us have stopped by the cafe in about a year (we used to frequent once or twice a week during weekday evenings for a coffee and dessert, but I believe they have slightly shortened their hours now), but the place really hadn't changed. Still the sleek, modern decor, the marble tables and countertops and beautiful art. The only thing different was the crowd - on this Saturday afternoon the place was packed with families, happily munching on pizza and desserts.
Our pizzas arrived and were just like we remembered - a perfectly thin crunchy crust and well dispersed toppings, wisely placed to keep the crust from becoming overloaded. Zed thoroughly enjoyed his chicken pizza, and gobbled it up in no time. My margherita pizza was just as good, with a sweet tomato base, a satisfying amount of boccocini and mozzerella cheeses, and some fresh basil to finish it off.
Full of pizza, we made the very odd move of skipping dessert (although the cream puffs came close to pushing us the opposite way), opting to head straight to our next destination, the movie store.
While we missed dessert today, we know another trip to Leva is most definitely in the near future.
Leva Cafe and Bar
11053 86 Avenue
780.479.5382
4 comments:
Oh, how I love the Leva. The photographs on their website are gorgeous.
I was there on a Thursday morning and it was packed, too...I think the secret is out...but I'm happy for the owners.
Me too... I'm glad it's worked out well for them. It's such a nice little neighbourhood cafe, but I really loved how we used to be able to walk in and get a table immediately... oh well, the food and drinks are still amazing and well worth the hunt for a table/seating.
Their website does look great, I'm so glad they have one now.
I have been craving Leva ever since I visited there on my own lazy Saturday back in November, I think. Since we live on the north side I don't get there as often as I'd like. Their margherita pizza is amazing! I must return soon.
I understand. There are some places I love in Edmonton that can only be gotten to by car, and I often get cravings that force me to beg for rides.
I hope you can make it back to Leva soon to satisfy yours! Good Luck!
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