Located in the midst of all the crazy shopping on Queen Street West, this cafe is always packed with people regardless of the time during the day. The food usually takes a while, perhaps a standard 15-20 minute wait. However, the service received was always prompt and polite.

Unique and rustic decor

The restaurant is a little over-crowded, I must say. The booths are wonderful but individual tables are arranged too close together. It was not a problem over-hearing the couple at the next table discuss about their day during a weekday dinner, or the group of girlfriends talk about their latest purchases during a weekend brunch. Maybe a little too close for comfort. However, this did not stop me from returning for five meals!

One late snowy night, I went to get take out from Queen Mother Cafe. It was a long 20 minute wait before my order came but the server considerately provided a glass of water while I was waiting. WHY, did I still go in when it was insanely packed with people on a weekday night and wait so long for a take out?! Well, my brother came to visit from Waterloo and our conversation went like that:

Maple: You HAVE TO go to Queen Mother Cafe!

Brother: For?

Maple: The Ping Gai!

Brother: The Ping… what?

Maple: Ping Gai Ping Gai Ping Gai!!!

As he was too lazy to venture into the cold for that dish with a name typically unheard of, I bravely volunteered my services as I desperately wanted to share this lovely dish.

The legendary Ping Gai

The Ping Gai ($16.95) simply means Laotian Barbecued Roast Chicken. It was one scrumptious meal with juicy flavourful chicken! Served with a side salad, steamed jasmine rice as well as a spicy lime coriander dipping sauce. The chef is definitely not stingy with the portion of perfectly roasted chicken served.

I consider myself pretty adventurous when it comes to trying out new dishes at restaurants. However, I ordered this dish three times out of my five visits. Other dishes which I tried with my various dining partners were the Curry Vegetable Roti ($14.95), Grilled Flatiron Steak ($21), Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni ($14.95), Crispy Calamari ($9.50) and Spicy Pumpkin Dip ($8.95). The items seem a little pricey but serving portions are generous. There is also a separate Sunday brunch menu.

If you ask me what kind of restaurant this is, I will not be able to answer you.

Thai? It serves Pai Thai.

Laos? It serves Ping Gai.

Chinese? It serves Dim Sum.

Western? It serves steak and interesting salads.

Indian? It serves Curry Vegetable Roti.

Italian? It serves Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni.

Cafe? It serves good cappucino.

Bar? It serves a variety of drinks.

Awesome? Yes it is!

This will be the place to go if one is undecided on what type of food they’d like because Queen Mother Cafe seems to offer everything! I might not be brave enough to order something else other than my beloved Ping Gai though…

Comfy Couches

More than just a place for gelato, Whole Lotta Gelato offers freshly made Whole Lot-a Panini(s) and Whole Lot-a Salad(s). Those who prefer customizing their orders can just fill out an order sheet at the side of the counter instead of choosing from the menu. You can choose up to 4 toppings for the Panini. If you love cheese like I do, you can request for two different types of cheeses and they’ll just give half-half. There are also large and small sizes for the salads. In addition, they offer kids’ meals like the PB & J meal. It includes a drink, toy, choice of chips/carrots/cucumber and bambino (which is…?) Heh.

Panini v.s Salad

Their generous portions always leave me with barely any room for dessert. Then again, there is always that separate compartment in the stomach for dessert eh! Not a fan of gelato? They have sweet crepes on the menu too. However, the crepe machine was not working the last time I went so I have yet to try their crepes. Furthermore, there is a sweeeet $12 all-you-can-eat deal. Paninis, Crepes, Salads and Gelato! Awesome!

Together with great coffee and a simple comforting meal, this gem offers a cheerful dining atmosphere and excellent service. It was my lunch buddy’s birthday on one of my visits so my server prepared a banana split as a surprise. However, he only realized there was no lighter in the restaurant after putting the candles on the banana. Hence, he came over with the unlit candles, sang the birthday song and told us to pretend to blow it. It was amusing and made my day.

You might not be in the mood for gelato due to the chilly weather recently. However, if you are looking for a healthy light meal, head over to Whole Lotta Gelato at the corner of Uptown Waterloo. Then again… Canadians do not consider it cold till it is -30degrees so yeeeaaahhh its gelato time!

We got in the cars, called ahead to make 10-minute-ahead reservations (none needed), and found the place which arguably has one of the worst street-fronts I’ve ever seen for casual dining, but some of the best Greek food in Kitchener.

Location Location Location?

Not to be a jerk, but this place has a hilarious location. It’s in the basement of an mid-century office “tower”, sharing its space with the YWCA Resource Centre. Inspiring.

Once we took the elevator to the back door (there’s a much more inviting front door actually, as we found out later) and got into the place, my mood and approach to the place changed entirely. It’s great. It’s big, loud, tall, friendly, and accommodates a group of ten or more comfortably. The menu is serious but  not overwhelming, the wine selection is reasonable, and there were many  lunch-sized things that came out in good time. It’s not cheap nor expensive, with many meals available for under $10.

Oh There It Is, Hurray! White Sign, Left.

Greek Coffee and Salad. Oh something else.

With no offense to the kitchen, I regret getting the vegetable moussaka. Everyone else’s meals looked more interesting and from the sound of it, were delicious.  The moussaka was … bland and tasted like they used powder potatoes. The Greek salad was very nice, simple, tasty, and fresh. Easily the toast of the whole meal was the drink. The Greek-style coffee, with very fine grounds still at the bottom and lightly chalky texture, was delicious and got me in the mood for more Greece.

Moussaka, meh, salad, nice, coffee, amazing.

Despite the outer shell, Three Kretans is very much worth a visit, especially with a large lunch group.  On a related note: next time you’re at a Greek place, ask for a glass of retsina to start your meal. It’s wine that tastes like tree sap. Seriously, don’t judge until you try it ;-)