| The menu at Café Koi tells diners exactly what owner and chef Philip Wong’s goals are for his new downtown café and lounge: "organic coffee/nutritious food/local art." These sensibilities have guided both the food and decor.
Having honed his culinary skills at a variety of notable Calgary eateries, including Murrieta’s, The Congo Room, Diner Deluxe and The Coup, Wong decided it was time to "provide the masses with nutritious food at a sensible price" and opened Café Koi with his business partner Natasha Peace. Wanting to create a community feeling as well, they have put work by local artists on display and there are future plans to feature local bands and host a fashion show of Calgary designers.
Nestled between downtown office buildings and the First Street S.W. club/pub strip, Café Koi seems to be in the perfect location to cater to all types of diners. On weekdays, it opens early for breakfast at 7 a.m., serves lunch and remains open through the late evening for the cocktail crowd. All three menus feature organic, healthy fare, with the evening menu also focusing on Asian-inspired tapas dishes.
Rich chocolate- and red velvet-coloured walls, soft lighting, candles and ample foliage give the space a Zen garden feel. Perimeter bench seating with small tables offers intimacy, while a large central banquet table with tree-trunk stools invites conversation with others. Breakfast and lunch patrons can people-watch at the front window or pull up a stool at the bar. Both areas are conducive to eating alone comfortably, while magazine racks give off a comfy café vibe and provide something to skim while you dine.
The appetizers, served in staggered fashion, are a great way to encourage lots of visiting, sharing and eating slowly while enjoying all the flavours. We started out with the yam wedges, which came with a spicy coconut curry dip ($6). Although the wedges were a bit too big to manipulate with our chopsticks, they were roasted to perfection. A house favourite, the yam wedges are also offered as a side with lunch sandwiches and panini.
When one of the kitchen staff brought out the next dish, we inquired about the ingredients in the curry dip, in hopes of stealing some secrets for our own kitchens. He proceeded to plunk down at our table, introduce himself as Wong, the owner, and describe in detail his reduction technique. Wong’s open attitude to interacting with his customers sets the casual neighbourhood tone he is hoping to achieve with Café Koi.
We also shared hardy rice crackers with sugar snap peas and bite-sized bits of smoked salmon drizzled with smoky sesame oil ($7.50), which came with warm greens soaked in a delicate ginger dressing. This was followed by sweetly seared scallops with bok choy ($9) and a side of fluffy coconut rice that was the perfect accompaniment to the appetizers.
The breakfast menu offers nutritious selections like the organic peanut butter and banana bagel ($4.25), grilled chicken sausage and scrambled eggs with chives hash ($7.50), and homemade maple almond granola with fresh fruit and yogurt ($6.50). Lunchtime offerings include the daily homemade soup ($3-$5), caramelized onions, pear and brie panini with choice of side ($7.50), and mixed organic greens and spinach salad ($6.50).
Café Koi is a great place to hang out with friends, eat some delicious healthy food and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Café Koi is located at 1011 - 1 St. S.W.; phone 206-1564. |
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