By Sasha Moedt (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: November 13, 2013
103 – 9233 Glover Road
Fort Langley, BCÂ
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday to Sunday
I popped into Wendel’s on an afternoon trip to Fort Langley. It was very busy, which is always a good sign. It was a sunny day (remember October?) and most of the seats both outside and in were completely taken. My friend grabbed the last seat on the patio where there was a pretty view of the main road going through the little historic town, while I went to buy our coffees.
The line was long, so I had time to look around the place.
Wendel’s is split into two halves; one is a little bookstore (with surprisingly diverse genres), and the other is a coffee shop with a surprisingly large menu. I observed people eating around me; many had coffee and a pastry, but some also had soup and wraps. One fellow caught my eye. Or, rather, one wrap caught my eye. It looked amazing, and it looked like it had yam in it. And I am a yam-lover.
At the till, I asked the girl what he was eating – it was a sweet chili yam wrap. So I ordered that instead of coffee. The staff were friendly and cheerful despite the long line. I got my friend’s coffee right away with a warm cinnamon bun and a number for my wrap.
I had to wait about 20 minutes for it, but when it did come, it was delicious. The yam was roasted and sweet, and the peppers and onions gave it a kick. There was a hint of cilantro – cilantro scares me sometimes, because it’s such an overwhelming flavour. But just a touch in this burrito completed a flavourful mouthful. Even people who hate cilantro will like this burrito. The black beans, jack cheese, and fresh, soft tortilla completed the experience. The serving didn’t look large at first, but by the time I was done eating I was definitely full.
My friend stuck with the coffee idea, and got a butter tart as well. The coffee tasted full and rich, and didn’t have that terrible Starbucks or Tim Horton’s aftertaste… or just that taste in general. I wasn’t allowed to nibble on the butter tart, which means it must have been good.
The pastries and goodies in the front looked temping. Wendel’s bakes everything onsite fresh with no commercial mixes or preservatives. There was a peanut butter pie, cherry pie, brownies, cinnamon buns… I’ll definitely be back for coffee at Wendel’s.
Looking at the menu, I realize that I’ll also have to be back for lunch. They have a full list of sandwiches and wraps, as well as entrees. I was amazed at their selection. Some tempting wrap selections include the wild salmon wrap (with bean sprouts and quinoa), the chicken and brie panini, and the pepper jack panini (with roasted garlic mayo and caramelized onions). Their entrees include some classics: butter chicken with naan; mac ‘n’ cheese made with double-smoked bacon, carmelized onions, and three cheeses; and pad thai. They also have portabella mushroom burgers, West Coast prawn fettuccini, and a coconut curry bowl. And those are just the highlights of the menu for me.
Wendel’s was one of the highlights of my trip to Fort Langely. If you’re headed that way, definitely stop in for coffee… and end up eating a full wrap.
