Review: The Anchor Eatery.
The Anchor Eatery delivers delectable açai, lip-smacking smoothies and plant-friendly delights in a warm setting.
Ambleside, West Vancouver.
Ambleside is a gorgeous beach that nudges into West Vancouver. In a rare coup that combines tranquility and community buzz, it offers sprawling beach and quality spots to grab a bite or a cheeky happy hour. Located on Marine Drive, The Anchor Eatery appears unassuming from the outside, but inside is teeming with plant-friendly finds.
Sitting beside Bean Around The World, the two share an interior, which is just as well for any caffeine fiends. The Anchor Eatery does not feature coffee on their menu, but instead lists a number of smoothies like Blue Lagoon (with Blue-green algae!), Mean Green (greeeeeens) and Magic Dragon (Dragon fruit!).
Leaning into the nautical theme, white, navy and black characterises the colour scheme, while a wooden bench along the window is favourable for people watching while eating. Quick bites and treats fill the counter display — ready-made wraps, salads and samosas — and freshly baked muffins whisper to you over from the left side cabinet. With toasties made from Bad Dog sourdough, you know you’re in for a good time, and you can get yours with Vegan Bacon tempeh, Classic avocado or quality nut butter.
Opting for the Nalu Acai bowl was a more classic, stripped back acai choice as the menu suggests: “Acai blend, banana, coconut water. topped with granola, strawberry, banana, bee pollen & honey”. Stricter vegans may omit the bee pollen and honey, but I went ahead and added cacao nibs for my dose of chocolate and added crunch.
The texture was the perfect blend of thick and creamy. It avoided being overly dense, without veering into the drinkable smoothie territory (drinkable with a spoon). Topped generously with both fruit and granola, the bowl felt well-priced, and satiating.
A small space can feel cramped or it can feel inviting, and The Anchor Eatery is the latter — the wooden touches give a warmth, as do the friendly staff. Upon entering the cafe, it appeared almost empty, and by the time I left, it was buzzing with bodies in a way that felt communal. At the bench, as I dug into my bowl again despite my full stomach, the guy to my left shared a knowing smile. “Good isn’t it?” He said with a similar bowl in front of him.
I left feeling full and filled with vitamins, as well as connected to community. With so many incredible options, and an atmosphere of openness and hospitality, this is not the spot for a one-time shop!