Ever since I was a kid, I've been hanging out around East Hastings because I grew up in a time where my mother was a seamstress and there were lots of factories around that area. On the corner of this old East Hastings stress is King's Cafe. This particular Cafe wasn't anything spectacular, but it was hearty food in a modest restaurant. I can't believe Red Wagon Vancouver Sunrise neighborhood kept the exterior and interior of the old Cafe and added their own flavours into the mix.
The first thing we ordered was the Crisp Pork Belly Sandwich with pickled vegetable, jalapeño, cilantro, mayo, and all that in a baguette. So in other words, take out all the Vietnamese meat from the Bánh mì and replace it with a fatty pork belly. Coming from a Chinese background I would imagine the pork belly to resemble the Chinese version where the skin is extra crispy and the meat was dry. The Red Wagon version is more juicy. One bite will ensure the oil, fat, and flavours to ooze out.
Next up, Pulled Pork Pancakes. Jack Daniels Maple Syrup with Buttermilk Pancakes layered with pulled pork. WTF, maple syrup with pulled pork? Sweet and savory to me is like a man in women's clothes. You're confused as to see if she's hot or not. I was already suspicious last time Nancy brought home Lindt chocolate with sea salt. This just surpass that on a experimental level food wise.
Fluffy buttery pancakes with pulled pork in between it. All of that sitting on the bed of maple syrup.
I sliced a piece of pancake, pushed the pulled pork on the fork, and slid the combo onto the river of maple syrup. The first taste was like the time I ever had red wine. I tried to savor the moment. I was dazed, and confused. How can these two things that I would never imagined pared up be so good together. The pancake itself was a vehicle for the syrup. The pulled pork was soft. The oil syrup and was just dripping out as I was devouring it. I felt so dirty eating this but I couldn't stop. Nancy and I kept sliding our fork of pork and pancake across the plate to soak up the syrup and before we know it, the river of syrup dried up. We sat there looking at each other, and not proceeding to eat more. I politely asked the waitress to bring us some more syrup. We continue to wait and finally the syrup jar came. We refilled the plate with the goodness and continued to empty the plate until we couldn't eat anymore.
From one perspective, I feel dirty for eating here. Everything is so deliciousness, but if it came with a Nutrition Facts Chart, I would have a heart attack just reading it. When I am slicing the pancake, gathering the pulled pork, or gripping the pork belly sandwich, I am in the zone. I don't care about my health. I walk out satisfied and want to come back again, but then again, better hit the gym to make room for next time.
The Red Wagon Restaurant
URL: http://www.redwagoncafe.com/
Cuisine: Diner, Pancakes, Breakfast
Hours
Mon 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Open now
Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
2296 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V4
(604) 568-4565
cMc says
I like this review, but I must tell you: our neighbourood is called Hastings Sunrise, not Sunshine. And for many years before The Red Wagon appeared there was a Vietnamese restaurant that in no way resembled the retro diner styling that now charms our favourite little local. Damn straight that food is fine, though!
dave says
Hi cMc, Thanks for your response. I was referring to Kings Cafe, which to my memory have been there for a very long time. I grew up around there myself as my parents owned a factory on Victoria and Pandora. Maybe your history goes further back than mine. As for the area, I will have that changed in a jiffy. Thanks for the reminder.
Vincent N says
That's so funny. I was thinking the Vietnamese thing right away too. You know it was weird, because it's similar in concept (the pork and pancakes) to McGriddles. I was like...what? On my places to try for 2012....so many ...so little time before the end of the world.