Gigi Blin ~ great coffee shop in Marpole

Only a few blocks east from Granville on West 70th, is a leafy neighbourhood of mainly older, low-rise apartment buildings. This is the heart of Marpole and here too is a wonderful coffee shop called Gigi Blin . It's a name oddly familiar to followers of Jeem, and his old friend and mentor: G.G. Blyn from Brooklyn. Obviously, not the same person because G.G. Blyn could never make coffee taste this good. Gigi Blin on the other hand....

Open and airy, the café is a throwback of sorts to the kind of place one might expect to find in Italy, and that certainly serves as the inspiration. 

The coffees are well crafted, strong, bold and flavourful. House-made sandwiches are delectable. A variety of confections line the wall, and while there are cozier seating arrangements, the large wooden table is a focal point for conversation with your neighbours.

Something new for these hot days is espresso and tonic water. This one is made with Fever Tree tonic, lots of ice and two shots of espresso. 

The espresso rests at the top of the glass until a straw is added. Within seconds the glass erupts in a bubbly mixture. The taste is entirely refreshing. This could be the best iced coffee drink of the summer, and it's another reason to visit this great café in Marpole. 

Friendly service, good people and great coffees; Gigi Blin Market Café is open everyday. It's well worth many repeat visits.

Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2016 by Jim Murray.