7 minute read
PRADO CAFE
This past April, Sammy and Andrea Piccolo opened their latest Prado Cafe in the new Legacy development on the corner of Dunbar Street and West 29th Avenue. Sammy took time out of his busy schedule to discuss the history of Prado Cafe, its outstanding coffee and how this seventh location in the Lower Mainland has already become a busy community hub.
How did you choose Dunbar for your new location?
We choose locations with a lot of thought and consideration. The Dunbar neighbourhood is vibrant with local shops and other independent businesses. Prado Cafe is close to the library, community centre and schools. This allows us to truly be a part of the fabric of the community and serve coffee to the people who call Dunbar home.
Is there a meaning behind Prado’s name?
Prado means open spaces. We think that is captured well with the high ceilings, big windows and natural light of our Dunbar space.
How did you conceive of the idea of opening the original Commercial Drive cafe?
I was always an admirer of Prado Cafe on Commercial Drive when it was just a single shop serving excellent coffee. In 2011, when I was ready and able to have my own shop, I took over that space. Being from an Italian family, I loved the idea of having a shop on Commercial Drive and being a part of that community. Andrea and I had a young boy and a newborn, and many days were spent there juggling our family and creating the version that Prado is today.
Other locations followed every couple of years. We now have seven locations, each in unique communities (five in Vancouver, one in Burnaby and Surrey). Dunbar is lucky number seven. We sadly said goodbye to Tsawwassen earlier this year. We focus a lot of care and attention on the operations of each one. It takes time to look after each one. Thank God for coffee.
What is your role with the company?
Owner, barista, and taster of everything coffee and food-related.
Are there plans to expand into more areas?
I always have my eye open for new spots. The Lower Mainland has so many great communities and coffee shops are always a gathering place for locals. I love being able to facilitate those moments over great coffee.
How has the reaction been from Dunbar residents?
Our team has been overwhelmed with such great support. While we were there cleaning windows and getting everything ready for opening day, we had a chance to meet lots of people. We already know regulars who come by and have lived in the area for years, as well as some of the new residents who live just upstairs from us. Teachers come by before school, and we get to meet the families at the surrounding schools and members of our team who live close by.
Do you live in the area or have any connection to Dunbar?
We live in Coquitlam now, but my partner and I were both raised in Burnaby. We’re very familiar with the neighbourhood and love how there is still such a strong presence of local businesses. When we opened and needed supplies we went to Blight’s Home Hardware. When we took a break from setting up the cafe, we had lunch at Bells and Whistles. Driving down Dunbar, I noticed Sage Construction, another family business we know. We feel very connected to the community. Most of our team at Dunbar also live close by.
What do you like most about the area?
The genuineness of the people and the closeknit community. Also, it’s just beautiful! Our dogs love the trails.
Will Prado be participating in events run by the Dunbar Village Business Association?
Absolutely. We’re looking forward to being involved!
What is Prado best known for?
We’re best known for excellent coffee. Before Prado, I worked with my brothers in the family coffee business. Our coffee game is strong and it’s what I like to focus on. Along with great baked goods and sandwiches.
What feedback are you hearing?
It’s been really positive so far. People are really enjoying the coffee and are looking forward to more lunch and brunch options.
Do you roast your own beans? Where are they sourced?
We source our beans from all over the world focusing on the origins and regions producing the best coffee. I work with our roaster partner and cup the samples to select our offerings based on coffee seasonality and what is tasting best. I’m really proud of our coffee. Our RAD espresso is what we use for all our espresso-based drinks.
Are the baked goods house-made?
We make almost everything in-house. For specialized items like the croissants, we find the very best partners and work with them. Croissants are baked in-house each morning.
Can you tell us about the Cookie With No Name?
This cookie is a Prado original from our first store. I put together ingredients that go well together and really didn’t know what to call something that delicious. So, I just said it’s so good, it has no name. Now it’s the cookie with no name! Oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, marshmallow. Mic drop.
Besides the baked goods, is the other food on the menu available all day?
Sure is. Available fresh until sold out.
What are some of Prado’s most popular drinks and food orders?
The most popular drink we serve is a latte. It’s a classic drink that highlights the sweetness of the milk with our chocolatey RAD espresso. For fall, we’ll have some seasonal favourites, so there is always something worth trying when you come in.
Food-wise, the Cookie With No Name is good, as you know. Our carrot cake is also made inhouse, and it’s got quite a following at the other locations. Avocado toast has a bit of a twist, as it includes smashed peas and mint. The Dunbar location also has a great line-up of donuts! We have classics like Boston Cream and then some fancier flavours like pistachio that change seasonally. Our Vegan Wrap is also very popular.
What are some of your personal favourites from the summer menu and year-round?
The Espresso Tonic is so freshening. You’ll love it. I drink a lot of drip coffee year-round. Peru and Costa Rica are two of my favourites. The Cascadia Blend is a coffee I put together. It’s an easy-drinking medium roast that is also a go-to when I bring coffee to family and friends.
What makes Prado stand out from other cafes?
A lot of cafes in Vancouver are doing a great job. Prado’s focus is all about coffee, but it's also about people. Those who serve it and those who support us by coming in to enjoy it. We are welcoming and accessible for everyone and hopefully have something that everyone likes. We care about what we do. On our windows, it says, “proud to serve the city we love.” Taking pride and enjoying the craft of coffee makes a difference in the quality of what we serve. This is why we make our own sandwiches, cookies, scones, carrot cake, and muffins. We focus on quality ingredients, from where we source our coffee to the specific type of Earl Grey tea for our scones. It all matters. For me, it’s about creating a neighbourhood space that everyone feels good in.
Do you sell any merchandise? Coffee mugs/ t-shirts/caps?
We have branded Kinto to-go mugs. Other merch is coming soon. Stay tuned.
What would you like Dunbar Life readers to know?
We have a fabulous team at Prado on Dunbar who is working hard to serve everyone great coffee. It’s a team effort and I’m really proud of the quality of coffee and baked goods we’re serving.
Prado Cafe
4498 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC V6S 2G5
Phone 604-603-1424
Story by Sarah Gordon (August 2024) PALLA MEDIA
Photos by Sandra Steier Photography
