Though I’ve made stumbling upon new restaurants a sort of pastime, I wouldn’t have come across T.H.I.S. Place unless someone pointed it out to me. Chris was the one who told me about this new cafe, located in a storefront in the Quest Building downtown on 105 Street and 104 Avenue.
T.H.I.S. Place
Opened by the same family behind Lan’s Asian Grill, T.H.I.S. Place applies the same philosophies of wholesome, all-natural food popularized at the restaurant, but in a smaller scale, cafe format.
The interior is simple but modern, featuring art from local artists, and includes a small stage to host performers.
Interior
Proprietor Tom Lim describes T.H.I.S. Place (which stands for “to be happy is simple”) as a fruit cafe. Not only can fresh squeezed lemonade be found on the menu, but also a variety of creative house-made popsicles, frozen yogurt and shaved ice. I tried a raspberry lemonade popsicle ($3), and was impressed by the intense fruit flavour and smooth texture. And yes, they will even be serving these through winter!
Raspberry lemonade popsicle
Even if fruit is their forte, T.H.I.S. Place has a strong coffee and tea menu which includes five varieties of brewed coffee options (lattes are forthcoming), and five loose leaf teas. Their coffee is roasted by Abiamo (based in Rocky Mountain House), and is delivered fresh once a week. Mack tried an iced apricot peach tea, sweetened to his liking, and really enjoyed it.
Iced tea
Tom says they will be tweaking the menu over the next few weeks (there is still space above the counter to add even more menu panels), so expect even more desserts and drinks. In the meantime, pay them a visit when you’re in the neighbourhood – whether you’re looking for some coffee or something sweet.
T.H.I.S. Place
10382 105 Street
Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday Noon-9pm, Sunday Noon-6pm
Only Here for the Food 
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