The first days of summer are marked by some strong urges. This season for me, these include buying vintage ice cream sundae glasses and a jungle print beach-friendly jumpsuit (ok ok. It was at Winner’s and I was vitamin D deprived and a sitting duck with a wallet) and drooling over Lands End’s beach towels.

But the other day when the sun was properly shining it was clear that some patio action was in order for lunch. Ergo Cassis. The patio had some clematis hovering over it, there were potted herbs in the corner, and the midday sun was creeping over towards the tables.

One Croque Monsieur ($12.25) with pulled pork, herb parmesan cornbread and a fennel salad and one special beef tip and blue cheese dressing salad later our table was speckled by sunshine.

Now the last time I had the croque there I dreamed about it for days, nay months, afterwards. It was full of meat, juicy – the cheese had run over the bread and crackled itself onto the cast iron pan on which it was served. This time, it was a different beast altogether. Less delicious meat, many more onions and oodles of goat cheese. So it was more of a grilled goat cheese and yielding onion croque. Who knows. Maybe it was a different chef.

But who cares. Cause we were eating… OUTSIDE! Bless the sun. Curse the rain. Summer is on my friends.

Cassis Bistro
420 West Pender Street (at Homer)
Phone: 604.605.0420
Hours: M-F: 11-2:30pm, 5:30pm-1am; Sat. & Sun.: 5:30pm-1am
Prices: Sandwiches & Pizzas, $9.75 to $12.50; Lunch mains, $12.25 to $18.00.
Website: www.cassisvancouver.com