ECO Cafe

Once upon a time, there was a man and a woman named Tim and Deborah Wood. They lived in a mortgage free home in St. Albert, had good paying jobs with pensions and benefits. Tim was an instructor at NAIT in the cooking program and Deborah was a Day Care Director in Edmonton. Their two children, Melanie and Cory were both of legal age and therefore more or less responsible for themselves. Life was good, however, a little predictable.

Enter, Terry Myers, the developer for The Village at Pigeon Lake. "Why don't you come out to Pigeon Lake and open a little restaurant?" "Not on your life," replied Tim and Deborah in unison. In the early 1980's, they owned and operated the nationally acclaimed Movable Feast restaurant in Edmonton. They knew what it was like to work 16 hours a day, seven days a week and had no desire to do so again. "Just come out and perhaps you can advise me what to do," suggested Terry. Five months later, May 1st, 1997, the ECOcafe opened its doors and took on a life of it's own, with Tim at the helm and Deborah becoming the "jack of all trades."

Now, five years later, the cafe has developed a loyal following of people from near and far. Tim is the chef and manager and Deborah does all the baking. they raise some of the food for the cafe including lamb, pork, chicken, and eggs. The couple, who choose not to have any "pets" while living in the city (because they are as much work as children and we already have two of those) raise sheep, pigs, alpacas, ducks, laying hens, dogs, cats.

The move to the country brought them closer to the food we all enjoy. They believe in using local products such as vine-ripened tomatoes, farm fresh eggs, and stone ground whole-wheat flour whenever available and local farmers raise elk, bison, chicken, and pork especially for the cafe. The long hours have returned, but the satisfaction of providing good quality food, purchased as close to home as possible is a dream come true and "we wouldn't have it any other way."

Many people believe that a meal prepared by Tim makes the drive to the countryside all the more worthwhile! so come on out and see what good food is all about. The atmosphere is casual and down to earth. Come prepared to relax and enjoy. Reservations are accepted for groups over 10. Catering is available for local events. VISA, Mastercard, Debit and Cash accepted.

Restaurant Makeover...Subscribe to this page to receive an automatic update ... get a "sneek peek" of the Grand Reveal!

Phone: (780) 586-2627