Penticton’s Dream Cafe has established itself as the entertainment hub of the South Okanagan. The place is rocking most evenings with excellent musicians from around the world, performing on a small stage to an intimate crowd. Acts have included Jane Siberry, Fred J Eaglesmith, Fruit, Willie and Lobo, Sue Foley, even the Arrogant Worms. Or there could be a Philosopher’s Cafe happening; a bimonthly discussion forum on a variety of topics. There could even be a workshop on drumming or singing. It’s a busy, creative place and also a great place to eat delicious, mostly vegetarian food.

Front Street, a short run of colourful older buildings near the downtown core, is the perfect home for this funky cafe. The street has character, the building has character, the cafe has character, the owners have character. Debra Rice and Pierre Couture started the business about six years ago. It began, strangely enough, as an import business: Gypsy Heart Casual Imports, bringing merchandise in from Asia. After the Christmas rush was over, they still had a few months on their lease. “We could do a little cafe,” Pierre suggested. He had been in the restaurant business for many, many years so knew what he was getting into. Debra had a health food background.

They ran their “little cafe” for three years, selling their import items downstairs. They started bringing musicians in, realizing that they could be full on a week night if there was music. Jack Velker and Harry Manx were some of the first performers. “The community loved it,” says Debra, “We had a great response.” But it was a very little cafe, only seating 40 people. In order to survive, they had to get a bigger space. When a building across the street became available, they took the leap. After a major reno and community investment in the form of 50 shareholders, Debra and Pierre opened the new, improved Dream Cafe in July, 2004.

The new cafe was designed with the music and musicians in mind. The small stage is at the centre of the space, with tables circling around in layers, making for good sight lines and acoustics. The decor is suitably eclectic, with large stone Buddhas scattered around, colourful fabrics, wall hangings, pictures, candles, earthy coloured walls, huge dragon and butterfly kites staring down from the ceiling, comfy chairs, books left casually around to be leafed through. There’s a warm and friendly atmosphere here, welcoming. This is probably a result of Pierre’s philosophy of “putting the value on the people, not the money.”

The menu is about as eclectic as the decor, featuring a wide variety of tastes from around the world, showcasing Indian, Thai and Mediterranean flavours. “Very fresh with loads of veggies,” says Debra about their food philosophy. “It’s very simple,” says Pierre, “It’s clean food.”

Debra makes most of the desserts herself, including her legendary cheesecake. “ I have musicians all over the place addicted to my cheesecake,” she says. The Dream Cafe also offers a full bar but as Pierre says “ We don’t push the booze…I don’t like drunks.” Drunks are noisy and, as the SHHH notes on the tables state, the musicians are there to be listened to. The attentive audiences, the addictive cheesecake and Pierre and Debra’s welcoming ways, keep musicians and customers happy and coming back for more.

The Dream Cafe
67 Front St. Penticton
490-9012