Main Street foodies, you’re in for a treat; the former owners of Tofino’s critically acclaimed RainCoast Cafe have moved into your neighbourhood, bringing their same signature Pan-American cuisine but with a chic new look. Despite the sweltering heat (that had other restaurants shuttered), Latitude’s stellar service, intimate atmosphere, and trademark eats were a great experience from top to bottom.

First up was an avocado and mango salad ($9) on baby arugula, garnished with spiced pepitas, sweet onion, toasted cumin, vinaigrette and a slice of fried panela cheese on the side to finish. Though it reads busy, it was clear that a lot of love was put into balancing the salad; the mix of mellow, sweet, sour, and spicy flavours played incredibly well together.

The second and final dish was a special: a smoked black cod and halibut cake ($13), crowned with samphire (sea asparagus) and seated on roasted corn and heirloom tomato salsa. At this point, the heat was getting to me and I had lost my sense of taste, but I will say the presentation was gorgeous. The addition of samphire was clever and very much appreciated, adding an oceanic flavour to the seafood dish.

Even in record-breaking heat, Latitude managed to impress. Many thanks to our lovely waitress who kept our glasses full and introduced me to a new favourite BC lager, Dead Frog. If you’re looking for an intimate place to dine on Main with a modern flair and a Pan-American flavour, I know no better.