Not only is this a review of the first Iranian dessert and juice bar in Vancouver, but the honest and true account of the media invite that got me there.
Majority of what I report on is either out of pocket or by way of media invitation. Most of the time I am not getting paid to write on or feature any of the businesses; but instead am invited to try their offerings and if I should be compelled to do so, showcase the experience as I see fit. As far as I can tell, this is the unspoken agreement that most content creators and PR/marketing firms and businesses follow. The result is me reporting honestly and accurately, by my accounts.
The reality is without payment received and contract signed a business cannot make any expectations of you. They can reach out and offer their “A” in exchange for your “B”. In this case I was approached via DM by one of the owners of Mashti Cafe, offering me the ability to be just one of “four top TikTok creators in BC to get exclusive early access to the first-ever organic soft serve”, which they described as a “half-a-million-dollar product”. They went so far to offer “Private pick-up and drop-off (VIP treatment -and we mean it!)” I wouldn’t normally go out of my way for ice cream, but planned my visit on a day that I will be in the area, so declined their offer of transportation.
The date was set and Mashti’s co-owner promised an “Early sneak peek and taste test before the public”, a “Collaboration with a million-dollar brand, with potential to reach over a million views”, and “Cross-promotion on their channels for extra exposure” in exchange for “one TikTok + Instagram video at the set launch time”. They wanted me to produce “the vibe” described in this sample quote “Finally I got to try the famous Avocado Mango Soft Serve Ice Cream everyone’s talking about…”.
I didn’t pay no mind to the aforementioned self hype and went into this like I do all events and invitations, with an open mind. Plus, I sincerely wanted to try what was being promoted, a sky high soft serve twisted in orange and green for mango and avocado. It was the only reason I accepted and all that was promised in the proposal. There were no other discussions of coverage to be made, no expectations discussed, or contracts signed.
On the day of we got to the cafe, excited to try what I thought was something I have never heard of or seen before, at least in terms of favour combination. There was a drawing of it on their window and it was pictured in a couple of their AI generated art pieces that rotated on their television screen in store. This and all the neon lights of the shop were flashy, giving off an abundance of electric energy in their smaller cafe space.
I approached the counter and it was nice that the clerk was expected me. She informed us that mango avocado twist ice cream cone, that I had come in, for was not available. I was noticeably disappointed. She recommended that we try something else since we were already here, and went through their list of offerings.
I am familiar with such desserts, and honestly their more floral bouquets are not to my tastes. Nonetheless I picked out a couple of things to try and the only non-dairy item on the menu that my friend with a dairy allergy could try. We then took a seat at one of the only few tables available to wait.
As we waited, my guest and I were greeted by the owner with hugs. This was the first time I would be meeting the person I had been chatting with. He excitedly showed me a video of a performance he did on Canada Day. He is a vocalist given his own stage. This was followed up another video: the line of customers waiting for his mobile juice truck at the same location. I inquired about what they were offering that day and at what prices. I didn’t get a response.
I then asked about the mango avocado ice cream. He explained it was to do with logistics, the consistency, and the machine. I was honest in saying that had I known I would have rescheduled our visit to another day, and that was the only reason why I came out. He offered to try to get me the ice cream anyhow, but I said it was okay and that it was too late, that we had already ordered a few things with the clerk. In truth I was concerned I wouldn’t like what I was getting and didn’t want to add more to that cart. Anyone who knows me knows I hate wasting food.
The owner ended up leaving and adding on their avocado mango milkshake to our order, without me asking for it or confirming I wanted it. The milkshake was a murky shade of grey. It was as appealing to look at as it was to taste. I don’t think the flavours mixed well together. I got the sweetness of the mango washed over by the thicker creaminess of the avocado. Each flavour went back and forth, trying to come out on top. No cohesion, but a battle.
I did like their Shir Pesteh, which the helpful clerk recommended. A milkshake of pistachio with milk and ice cream. Not too sweet, you just get the real flavour of pistachio, which I did like. It reminded me of pistachio gelato, except in liquid format. I just wished there were no chunks, that the nuts were fully blended. I found myself having to chew before I could swallow.
She also recommended the Vitamine, describing it like an ice cream sundae with Maajoon ice cream, Banana, Milk, Dates, Coconut powder, Sesame seeds, Cream, Rosewater, Pistachios, Pineapple, Walnuts, Cashews, Cinnamon, and Honey. This was an impressive presentation, to have everything arranged like a fanned out flower. This was such a large serving and definitely meant to be shared. It was worth the $15.99 price tag for the amount of nuts alone. With it, it ate like a meal. With the fruit and nuts the floral flavour of the ice cream was muted and the creaminess of it added a softness to all the crunchy elements.
After learning that they make their own donuts in house I also opted in to trying one made into an ice cream sandwich. Pirashki Bastani is a sweet doughnut filled with your choice of ice cream. Sadly I didn’t choose my ice cream, so was given one with more floral notes. The dough was quick to absorb all the melted cream like a sponge. Neither ice cream or donut were too sweet, melding well together.
And the only dairy free item on their menu is Falooder, another traditional dessert. Starch Rice noodles served in Rosewater. You are given two squeeze bottles to be able to add either a cherry or lemon flavour into the mix. Out of everything this was the most perfumed. Heavy on the rosewater my guest was not partial to the flavour.
The cafe was loud with music and when a large group of women arrived the volume was increased. I was hard to hear my guest and we found ourselves yelling to one another like at a night club, so decided to leave. I had taken all my photos and videos, I tried what we had to, to be able to write this full review, so wrapped up everything to go. We got lids and containers from the clerk and thanked her with a wave on the way out.
Later back at home, I got a text from the owner asking if I had left, that the ice cream was ready. I was honest in telling him that “Yes, the café got really loud. The experience was not what was promised, and expected.”
His reply was “Thanks for your message. We always appreciate honest feedback, but I have to say – simply walking out without a word feels quite rude and unnecessary. A quick goodbye or letting us know how you felt in the moment would’ve been much more respectful. Wishing you all the best.”
I thought to myself that I did tell him in person when I first met him, that I was disappointed to not have the only reason why I visited. I explained to him that “We said good bye to your staff. Who were behind the counter. Sorry you weren’t there to hear it.”
He concluded our exchange with what felt like a veiled threat “We always open our doors with kindness and expect at least basic respect in return especially when we’ve gone out of our way to offer something for free.” “I run three restaurants and know most owners in this industry professionalism and mutual respect go a long way.”
I was taken aback and decided not to engage further. I did my coverage as usual. Stories the day of and now this full written review in timing with my Instagram post.
I know other content creators who would not even post if the experience was bad, they rather focus on the positive and what is worth sharing. However, my writing has always been about honesty, since I started this love letter to food and life in Vancouver, 13 years ago. I write about everything “good” or “bad”, understanding that nothing is perfect and that we each have our own opinions and voice. I pride myself on being constructive and knowing each of our own perceptions is our reality. I see something one way based on my past experiences and respect that everyone else has their own.
Therefore, I will always report on all that I engage it, maintaining my integrity and consistency for honest review.
I would not return due to the cuisine not being to my tastes. I liked the pistachio milkshake out of everything we tried and can see the popularity of this amongst those who grew up with and are fans of the cuisine.
I was also made to feel unwelcomed back by the owner and his expectations and demands of me after the fact. I am not a business, but an individual who does this as a hobby. I pay out of my own pocket for gas and parking. I spend countless hours going out to try things, documenting and writing notes as I do. Then I spend more time at home posting stories, making videos, editing photos, and writing a review such as this. I love supporting small and local businesses and sharing my learned knowledge, but do so freely of my own free will.
I have never felt bullied like I did via DM, over $75 before tax food bill that was not as originally advertised. This was such a souring experience that I wanted to review it here for others engaging in this industry who have experienced something similar and be effected by it, as I was.
Mashti Cafe
1544 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2J3
(604) 971-0588
mashticafe.ca
