If you’re looking for a cool haven during these sometimes-hot days, stop on by Cranbrook’s newest foodie-heaven — Cran-versations Café. Nothing served there comes pre-portioned or pre-packaged and everything is made fresh. And get this — there isn’t a deep fryer on the premises.

Audra Wallace, who owns Cran-versations with husband Kevin, said they are putting an emphasis on local products, working them into the menu whenever possible. Wines from B.C., local coffee and even cheese are just a few of those products.

The menu at the Cran-versations Café is described as trendy and health with addictive flavours and includes noodle bowls, stir fries, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and even fondue. A unique feature of the menu is fondue. You can try a cheese fondue to start off your meal or try chocolate fondue to finish off your meal. Since it is licensed, you can also order a drink to go with your meal.

The Wallaces know a thing or two about running a successful eating establishment in Cranbrook as they also own the Rocky Mountain Redneck Company Café on Baker Street. It features a full breakfast and lunch menu and is a casual place with an interior decorated with quaint country items.

With photos of Paris, London and other travel destinations on the wall at Cran-versations, after owners and delicious food, the similarities between the two cafes end. Audra, who moved to Cranbrook from Calgary with Kevin in 2007, said she really liked the Cactus Club atmosphere, which could be described as sophisticated chic, and it’s in part what inspired her when creating Cran-versations.

Located at 301-535 Victoria Avenue North (beside Rogers Video), as you step inside Cran-versations you instantly appreciate the relaxed and intimate feeling of the café due to the earth tones of the interior and the shaded window coverings, giving the place the feel of a cool oasis

Nearing the end of its second week in business Audra said business has been good so far, with customers already making repeat visits. She said they found with the Redneck Café that word of mouth was a large part of what brought people in.

Audra said the café has the ability to evolve because it is independently owned. One thing she is thinking about doing in the future is having a wine club that would feature wines from different areas.

A quote printed on the front of the menus at Cran-versations Café states what Audra’s vision is for the eatery: “We don’t want to be the place that you go to only on a special occasion…we want to be the first pace that you think of and go to on every occasion!”

The café is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with brunch served on the weekend between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.