About Cafe Vetrina

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"Vetrina" is an Italian word for window. Specifically, it is the kind of window that shows a person what’s possible, what’s available and helps us decide what we really want.

My name is Fikre and my journey to opening Vetrina Cafe has been a long and passionate one.

I was born in Eritrea to a farming family. As part of a small community, I learned the values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. Cooking has been my passion for as long as I can remember. As a child, I would stand by my mother’s side in the kitchen watching her pour love into every dish she made. 

I saw how food brought people together. I witnessed how a meal wasn’t just about nourishment but about connection, warmth and care. In our community, food connected us to our home, our culture, each other and to moments of joy and even to times of sorrow. It was in those of moments that I knew this is what I wanted to do.

Pursuing this dream wasn’t easy. Leaving my home, my parents and everything familiar was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But dreams are worth chasing. I spent years learning and mastering the art of cooking, gaining more than a decade of experience in the restaurant industry. I honed my skills in fusion cuisine. 

When the opportunity arose to legally immigrate to Canada, I embraced it wholeheartedly. Canada has given me the chance to build something of my own and, for that, I am deeply grateful.

I chose Edmonton for several reasons but the most important one is its deep appreciation for community. In my experience here, people cherish and nurture their communities, just like where I come from. It reminded me of home—the sense of belonging, the support. 

Starting Vetrina Cafe was another challenge. It took years of saving, sacrificing and dedication and, with a little support from my brothers in Europe, I finally made it happen. Today, my dream is no longer just a dream: it is a reality.

So, what does it feel like to see a dream come true? It’s incredible. It’s hard. It’s rewarding.

I am proud to say that I am already an employer. As my business grows, I will continue to seek out talented and passionate people to join me. But I will take it one step at a time, staying true to my vision and values.

Above all, my message to you is this: Come in. My door is open.

I love to host, to cook and to share my passion with others. By stepping into Vetrina Cafe, you are allowing me to continue doing what I have loved since I was a child.

You will notice that you can see me cook. I want to give the people who enjoy the food a window into my enjoyment of preparing and providing it. That’s my manifestation of Vetrina.  

Welcome to my kitchen. Welcome to my dream.