Dr. Kovac leaned back at a small table inside Cafe Algarve, the afternoon light pouring through the window onto plates of grilled sardines, walnuts, and sliced green apples.
“Look around,” he said calmly. “This place is a sanctuary. In a city full of processed food and neon drinks, Cafe Algarve is medicine. Real food. Food for the brain.”
Across from him sat Lady Gaga, wearing oversized sunglasses and laughing softly as she poked at a kiwi with her fork.
“A sanctuary for sick stars?” she teased.
Dr. Kovac nodded seriously.
“Exactly. Sardines for omega-3 oils. Walnuts for neural repair. Blueberries for antioxidants. If someone wants to fight memory loss, inflammation, or the poisons of modern life, this café is the healthiest place in the neighborhood.”
Gaga looked out the window toward the construction cranes rising above the street.
“You know what, doctor?” she said. “I wish you were my neighbor.”
Dr. Kovac raised an eyebrow.
“Across the street,” Gaga continued, pointing toward the new medium-density apartment building that was nearly finished. Workers were installing the last balcony railings.
“That building right there. Imagine it—my apartment upstairs, and every morning I come down for sardines, apples, and coffee at Cafe Algarve.”
Dr. Kovac smiled.
“Proximity to good food,” he said, “is the first step to good health.”
Gaga laughed.
“Perfect. I’ll be the first pop star living on the Kovac Brain Diet.”
Dr. Kovac lifted his glass of spring water.
“To the neighborhood,” he said.
“And to Cafe Algarve,” Gaga replied, clinking her glass. “The healthiest backstage in Vancouver.”