Dine Out | Bel Cafe (Vancouver, B.C.)

What do Elvis Presley, British royalty and gourmet food have in common? Location ladies and gentlemen. Location, location, location!

Today I take you to a small but well known corner of downtown Vancouver, wedged between the Vancouver Art Gallery and the ever growing high end shopping hub of Pacific Center, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia which has entertained a plethora of exclusive international guests over the decades remains one of Vancouver's iconic historical symbols. A few years ago the hotel underwent a drastic update and along with it opened the David Hawksworth Resturant, a modern high end establishment who's delicate glass wear and posh setting had street passers constantly glued to the glass windows.

Seeking something a bit more casual for a ladies luncheon and a little easier on the wallet, I ventured into the adjacent Bel Café (also a Hawksworth establishment) with little in mind. Always being full and sometimes lined up outside onto the street, people seemed very taken by this surprisingly small yet cozy cafe. The decor was modern (echoing the restaurant) with rich mahogany tones but also had a slightly industrial feel to it with a large steel grey social table in the center and various blue grey accents.

As a group of four, lugging gift parcels to be exchanged with each other, we sat at the largest table in the center on high bar stools. The space was rather compact and while there was enough space to shuffle around, it's really only comfortable for small groups of two or three.

The menu revealed itself to be a small but well curated selection of classic pastries, savory sandwiches, breads, teas and coffee. The appreciation here is on the fine preparation of fresh ingredient presented in contemporary manner but not disturbing the familiarity of the dish. Here's a look at what went around the table.

Matcha Late | Bel Café

B.L.T. | Bel Café

Salmon Toast: Salmon, herb crème fraîche, capers | Bel Café

Being rather unadventurous that day, I intended to get a ham and cheese croissant (one of my favourites) but was told that it had been sold out, rather curious given it was only 1pm or so. Instead I opted for the recommendation of the Salmon Toast which arrived promptly on a wooden board (one for my friend and one for myself). Luscious layers of smoked salmon was layered on a few leafs of greens, based by a crunchy slice of multi-grain toast and dressed with dollops of creme dressing, capers and a dash of olive oil. The presentation certainly had a gourmet appeal. The first bite was a contrast of textures between the satisfying crunch of grain and the smooth soft slices of salmon, accented by the sharpness of the occasional caper. As someone who is not big into seafood (and certainly not raw looking ones, sorry anything squishy and raw is not going to go down) I was instantly hooked on this delicious combination. The portions that went around the table were small and delicate so it wouldn't be the ideal place to fill your empty stomach, then again I have a small one so the portions were perfect for me. I coupled my toast with a hot mug of London Fog, an English variation on milk tea which was soothing and comforting though nothing particularly interesting. In hindsight, I probably wouldn't have been quite so ecstatic had I ended up with my safe homely croissant, the toast was certainly the better choice and the highlight of my meal.

Dark Hot Chocolate | Bel Café

Despite my initial apprehensions about Bel Café, I am already looking forward to returning for another bite of salmon and maybe even that B.L.T. as well. The appreciation here is not in the innovation of ingredients or any particular pizazz that makes this place any different than the hundreds of other places around the area but rather the ideal location along with the simplistic and honest approach to food. A great place to rest tired feet from shopping or catch up with a close friend along with something small to nibble on.

BEL CAFE

T: 604.673.7000
W: www.belcafe.com
801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC
Located at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Corner of Howe and Georgia.

Hours of Operation
6:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday
7:00am – 5:30pm Saturdays, Sundays & holidays