CAFE HOP - REVOLVER - GASTOWN VANCOUVER

My new series of the Cafe Hop. I have been enjoying the sunshine lately and have been in search of some food coffee and tea places. Join me to on a Cafe Hop around Vancouver. 

 

I walked into the Revolver and asked for a Caramel Machiato. The barista gave me a smile and said "we do not have any syrups, we only have different types of coffee beans".
I knew I was in the right place to search for a master cup of coffee despite my embarrassment.

The barista offered me a cappuccino, asking me what type of beans I would like. Finally realizing my ignorance towards coffee, I chatted for a while and I settled for the coffee bean that had a hint of chocolate. 

Enjoy the rustic decor with me. I love the brick wall, the map of the world in nails, and even the long lamp hanging over each booth. You would have forgotten you were home and thought you were on vacation somewhere. I love the minimalism and the concept. 

 

325 Cambie Street

604-558-4444

Brunch Munch - THE DISTRICT SOCIAL HOUSE - NORTH VANCOUVER LONSDALE QUAY

I always think Fish and Chips when I go to Lonsdale Quay. But one sunny mid morning, I was starving like a monster, I passed by The District, and took on the courage to try something new. I was surprised. 

AMBIANCE | I sat outside on a sunny day.  The table was sticky. But thats okay, it was the expected. The one thing that annoyed me the most was the slow service. The restaurant was busy. But sitting in the patio put us in a terrible disadvantage because the waitresses were sometimes more caught up with customers inside. But it was a nice day, I was okay with waiting.

  

We ordered - 

Brunch Benny

Breakfast Migaz

FOOD | Apparently the Brunch Benny is widely popular, I heard two other tables around be informed that it was sold out. I guess I got the last one. I understand why it is so popular, it was so good! The herbs, garlic and sausages, complete with a half cooked egg benny, drizzled with some inhouse sauce was perfect. The fries with some fresh tomato sauce, tabasco and ketchup were the best comfort food I have had in a while. The Migaz was braised beef stirred together with potatoes and eggs. I am not a fan of braised beef, but the sauce was amazing. Overall, a very very well put-together brunch. I see myself driving all the way to North Van just for its brunch. I loved it. 

13 Lonsdale Ave
North Vancouver, BC V7M 2E4
778-338-4938

TEA-HEE - BEL CAFE @ HOTEL GEORGIA - DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

Walking in the cafe, I was surprised - for I was not particularly a fan of the decor in Bel Cafe. The cafe centered its decor around a modern, stainless steel and casual chic vibe, but I found the cafe to be rather disoriented. My friends really enjoyed the young decor, but I stand to argue that the cafe was cramped and rushing, it felt more like a pop and drop by cafe rather than a tea and macarons high society cafe. The area by the display of cakes and desserts was camped with a 2 meter wall (see lower picture for an idea). I like taking my time choosing cakes, reading labels and looking around, but I didn't get the luxury this time around. 

With such beautiful cakes, they should have designed a nice open area for the customers to gaze at the display in awe!

That said, the cakes were amazing. I tend to order lemon tarts or dark chocolate all the time, because white chocolate tends to dry out my throat (first world problem haha). But my two friends ordered the:

White Chocolate, Kalamanzi, Coconut Dessert

Raspberry Chocolate..... cake of some sort (pardon my memory, I believe this cake is seasonal)

Both chocolates were milled to perfection - not sweet but just a perfect creamy, milky texture. Presentation is simple and crafted. I think these cakes are better than some of the previous cafes I have been to because of the controlled level of sugar. The cakes were only subtly sweet, the focus was on the coconut detail or hints of raspberry. Even more so, I haven't tasted such light, creamy and frothy chocolate in a long time, I only have good things to say about Bel Cafe's cakes. 

In all, I cannot say I would come to Bel Cafe to catch up with a friend for hours and hours. This small cafe afterall, is located on a very busy corner of downtown Vancouver. But I would definitely come to order a few cakes as take out for home get togethers - I would not hesitate at all on the taste and presentation of Bel Cafe's dessert menu. 

801 West Georgia Street

Vancouver BC

604-673-7000