HOSPITALITY SPOTLIGHT
/LA BELISSE CAFÉ
How Sweet (and Savoury) It Is!
by Jacqui Birchall
(click images to enlarge)
Le Belisse Café, at 1126 Robson Street, is a sheer delight for French pastry lovers.
the new look of 1126 robson (Jacqui Birchall Photos)
Originally called Forêt Noire Cafe, the owners changed the name following the closure of their Broadway location and the withdrawal of one owner. One of the very charming owners, Tommy, shared that it is the same dedicated team, the same pastry chefs, and the same manager, the very knowledgeable and French, Aurélane.
They had to close their very popular Broadway location when the building’s owners advised that they were planning to sell the property. Both locations of Café Forêt Noir were closed while the transformation took effect. Tommy is yet another Vancouver restaurant owner to complain about the high rents and the outdated City permit process.
With one shareholder withdrawing, the decision was made to rebrand their Robson location. Although there are still vestiges of the Café Forêt Noir name at the Robson location, they will soon be a thing of the past.
Jay, another of the owners, is a much-fêted pastry chef. He has studied in France and China. Why China? China boasted one of the top French pastry chefs in the world, and was hired by French companies to teach their pastry chefs. One of the team’s owners is French and lives in France. He advises on the authenticity and evolution of the pastries. French-born manager Aurélane is also a an advisor.
Staff share customers’ feedback with the kitchen personnel. The kitchen is located in Gastown, and Tommy transports the freshly baked goods between the Gastown kitchen and the Robson location several times a day. The pastry chefs start work at 2 a.m. and all bakery goods in Le Belisse Café are freshly made. The previous day's unsold goods are donated to local churches after the restaurant closes.
A view of the interior.
Tommy shared that many restaurants sell baked goods made by wholesalers. “You can tell ours are handmade with love because of the occasional lack of symmetry. Even the whipped cream is handmade” he told me. All fruits are fresh, and a very special butter, only available to licensed restaurants, is also used. The ice cream and tea are from local providers, and the coffee is provided by a local coffee roster. (I can attest to the quality of the tea.)
Tommy shares that Le Belisse Café is small and cozy, similar to a French patisserie. Tommy wants patrons to feel welcome, the setting not too fancy, and the prices affordable. He wants customers to leave planning on returning. Sitting on the patio watching the world go by is a very Parisienne experience. Tommy said they plan to enclose and heat the patio in the winter.
Tommy himself brings years of restaurant expertise to his role. His family owned one of Vancouver’s most famous restaurants. (He shyly does not want the name shared.) He grew up in the restaurant business and has cooked in many of Vancouver’s top restaurants.
Le Belisse Café's selection is mouth-watering. I breakfasted on a croissant sandwich and a delicious cup of tea. The sandwich selection is vast, including turkey breast, vegetarian with pesto, BLT, ham, and, on weekends only, smoked salmon. There is a delicious mushroom quiche, and they are working on a casserole with a mouthwatering salad.
the heart and soul of the cafÉ — the pastries!
The beauty and selection of the pastries are overwhelming. Prices range from $4.35 for a macaron and upwards. A croissant is $4.99. My very filled turkey breast croissant sandwich was $12.99.
Getting married? Le Belisse Café can create a wedding cake from small to tower-like. They offer birthday and special occasion cakes too.
For breakfast, lunch, or a tasty pastry with the best in tea and coffee, Le Belisse Café is the place to be.
Yum!
Le Belisse Cafe
1126 Robson Street
604.620.6280
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Website
email: lebelissecafe@gmail.com
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday 8 am -10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. - -11 p.m.
