Bel Café welcomes winter with warming beverages and sumptuous holiday treats

The holidays have arrived at Bel Café with a variety of new seasonally-inspired treats and delicacies now available at both the downtown and Kitsilano locations. From Vanilla Shortbread and Christmas Cake to expertly-crafted Eggnog lattes and Almond-nog, guests are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit with Bel Café’s latest dessert and drink offerings.

“As Christmas lights start to go up and holiday plans begin to take flight, Bel Café is excited to introduce a selection of new and delicious treats, offered alongside our regular soups, sandwiches and salads” says Anna Heyd, Manager of Bel Café Downtown. “Perfect for a morning or afternoon treat, Bel’s new holiday menu caters to those already in the holiday spirit.”

A full assortment of seasonal cookies by Pastry Chef Wayne Kozinko include a perfectly-chewy Oatmeal Cranberry ($2.70), a smooth Milk Chocolate Praline Sandwich ($3.10), a crisp and buttery Tonka Bean Palmier ($2.50), as well as a rich and nutty Hazelnut Linzer ($1.50) and sumptuous Cinnamon Marzipan ($1.50). Perfect for pairing with any hot beverage is Bel’s traditional and delicate Whipped Vanilla Shortbread ($1.30). Making the ideal stocking stuffer or hostess gift, Bel is serving a selection of cookies in packs of six, eight and ten. Wrapped and tied with a red ribbon, Bel’s delectable Christmas Cake ($25) is back by popular demand, combining a selection of seasonal fruits marinated for several weeks in a variety of liqueurs and syrup.

New holiday beverages at Bel Café in Kitsilano include house crafted dairy-free Almond-nog ($4) infused with cinnamon and spiced holiday syrup, or a salted caramel flavoured Bourbon Praline Latte ($4.50) topped with crushed candied pecans. For an innovative take on the classic hot chocolate, Bel’s rich and warming Spiced Pear Hot Chocolate ($4.20) with dark chocolate and spiced pear purée is the perfect addition to accompany guests on a scenic stroll through Kitsilano’s vibrant neighbourhood. For those more inclined to a light and refreshing sip, the new Blackcurrant and Honeydew Lemonade ($4.50) features blackcurrant purée, house made honeydew syrup and fresh lemon juice with sparkling water.

Bel’s downtown location introduces a traditional Christmas Eggnog and Eggnog Latte ($4.50), providing guests with a festive pick me up. A tea-based remedy to help battle the chillier season, Bel’s Cold Buster ($4) is made with fresh aromatic ingredients featuring cayenne, cinnamon, lemon juice, honey and TWG’s chamomile tea. For sweet and indulgent concoctions, try the new Rum Caramel Latte ($5.30) made with espresso and steamed milk, or Marzipan Mocha ($5.60) featuring orgeat syrup, chocolate and cinnamon. Bel’s Citrus Cider ($9) is made with dark rum, orgeat syrup, lemon juice, cayenne, cinnamon, cardamom essence and orange juice.

Guests are invited to come on in and embrace the holiday spirit at Bel Café, whether it’s a quick “grab and go” or sit down occasion. For more information on Bel’s new menu items, visit www.BelCafe.com and follow @BelCafeYVR for daily specials.