Vancouver’s Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts has reopened its on-site, marina-view Blue Hat Bakery-Café.
The French-inspired bakery café with West Coast influences is located just the entrance to Granville Island. I was recently invited to check out the newly remodeled space and try a few of their offerings.
Check out my brief video of my visit below:
As part of the remodel, the bar section existing restaurant has been incorporated into the bakery-café to accommodate a larger dine-in area and to create a bright, clean, open-concept space bathed in natural light.
Dramatic pendant light fixtures throughout the café illuminate the grey and white quartzite countertops and a glass pastry display case showcases a rotating assortment of offerings.
The new licensed bar area of Blue Hat features oversized windows that look onto the nearby False Creek waterfront and the picturesque North Shore Mountains.
The daily menu, prepared by PICAchef’s talented pastry chef-instructors and alumni.includes classic French viennoiserie, artisanal breads, healthy gluten-free and vegan baked goods, and imaginative cakes, chocolates and confections.
Heartier meal options include breakfast items such as Avo-Eggs & Bacon on Brioche and fritatines, savoury grilled sandwiches, hearty daily soups, and healthy and wholesome bowls, salads and entrées.
Blue Hat Bakery-Café also has fresh and frozen ‘Grab & Go’ prepared meals, in addition to must-have groceries and pantry items.
I tried a few of their offerings include Couscous salad, Poke Bowl, Beef Bourguignon, Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Strawberry Tart, Mont Blanc and Lemon Tart. All delicious and beautifully presented.
Check out Blue Hat Bakery Café for dine-in or takeout. They are open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nine complimentary parking spaces are available on a first come basis for guests in the parking structure off West 2nd Avenue.
Blue Hat Bakery Cafe @ Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
1505 W 2nd Ave #101, Vancouver, BC
www.picachef.com