What To Eat

What To Eat at BEL 50, Opening November 19

Photo: courtesy BEL 50

From the so crazy it might just work department at Grub Street: we announced BEL 50, the waffle sandwich place from Joey Altman (of various food shows including the Food Network’s Appetite for Adventure, and San Francisco’s Bay Café) and executive chef Robert Bruno, a few weeks back. But we sort of didn’t believe it, or appreciate the full majesty of its concept. But now we have an opening date— Monday, November 19— and even better, a menu. And if “braised short rib & horseradish creme fraiche” waffle sandwich doesn’t speak to you, we don’t want to know you. (Unless you’re a vegetarian, in which case you can let the portabello mushroom, roasted tomato and goat cheese one speak to you instead.) Anyway, here’s the menu; the location is 738 N. Clark Street.

SAVORY
Burrata, Fresh Basil & Extra Virgin Olive Oil, made with creamy fresh mozzarella ($8.95)
Braised Short Rib & Horseradish Crème Fraîche, natural beef slow braised with red wine ($8.95)
Smoked Salmon, Chive Cream Fraîche & Cucumber with red onions ($8.95)
Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Honey-Mustard Glaze & Slaw with marinated boneless hormone-free chicken breast lightly battered and crispy ($7.95)
Wild Mushroom & Fontina, a seasonal mix of sautéed mushrooms, herbs and Italian fontina cheese ($8.25)
BBQ Pulled Pork & Avocado Salsa, all natural, slow-cooked pork & tangy bbq sauce ($8.95)
B.L.T., applewood smoked bacon, greens & ripe tomatoes (add avocado for $1) ($7.50)
Prosciutto, Brie, Fig Jam & Caramelized Red Onions, Italian Parma ham & ripe brie ($8.95)
The Reuben - Corned Beef & Swiss Cheese, kraut and thousand island dressing ($8.95)
Portabella Mushroom, Roasted Tomato & Goat Cheese, roasted red pepper aioli and fresh herbs ($8.50)
Sirloin Burger & Cheddar Cheese, grilled onions, tomatoes, lettuce & pickles ($8.95)

BREAKFAST (Served all day)
Cheesy Eggs, cheddar cheese & farm fresh scrambled eggs ($4.50)
Virginia Baked Ham & Egg ($5.25)
Applewood Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg, a complete breakfast made with farm fresh ingredients ($6.95)
Maple Butter, pure Grade A maple syrup blended with butter ($4.95)
Strawberry Cream Cheese, fresh strawberries mixed with our whipped cream cheese ($4.95)
Peanut Butter & Bananas ($4.95)
Organic Baked Apple Compote, add caramel $.50, add honey $.50 ($4.95)

SWEET
Crème Brûlée & Berries, classic custard caramelized sugar ($7.95)
Tiramisu - Espresso, Mascarpone & Chocolate Mousse, the classic Italian dessert in a waffle ($7.95)
S’mores, dark chocolate, graham crackers and toasted marshmallow ($6.95)
Berries & Italian Cheesecake Mousse, fresh berries & mascarpone with a touch of vanilla ($7.95)
Strawberries & Cream, sweet, tart and creamy ($5.95)
Banana Nutella, the banana is in great company ($5.95)
Lemon Curd, tangy and rich fresh lemon custard ($5.95)

SALADS
Asian Chicken Salad, romaine, napa cabbage, carrots, crispy rice noodles, sesame seeds and sesame-peanut-ginger dressing ($8.95)
BEL 50 Chopped Veggie Salad, romaine, grilled corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, goat cheese, toasted almonds and tarragon-mustard vinaigrette ($8.95)
Caesar, romaine, parmesan, waffle croutons and Caesar dressing ($7.95)

SIDES
Sweet Potato French Fries ($2.95)
Tater Tots ($1.95)
House Made Apple Compote ($2.95)
Cole Slaw ($1.95)

FOR KIDS
Natural Butter ($4.95)
Peanut Butter & Jelly ($4.95)
Ham & Cheese ($4.95)

What To Eat at BEL 50, Opening November 19