Beet Happening

Neighbourhood: West End
Address: 818 Notre Dame Ave
Phone: 204-775-2338
Entrees: $8-$12

Emblazoned as it is with the mantra, “Good Food is Good”, Beet Happening makes it easy for customers to spot the underlying conceit of this new fast casual spot. Justin Ludwar eagerly brings fresh tastes, gluten free treats, and local ingredients to the morning and midday pit stops of health workers from the nearby Health Sciences Centre and downtown commuters.

Though the selection is ready to grab and go, the inviting contemporary interior may entice pop-in customers to stay a while. Large windows spill sunlight over light wood tables and artsy wall deco, an aesthetic oasis on the thoroughfare of Notre Dame.

Breakfast presents a pastry party, the display case well stocked with crumbly, sweet scones, chocolate zucchini and gluten-free banana bread, and cinnamon rolls. Warm buns are speckled with salty crisp flakes of bacon and lightly pungent scallions.

Baked goods reflect localvore aims; all flour used is milled in Elie MB. At lunch, savoury tarts and mini pizzas are piled with in-season greens. Tarts are a treat for any diet, with a choice of veggies or fennel-redolent sausage housed in a gluten free crust.

Just because there’s no dinner service doesn’t mean no dessert; mini cheesecakes draped in salted caramel are divine, and a deep walled mini tart filled with sweet tangy lemon curd and encased in a nutty flourless crust is a must-try.

Beet Happening is open Mon-Fri 7 am-3 pm.