de'lish FINE FOODS AND CATERING

Even as Grapevine participants approached the shop they began to "ooh" and "ah".  With its white walls and red-rose-covered lattices at each end of the patio, de'lish looks like a sweet country cottage.  Bordered by a bed of red geraniums, the outside eating area is separated from the quiet neighbourhood street by a stretch of inviting lawn.

Upon arrival, we requested owners Lorelei Debelle and Mark Davies to come out from behind the counter.  Although Mark emerged from the kitchen willingly, Lori was apprehensive to leave her post without knowing exactly why – but relaxed as soon as we explained our goodwill mission.

Because the owners wanted a European ambience, they purchased two large paintings by local artist Bob Graham.  The paintings are in vivid shades of red, orange and yellow to enhance the white walls.  In one corner a beautiful white vase filled with lavender sits beside a plaque propped on a black scrolled stand stating "Cooking is like love – it should be entered into with abandon or not at all ...".

Lori made a great statement of respect for her employees by immediately calling staff members out from the kitchen for introduction:  pastry chef Sarah, coffee expert Karen, and Torrey, who amazingly handles just about everything else.

The couple opened de'lish only three months ago in the middle of a residential area on the corner of St. Patrick and Central.  With four tables inside and five outside under cover, this cozy establishment is made to order for anyone wanting to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee or tea with a decadent dessert, tasty lunch – or just order tasty food to go.

Lori began as a home-based business operator in Australia, making muffins for 16 years in a country that previously knew only English muffins.  Mark, originally from England, owned a restaurant/cafe nearby.  "We met, fell madly in love, and immediately joined forces," Lori confides.

Raised in Oak Bay, Lori longed to return to her roots.  Fortunately, Mark wanted to keep her happy so the smart man agreed on the move to Victoria.  Hoping to buy the previous bakery at this location, they approached the owner.  But he was not interested in selling, forcing the couple to look further afield.  When nothing else fell into place, they approached the original owner again three months later:  Was he sure he didn't want to sell?  He did!

Talking about how rushed everybody is today, Lori commented that "Life is hurried.  Food is fast."  She and Mark wanted to operate a business that served good tasting high-quality food in a spotless kitchen, where patrons could kick back and be taken care of while they ate something delicious and healthy.

What other establishment encourages you to spread a blanket and picnic on the lawn right beside your spaniel that's lapping water from a well-placed doggy dish?

Despite its recent launch, de'lish is already a popular spot.  During our visit, a constant stream of folks popped in, some in the midst of walking their dog.  As people neared the shop their smiles got noticeably wider in anticipation.

Choose the soup that changes daily - or take a frozen version home.  A selection of light lunches is priced between $3.50 and $7.50.  Saturday's specials included a Panini of grilled chicken, provolone, tomato, yam and aioli, a Tart (slow-roasted tomato, ricotta, basil and squash), a Frittata (mozzarella, potato, spinach, tomato and herbs), and Pizza (goat cheese with roasted vegetables and Kalamatta olives).  The huge sandwich was chock-full of ham, provolone, tomato, cucumber, organic greens and Dijon mustard.  Everyone waxed eloquent about their choices and staff waited on us warmly and efficiently, going out of their way to accommodate us.

What a challenge the dessert choices present!  Besides two wheat-free selections of Orange Almond Cake or Hazelnut Macaroon, how can you decide between a Raspberry, White Chocolate and Hazelnut Blondie, a Belgian Chocolate Brownie, a Mission Fig Brule Tart, Tarte au Citron, Petite Pear Tart, Decadent Belgian Chocolate Tart or Cheesecake?  Here's one solution:  Go with someone who enjoys sharing!

Got a small celebration approaching?  As well as large cakes, de'lish has 4-inch cakes rich enough to serve three people - or two greedy ones.  Catering services are also available.

Mark pointed out that de'lish will soon be offering take-home dinners.  "Maybe," he teased, "braised lamb shank in red wine with baby onion, gremolata buttery mashed potatoes and garlic green beans."  Yum.  Who wanted to cook anyway?

Mark said, "We totally understand the Grapevine concept because in Australia we never had to advertise.  Everything was done by word of mouth, which of course is always the best way to advertise."  Before returning to her post behind the till, Lori said, "We're touched by your kindness and by the effort and time you took for us today." 

Plan a walk through Oak Bay.  Take your dog.  And reward yourself with a stop at de'lish for a special treat.

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