Neil S.
Yelp
As an unabashed lover of carbs and a gluten enthusiast, Belle's menu based on naturally leavened breads enthused me. My wife and I finally checked out this place during a recent Friday lunch, and our meal left us thoroughly impressed.
We opted for Belle's take on an Italian hoagie for me and a eggplant-tahini sandwich for her. As a Philadelphian, I take my hoagies very seriously and have had many a disappointing sub during my time in the South. Belle's rendition tasted so good I nearly wept. The bread makes the sandwich, and Belle's hoagie roll could go toe-to-toe with the best rendition I've had in Philly and elsewhere. The quality Italian cold cuts, zippy pepper relish, and crisp lettuce and tomato made for a bite that reminded me of home and satisfied immensely.
While I'm partial to the hoagie for sentimental reasons, my wife's eggplant sandwich tasted equally good. Hers arrived on crispy yet fluffy focaccia paired smartly with meaty eggplant, chopped eggs, and creamy potato chunks tossed in a deliciously verdant tahini sauce. The sandwich was incredibly messy but offered a punch of flavor on, of course, awesome bread. We ended with a sweet treat in Belle's sourdough cinnamon roll. The roll itself was not too sweet and the sour kick from the ferment played well with the sugary glaze. The base bread was moist and chewy, and thus represented a big improvement from most of the cinnamon rolls we tried prior.
The carb feast sat well in our stomachs, a testament to the slow, natural fermentation this place specializes in. My wife and I left this place full and yet eager to return and explore more of the menu. If you're in the mood for sandwiches or quality bread/baked goods, Belle should be your next stop.