Café Velvet: Coffee and Belgian-Style Chocolate on Vía Primavera

Opened this past June, Belgian-owned Café Velvet is the newest café to arrive on Poblado’s Vía Primavera.

Curious to check out the café confident enough to open across the street from Pergamino, and adjacent Amoretti, I recruited my friend Brian to join me in a visit a few days after the World Cup Final in mid-July.

The first thing I noticed was the colorful sidewalk terrace that matches the cafés logo and draws one’s attention inward. A glass display immediately tempts new arrivals with Belgian-style chocolates and French pastries.

Beyond the terrace, there’s a long section of cushioned seating running against the wall opposite the counter. Here, mini-desks on wheels and power outlets are available to those who want to use their laptops.

Continue past the counter and you enter a larger seating area with a mix of tables and chairs and sofas.

Combined with the wood paneling and bookcase, it feels warm and inviting, like you’re stepping into someone’s living room.

At the farthest end of the café from the street is a wall filled with green plants and what appears to be a white space for movies to be projected (or that may simply be my imagination at work).

The natural sunlight is welcome for those who prefer to sit inside.

The menu offers something for everyone, from coffees and teas to fresh juices and imported Belgian beers.

Espressos are 3,000 pesos ($1.50) or you can choose one of the slow coffee preparations, including Chemex, French Press, Aeropress and V60 for 5,500 pesos ($2.70).

A cappuccino will cost you 4,200 pesos ($2).

During this first visit, I had one of the slow coffee preparations at the recommendation of the manager, although I can’t recall which one. That I enjoyed it black, and didn’t feel the need to add sugar or milk, was a sign of the quality of coffee being used.

In subsequent visits, I began trying the cold coffees. The most popular option, and for good reason, is the Latte Especial with fresh cream and chocolate (6,500 pesos, $3,20).

I’ve yet to dive into the hot chocolate options, but they sound decadent.

Hot chocolates with regular, dark or white chocolate are 5,900 pesos ($3). For the more adventurous, there are three additional options to try.

I may not have had the hot chocolate, but I couldn’t resist ordering the Chocolate Experience on my first visit. This trio of treats includes a chocolate mousse, Belgian chocolate truffle and a piece of chocolate cake. At only 7,900 pesos ($4), it’s a steal!

Additional desserts include lemon pie, chocolate pie, a maracuya and chocolate pie and chocolate cake.

The lunch of the day costs 13,500 pesos ($6.60) and includes a soup and ice tea.

Being that it’s Belgian-owned, you can also choose from six imported Belgian beers, ranging in price from 7,000 pesos ($3.50) for Stella Artois to 17,000 pesos ($8.30) for a 330cc bottle of Duvel.

Café Velvet won me over with its three distinct seating areas, contemporary design, friendly service and quality selection of coffees and chocolates.