Burnaby, B.C. – For Chef Ned Bell, the pull of the restaurant world—the energy, creativity, and shared experiences—never fades. Bell has spent the past few years spearheading game-changing food sustainability initiatives across the province—work he’s incredibly proud of—but he’s truly missed the excitement and joy of cooking for diners. And diners have missed him, too.

“So many friends have asked when I’d be cooking for them again,” says Bell. “This pop-up is the perfect way to jump back into the restaurant world I love so much. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to spotlight local BC farmers, fishers, ranchers, artisans, and makers at a time when they need our support more than ever.”

For 12 nights this April, Bell is taking over the kitchen at The Gray Olive Cafeteria in Burnaby Heights, serving both beloved classics and innovative dishes featuring sustainable seafood, local farms’ finest offerings, and peak-season ingredients.

Bell’s cooking—celebrated for its creativity and commitment to local sourcing—is complemented by the beverage expertise of Kurtis Kolt, one of Canada’s most respected restaurant and wine professionals. Kolt will exclusively pour non-alcoholic beverages, highlighting the remarkable growth, complexity, and sophistication of today’s zero-proof options. With decades of experience energizing hospitality teams and delighting diners, Kolt fully embraces the mindful drinking movement.

“This isn’t about missing out—it’s about discovering something new,” says Kolt. “We’re creating a space where everyone can experience incredible flavours, no matter what’s in their glass.”

Thoughtful, flavour-driven, and designed for food lovers, this pop-up promises to capture the magic of a bustling restaurant at its best.

Limited seats are available—reserve yours today. 

Purchase Your Seat →Here

Menu Highlights

• Wild Pacific Albacore Tuna Tacos – honey miso, lime, 

• Creamy Geoduck + Halibut Chowder – Salt Spring olive oil, smoked bacon, sumac

• Roasted Wild Pacific Halibut –  lemon soy butter + broth

• Dry Aged Fraser Valley Duck Breast – apple jam, roasted beets

• Milk Chocolate + Cranberry Praline – hazelnut gelato

• Thoughtful Non-Alcoholic Pairings by Kurtis Kolt – innovative selection of premium zero-proof wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic beer designed to complement Bell’s menu.

Event Details

• Dates: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays | April 3–26

• Time: 5.30PM – 9 PM, pre-purchased Eventbrite tickets only 

• Location: The Gray Olive Cafeteria, 4190 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC 

• Pre-sale ticket: $99 – includes 3-course dinner at $74,  gratuity, GST and Eventbrite fees

• Non-alcoholic beverage pairings: $28 available on-site

• Day-of feature dishes and add-ons: available on-site