Ned Bell is Popping-Up
- Hatch Comms
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
For Immediate Release
March 20, 2025
NED BELL POP-UP IN THE HEIGHTS
Chef Ned Bell and Kurtis Kolt bring exceptional food, sophisticated non-alcoholic pairings, and unmatched hospitality to Burnaby Heights
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays | April 3 – 26, 2025
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
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About Ned Bell
Chef Ned Bell is driven by passion, purpose, and sustainability, celebrating local producers, farmers, and fishers. Through this pop-up, he reconnects with the joy of restaurants. A well-known Canadian culinary talent, Ned has forged an impactful career as a chef, sustainable seafood advocate, keynote speaker, and educator. He is co-owner of Hatch Hospitality, Culinary Director at Planetary Health at Vancouver Coastal Health, Chef Ambassador and Board Member at Ocean Wise, Buy BC Chef Champion, Co-Chair of Sustainability at the Chefs Table Society, and owner of Ned Bell Culinary. Follow along via @nedbell
About Kurtis Kolt
Kurtis Kolt brings deep expertise, curiosity, and passion for beverage culture, crafting inspired, alcohol-free pairings that reflect contemporary diners' evolving tastes. A celebrated wine and hospitality consultant, Kurtis has significantly shaped Vancouver’s vibrant dining scene, earning recognition as 'Sommelier of the Year' at the 2010 Vancouver International Wine Festival. His collaborations include acclaimed Vancouver establishments such as Maenam, The Acorn, Burdock & Co., Bao Bei, and Published on Main. Kurtis also hosts prestigious wine events at New York’s James Beard House and co-founded Top Drop, Canada's acclaimed wine festival. His latest project, Free Spirit!, champions the exciting world of non-alcoholic beverages. Follow along via @kurtiskolt
About The Gray Olive Cafeteria
The Gray Olive is a vibrant eatery in Burnaby Heights, known for fresh, approachable cuisine blending comfort classics with globally inspired dishes. Its warm atmosphere and welcoming vibe make it the ideal location for Ned Bell’s pop-up. Special thanks to the owners and their families for generously co-sharing their wonderful space. www.thegrayolive.com. Follow along at @thegrayolive
Media Contact: Event Contact:
Krista Lochhead Ned Bell
778 227.2396 604.644.7976
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