Address: 12 Hristo Belchev Str
Tel: 981 60 88
[http://ba.club-cabaret.net]
Working Hours: 9am - midnight, every day
Tucked away on Hristo Belchev Street, the unassuming facade of Before & After gives no clue about the rich architecture or history of the restaurant. For those who dare to open the heavy wood door, an alluring bistro with an interesting past awaits.
Set in the heart of Sofia, this ancient house was built in the Secession style during the 19th century. The interior has since been renovated by master craftsmen to restore the original look. As history tells it, the house once belonged to poetess Mara Belcheva and served as the centre of Sofia’s cultural elite from the beginning of the 20th century.
Today, the restaurant acts as an informal meeting place for those who appreciate art and are searching for an atmosphere seemingly far away from central Sofia. In particular, you will often find musicians, poets, writers, actors, journalists, painters and other artists, not to mention local businessmen. With a more professional atmosphere, this is probably not the best place for families.
If you are looking for a bit of culture, be sure to visit on Sunday evenings to experience the restaurant’s unique entertainment. Starting at 6pm, Before & After plays host to Sofia Tango, as dancers descend upon the space. This explains the numerous photographs of dancers covering the entry walls and placed discreetly throughout the restaurant. You can almost feel the passion and emotion.
Entering the restaurant, the high ceilings, curved frame windows adorned with lace curtains, decoratively painted walls, and wooden floor take you back in time. With dark bentwood furniture, marble-topped tables, and booths with leather benches along one side, the interior is reminiscent of an old-style Parisian or Viennese cafe. However, the spacious interior does not allow for the typical cosy cafe feel. Instead, it welcomes larger groups in a comfortable environment.
As an added touch, the fully operational marble fountain in the centre helps set a tranquil tone, as does the relaxing background music. A nice departure from most Bulgarian restaurants, hip-hop or pop music never broke in.
During the day, light streams in through the windows of the building. But, at night, be prepared for a different setting. With just enough illumination to see, the candles on the tables and fountain cast a sensuous glow.
I have dined at Before & After several times during my stay in Sofia, mainly for business lunches. And, I have also been on the occasional evening out with friends. With its central location, roomy interior, inexpensive prices and extensive menu, it really can’t be beaten. Plus, I have never tried anything I didn’t like.
A fairly extensive menu, replete with European dishes, Before & After offers soups and salads, appetisers and main dishes of all varieties (meat, fish and vegetarian alike), as well as desserts. With a bar in the front, an extensive drink list is also available. During the work week, from noon to 5.30pm, the restaurant offers a soup, salad and prepared dish of the day. For the fastest service, this is definitely the way to go.
Among the items sampled, I have enjoyed the tomato and mozzarella salad as well as the vegetable soup to start. But, my favourite first dish was the “Exotic” salad. With Roquefort cheese, pine nuts, and fresh orange and grapefruit slices on a bed of greens, it is served with balsamic vinegar. It deserves the title with its thoughtful presentation and savoury combination.
For those avoiding carbohydrates, you need not try my preferred main dishes: pasta with salmon, French cheese, cognac and a piquant cream sauce. Rich in flavour as well as calories, this overly filling item always requires a trip to the gym to ease my conscience.
With generous portions all around, I usually have trouble finishing my main course, let alone adding on dessert. On a recent visit, I decided to stick to a salad for dinner so I could offer myself an opinion on the dessert menu. I ordered the brownie, which was served with orange slices and drizzled with vanilla sauce. Though the flavour was good, the brownie was a bit too dry, even with the added sauce. Alas, I am still searching for a real fudge brownie like I used to make in the States.
Normal lunch orders, complete with a first course, main dish, drink and after-meal coffee are usually less than 10 leva. Dinners run a bit higher because the specials are only offered for lunch. Still very affordable, I would recommend Before & After for the next time you meet up with friends.
