Book Fare Cafe

ABOUT Book Fare Cafe

Book Fare Cafe's menu is based on seasonal and regionally appropriate ingredients. The cafe features light fare such as panini sandwiches, soups, salads, artisanal scratch-baked goods, gluten-free treats, wine, beer, coffee, tea, and a full line of espresso drinks.The café sources from many local businesses including Moka Joe coffee, teas from Flying Bird Botanicals, Boundary Bay brews, Desire Fish Company sockeye, Fresh Breeze organic dairy, as well as fruits and veggies from many local farmers. Claassen is committed to supporting the local economy while providing customers with high-quality, delicious menu items. Book Fare Café is a member of Sustainable Connections as well.

The cafe hosts live music regularly, featuring local musicians such as Bob’s Your Uncle, Cabin Fever NW, and other singer-songwriters. Every third Thursday of each month from 5-7pm, the café hosts musicians whose CDs are available for sale at Village Books. Monthly gallery art installations are exhibited in the café as well, and many pieces are available for sale. Artist receptions take place the first Saturday of each month from 6-8pm.  

"I don’t think very many people realize that Book Fare Café is hidden on the third level of Village Books,” said chef-owner Charles Claassen. “The book store is a favorite hang out for so many people, and I want to extend a welcome and invite them to have a delicious, locally-sourced meal while they are here."

After a lengthy old-world apprenticeship, Charles spent nearly twenty years leading professional kitchens before taking proprietorship of Book Fare.  Previous to a short stint operating Sprout Catering, Charles was the chef/foodservice manager at North Cascades Institute‘s Environmental Learning Center.  Charles continues to educate about the power of food choice through the Book Fare Café, supporting local farmers, fishers, and food artisans while creating iconic Northwest light fare with a European bent.