Bow Island cafe moving up in the world

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Commentator/Courier

From the first time that she came through Bow Island, Priciosa Becinio knew she wanted to open something there.

“Every time I drove through this place, I liked this place. And I like small towns. I really love small towns because of the community. The people here were so very friendly, I really appreciated it,” said Becinio. Becinio has had years of experience with food service, from serving as a head chef to catering and selling her hand-made spring rolls and dumplings, and has now brought all of her expertise to Lobo’s Cafe.

“I was a bartender, I was a barista,” said Becinio. “I started working in the kitchen when I was in Japan. Way back 1999 at the hotel, and all my experience, I brought to my business. Maybe my experience moulded my soul.”

Named after a close friend, the name means wolf in Spanish, which any visitors can see proudly emblazoned on the cafe and lounge’s logo, but as Becinio is happy to point out, she is from the Philippines, where the word actually means “balloon,” reflecting her hopes that her cafe will continue to rise.

So far, Becinio has been overwhelmed by the curiosity and the warmth of the community that surrounds her, especially the seniors from the nearby Lodge.

“The seniors, they’re very caring, very loving. And they especially like my food. So well I bring, I bring the food from the city. So I build my food, my fancy food here. I’m so happy that the feedback was so good,” said Becinio. 

The establishment focuses on a mixture of Western and Asian cuisine, with different menus throughout the day.

“My opening was successful, though. Very excited people, which was very cool. Because I have different food here,” said Becinio. “I have my breakfast. I have my lunch menu and have my evening menu. And then I have my appetizer and have my menu drinks, refreshing cocktails and beers, all different kinds of drinks.”

All of the appetizers are made in house, and though Becinio admits it isn’t always easy, she hopes the work and hope that she puts in shows for those who stop by to try them. This month, she plans to also add different soups and sandwiches to the menu, to help people come in and warm up over the winter months.

The cafe is already integrating into the community with enthusiasm, having been declared the best-decorated at the September 29th Harvest Festival competition, and looking forward to participating in many events to come.