The Canadian bakeries and cafes that deliver on small daily indulgences for our readers are rapidly gaining popularity as the cost of dining out continues to soar, pushing more Canadians to seek more affordable luxuries. In response to a call for indulgence stories, readers across Canada shared their favourite local bakeries and the treats they splurge on.
Small Happiness in Gourmet Pastries
Dining out has become an expensive affair in Canada. However, the love for good food doesn’t fade away so easily. Hence, Canadians are adapting by shifting their spending to more affordable luxuries. Gourmet pastries from local bakeries have emerged as a popular choice for those looking to indulge without breaking the bank.
Life of Pie, Ottawa
For Nandy Heule, a scone at Life of Pie on Bank Street in Ottawa provides a comforting routine and a small boost to her spirits. Walking into the bakery alone is a delight as it is devoid of the impersonal touch of giant electronic ordering screens common in fast-food chains. The place radiates warmth and humanity, making it a perfect spot for a quick pick-me-up.
Dark Horse Cafe, Toronto
Toronto resident Todd Goldsbie finds joy in the simple pleasure of a chocolate chip cookie from the Dark Horse cafe. He appreciates the grit and success of small businesses, especially during the pandemic. That, coupled with the appealing taste of chocolate shortbread cookies from Eataly and poppyseed hamentashen from Amadeus, make his afternoon coffee breaks something to look forward to each day.
Cultural Diversity in Treats
Canada’s cultural diversity plays a significant role in the variety of treats available, particularly in Vancouver. Here, the influence of Greek, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and other cultures meet, resulting in a myriad of delectable pastries and desserts.
Beaucoup Bakery & Stuart’s Bakery, Vancouver
Vancouver resident Margaret Buttner enjoys the fusion of flavors at Beaucoup Bakery, A Bread Affair, Laurelle’s, and Stuart’s Bakery on Granville Island. According to her, the city’s “corner coffee bar” culture, with local spots like Wicked Cafe and Mon Pitou, makes for a great treat experience.
Zaza Espresso Bar, Toronto
For Clela Errington of Toronto, Zaza Espresso Bar offers the best brownies and chocolate chip cookies. The neighborhood, a foodie’s paradise with Italian, Portuguese, Jamaican, Mexican, and Filipino restaurants and bakeries, provides a wide range of options for her treat money.
Affordable Indulgences in Cafes
With the cost of dining out reaching new heights, many Canadians are redirecting their spending towards cafes that offer interesting and affordable indulgences.
Middlechild, Sechelt, B.C.
Beth Jay from Halfmoon Bay, B.C., enjoys frequenting Middlechild, a micro-cafe and bakery tucked inside the Elphinstone bike shop in Sechelt. The unique ambiance, complete with the smell of oil and rubber, the hiss of the coffee machine, and the sight of fresh sourdough loaves and pastries, makes it a unique experience.
The joy of finding small happiness in affordable indulgences is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Canadians in the face of economic challenges. These gourmet pastries and treats, while simple, have become symbols of comfort and community in these changing times.
