The cost of dining out in Canada is becoming increasingly out of reach. But you’ve got to get your sugar fix somewhere, and many Canadians are shifting their spending to more affordable luxuries, such as the occasional treat at their local bakery. We asked readers across the country to share what they’ve been splurging on, and why.
For Canadians trying to cut back on dining out, gourmet pastries are worth the splurge
From creating a relaxing routine to supporting a community hub, here’s what you told us about getting your small fix of happiness.
Nandy Heule says a scone at Life of Pie on Bank Street in Ottawa always lifts her spirits.Supplied
A scone at Life of Pie on Bank Street in Ottawa. Walking into the bakery alone is a boost to my spirits. Going to pick up a scone lifts my spirits because it’s not just about a quick bite to eat. The place smells amazing. There are these fun tip jars and no such thing as alphabetized pick-up orders or giant electronic ordering screens. So I guess I look forward to a bit of humanity when I go. – Nandy Heule, Ottawa. Note: Life of Pie has announced they’re permanently closing on Dec. 28
I’ve always had a sweet tooth and developed this habit of having something with my home-brewed afternoon latte. Frankly, I’d prefer if the bakery came to me, but it gives me another reason to go for a walk. Where I used to live in Riverdale and Leslieville, there were owners who I got to know and whose products I liked to think were more “small batch” and closer to homemade. I could enjoy their success and grit in staying in business, particularly during the pandemic.
In my new neighbourhood near Bay and Bloor streets, chocolate chip cookies from the Dark Horse café are the basis for any diet, but I’ve expanded to apple loaf from the local grocery store, chocolate shortbread cookies from Eataly and the occasional poppyseed hamentashen from Amadeus. If in a different neighbourhood, I look for other small bakeries who might have something unique. – Todd Goldsbie, Toronto
The Japanese cream puffs at Stuart's Bakery in Vancouver, submitted by Margaret Buttner.Supplied
Vancouver is a treasure trove for tasty treats. I think Vancouver has such a cultural diversity that many flavours get incorporated into treats, thanks to our wonderful Greek, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and other cultures. Beaucoup Bakery is amazing, and at Granville Island, scones from A Bread Affair or Laurelle’s, or cinnamon records from Stuart’s Bakery can last a whole day. And we have a very good “corner coffee bar” culture, with local spots like Wicked Cafe and Mon Pitou. I could have treats every day but I try to limit myself. That way it is something special. – Margaret Buttner, Vancouver
I live in a real foodie neighbourhood made up of Italian, Portuguese, Jamaican, Mexican and Filipino restaurants and bakeries. My go-to for treats is Zaza Espresso Bar, where I developed a habit for their brownies and chocolate chip cookies. They also make great sandwiches. There are so many good bakeries and coffee shops within a few blocks that sell great scones, croissants and cookies, and this is what I spend my treat money on. – Clela Errington, Toronto
Beth Jay says her favourite place to stop for a snack is Middlechild, a café in Sechelt, B.C.Supplied
I am definitely dining out less in restaurants because of the skyrocketing cost and redirecting my spending to interesting cafés. On the Sunshine Coast, B.C., there are many independent local cafés. I have several favourites in Sechelt, but the one with the most personality is Middlechild, a micro-café and bakery, located in its own little corner inside the Elphinstone bike shop.
The smell of oil and rubber strikes you first when you enter the dual-purpose shop, and the hiss of the coffee machine provides the soundtrack, hovering just over the tunes being played by the bike mechanics. But then the sight of multiple loaves of sourdough bread and the curated selection of pastries quickly catches your attention. Pain au chocolat, croissant, almond croissant, ham-and-cheese croissant and Danish are some of their regular pastry offerings, baked locally by the Farm bakery in West Sechelt. – Beth Jay, Halfmoon Bay, B.C.
Submissions have been edited for length and clarity.