Vancouver pâtisseries for the perfect éclair
Often playing second fiddle to the more popular chocolate croissant or even the humble doughnut, éclairs are not to be overlooked. The classic French pastry is having a bit of a renaissance in Vancouver and these bakeries are offering some stellar selections. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ edenexposed]
Soirette
1433 Pender St W, Vancouver BC V6G 2S3Count on this adorable bakery and tea shop on West Pender in Coal Harbour to make their éclairs miniature as well as on par with works of art. They unveil their “seasonal lines” in the same way a fashion designer might, and their beauty is worthy of a couture collection. Classic choux pastry is filled and then topped with fresh fruit pieces, ginger-studded icings or espresso-laden creams. Take them in a box to one very special occasion or partake in their afternoon tea for a sample of this and more of their scrumptious treats.
Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe
2150 Fir St, Vancouver BC V6J 3B5It took months for owner and baker Jackie Kai Ellis to perfect her pain au chocolat recipe that is now one of her most popular sellers at Beaucoup Bakery on Fir Street. This dedication to perfection permeates all she creates and éclairs are no exception. Her salted caramel is to die for – a hard layer of caramel, flaked with sea salt rests atop a not-too-sweet pastry filled with a pudding-like cream. Watch for changing flavours like black sesame as well as traditional chocolate. All are worth the indulgence.
Aquilini Thierry Ltd
1059 Alberni St, Vancouver BC V6E 1A1We won’t blame you if you can’t settle on just one thing at Thierry’s Alberni Street shop. The authentically French café tempts even the most saintly of diners with their gorgeous display case of Parisian petits fours, brightly coloured macarons and flaky, buttery pastries. So sample a few, but be sure your plate includes his chocolate éclair, one of the best in the city. Traditional, expertly made and the treat you’re looking for as you sit on the heated outdoor patio imagining you’re on the streets of Paris.
Baguette & Co
1102 Davie St, Vancouver BC V6E 1N1This Frenchman-owned bakery’s existence is a direct result of the simple éclair. Frustrated at the lack of the authentic, chocolate-pastry-cream-filled treat, two friends hailing from France challenged friends to say they’d tried anything as delicious as their version. The tasters couldn’t and Baguette & Co. was born. With a chocolate and a coffee version always on the menu and a vanilla and pistachio occasionally making an appearance, this bakery has righted what was wrong in an éclair-less Vancouver.
Fratelli Authentic Italian Baking
1795 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5N 4A4This old-world, bustling Italian bakery on Commercial Drive serves the bread and treat needs of many an East Van resident. Which is why the place is constantly hopping. Get in early for a taste of any of their huge selection of sweets, including chocolate or hazelnut éclairs. For a special occasion, or heck, just because, order their St. Honoré cake, which is kind of like an éclair in cake form, perfect for an éclair-loving crowd.
Breka Downtown Bakery Cafe
812 Bute St, Vancouver BC V6E 1Y4When your éclair craving hits at 3 am, know that you can always head to Breka Bakery, the 24-hour café that turns out fresh pastries, steaming mugs of coffee and a welcome atmosphere any time of day. As with all their offerings, the chocolate éclairs are consistently good — fresh and served with a smile despite the fact that it’s the middle of the night and likely pouring rain. This is your comforting, treat-filled home away from home.
Beard Papa's
548 Robson St, Vancouver BC V6B 2B7What’s an éclair if not an elongated cream puff? This favourite franchise for the dessert-inclined offers an impressive array of the puffs: green tea, pumpkin, blueberry, as well as more traditional flavours like lemon, vanilla and chocolate. It also does an actual éclair, topped with a Belgian Callebaut dark chocolate and filled with the custard flavour of your choice, as well as an almond version with toasted, slivered almonds and a caramel drizzle.
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