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“We use ingredients you can spell,” laughs Slavita Johnson, who owns Cadeaux Bakery with Eleanor Waterfall. “Eggs, milk, butter, sugar, and flour...that’s about it.” A commitment to simple, carefully sourced ingredients shines through in Cadeaux Bakery’s delicious cakes, croissants, cookies, and other baked goods, making this Railtown bakery a popular spot for both locals and visitors to Vancouver.
“We both have kids and don’t want to be putting chemicals into their bodies, so we use natural ingredients,” Slavita explains. “Our customers appreciate it, especially the young families.” Knowing exactly what goes into each baked good is one advantage of baking from scratch, and the incomparable taste of Cadeaux Bakery’s products is another. Customers know – and taste – the difference that quality ingredients and careful preparation make.
For the perfect “petite morceau” gift, amble over to Cadeaux Bakery. Simply standing inside is a treat, with the air always tinged with confectioner’s sugar, notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, apple…I could go on! Though everything behind the gleaming glass cases is delicious, if it’s your first time, you can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate croissant (one for them and one for you).
Cadeaux’s lemon meringue bar proves that it’s hip to be square – or rather, rectangular. Their take on the classic lemon meringue tart comes in a long rectangular slice, though the crust and lemon curd are pie-like: flaky and velvety thick, respectively. Topped with a gorgeous ribbon of golden brown meringue and a few delicate strands of candied lemon peel, this is truly a luxurious lemon dessert.
Located in Gastown, Cadeaux Bakery is a shop and café with a casual, unpretentious vibe. You can see the pastry chefs at work and sample delights like tarts, truffles and, of course, croissants. However, the most popular item on the menu may not be French at all. You'll hear regulars rave about the London Fog cake, which is available whole or by the slice. The seating is limited, but if you can find a spot, it's a relaxing place for a tea and pastry break.