Tag Archives: local

European Breads Bakery: Wheat-free & Gluten-free

European Breads Organic Crepe Cafe & Bakery on Urbanspoon

A new bakery opened up awhile ago in downtown that sells wheat-free and gluten-free bakery! I found out about them on some deal sites, they were doing 50% discounts, so I jumped right in on the opportunity. European Breads Bakery has been open for many many years at the 4326 Fraser St location. But they’ve opened up another one in the heart of downtown on 1262 Burrard St. (and seems to go with the name European Breads Organic Crepe Cafe & Bakery). This location doesn’t seem to have good ratings. Not sure if it’s because it’s still new (and only 13 voted), or since it didn’t seem to have a lot of variety. (but then again, I haven’t been the the one on Fraser, so can’t really compare)

Ratings (out of 5)
Location:
 carrot3carrot3carrot3  (it’s great for those that live near Davie and Burrard are, but perhaps not so much if you come by car…)
Cost: carrot3carrot3carrot3 (I think reasonable for the quality, natural ingredients, and care they put into making food gluten-free) A loaf costs about $4-5. Apple rice muffin is $1.95 + tax = $2.18)

Customer Service: carrot3carrot3 (meh. It’s alright. Definitely not like a Starbucks service. I find most of the time I walk in, they don’t acknowledge me, or ask me what I want, they may talk to each other while I’m waiting at the counter right in front of them)
Stock: carrot3 I’ve gone there 5 times which 3 times, they were out of the muffins I wanted. They don’t have a lot of variety at certain times…
Tastecarrot3carrot3carrot3carrot3 the rice muffins are great!!! One muffin I believe has only 2.8 g sugar, and it’s certified organic. Warm it up in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

idearabbit-bakery

alive Magazine

http://www.alive.com

“Canada’s Natural Health and Wellness Magazine”

Their tagline says it all. I love picking up this magazine. It’s full of health-related information, and best of all it’s FREE :)

Unfortunately, there’s quite a bit of ads inside, just like any other magazine. It’s ok because you get to know what kind of products are out there for what, but beware that just because you see a large ad, or see it frequently doesn’t mean that it’s a good product.  I took one ad from the magazine for a omega (supplement) product to one of the supplement stores, but the staff told me that although that brand is well known and popular, it wasn’t the best one. Doctors will also tell you to look for specific things in supplements, so don’t fall for those fancy, pretty brands and packaging.

For the most part, the magazine is designed nicely (except for the ads :P ). It’s a nice magazine to read through on your sofa with your favorite tea, and maybe even a pair of scissors since I tend to cut out specific information to keep in my health ‘sketchbook’.

You can easily pick up these monthly-published magazines at most natural supermarkets like Choices. Or if you’re more of the digital-reading type, you can check out the articles on their website @ alive.com

Stay healthy!

edible Magazine

This is a beautiful freezine available at organic grocery stores, such as Choices. If you can’t find one, you can check it out online. Their website has a blog, tons of recipes, and features on local cafes and restaurants. If you don’t live in Vancouver, you can check out http://www.ediblecommunities.com to find your local publication.

As from a designer’s perspective, the minimal and simple layout approach is very pleasing when most magazines tries to cram stuff on every inch of the page. The paper is matte (meaning not glossy), but heavier than the usual magazine paper which gives it of a more higher-end feel. It also brings out the colours a lot more nicely, and since there are many great photos in the magazine, they definitely know their printing. Their cover usually features a very close up of food which is beautifully taken. I love the cropping, the colours and the design elements of the food they try to capture.

If you’re really into organic-eating, then you must check this magazine out. It’s got a lot of information on local stuff to eat and live a healthier lifestyle. If you’re not much into organic stuff yet, but you’re a designer, or someone who appreciates things that are nicely designed, this is a good magazine to look through!