Tag Archives: pastry

Batard Boulangerie and Cafe Moderne

Batard Boulangerie and Cafe Moderne Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - ZomatoA cafe with a ‘French’ charm. It ‘sectioned’ into three sections. The first area by the entrance is a little shop with organic goods and a take out deli. The next is the cashier, ordering station. There were a couple of muffins. The beverage menu is on a letter-sized paper by the cashier.

The staff were very friendly, and patient as we wandered around and looked at the menu board like lost children. It wasn’t that we couldn’t read, it was that one of us wanted to get pizza, while the two of us were ok in trying out this place. We couldn’t decide for while, but since the two of us didn’t want pizza, majority wins :) idearabbit_batard1

idearabbit_batard3 idearabbit_batard2I ordered the French Beef Dip $9.95. There were a couple of big loafs of bread on the back shelf, but only a few muffins on the counter. idearabbit_batard6

After we ordered, we moved onto the third section – the seating area with artwork on the wall with nice booth seats. Although the food was brought to our table, water and cutlery was self serve.

I know everyone loves French bread, but I’m not a super fan of hard crusted bread. Although I usually like hard food to chew on, like beef jerky, trying to eat a sandwich where it’s a bit hard to chew off gets a bit messy. However, the bread and beef went really well with the Au Jus. The small salad on the side was fresh and tasty.

idearabbit_batard4 idearabbit_batard5My friend who originally wanted the pizza ordered the OceanWise Shrimp Sandwich $9.95 and latte.

Clean up is again self-serve, or rather, self-cleanup into the gray bins. Very nice staff, charming interior and good food.

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot
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Sweetery

Sweetery Cafe + Dessert Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - ZomatoWe were actually headed to a different cafe that we had been to, but on our way there, my friend noticed this cafe, and decided to check it out. The cafe had a modern hipsterish feel. We found out that the staff who served us was his first day. He served us really well. The girl who was ‘off’ even came around to help us as we chit-chatted, not knowing what to order. Service was great.

idearabbit_sweetery1 idearabbit_sweetery6 idearabbit_sweetery5 idearabbit_sweetery4 idearabbit_sweetery3 idearabbit_sweetery2idearabbit_sweetery13I liked the decor and designy feeling. The tables were far apart enough to give each table some space and privacy.

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I ordered the Top Sweets $1.75 which was a marshmallow blob that was dipped in chocolate, sitting on a biscuit. Simple, but a nice treat. idearabbit_sweetery7Sheepie tried the Carrot Cake $2.95

idearabbit_sweetery9Sheepie also ordered coffee, but he spilled a bit on the saucer… O_O

idearabbit_sweetery11 idearabbit_sweetery12Sheepie started talking to the owner/manager of the cafe, Charbel, and he came and sat with us to chat after finding out that I was a food blogger. He offered us the Blossom tea $3.25, which was interesting. As the name suggests, the ‘ball’ or ‘bulb’ is placed in hot water. As you wait, it slowly starts to open up, eventually looking like a flower inside your glass. It wasn’t the first time I had it, but first time in a water glass. I think it could benefit from using a all glass tea pot with double-wall glass cups, like the ones below. Would get pricey for the cafe though… but I think it would allow the ‘flower’ to blossom better.

idearabbit_sweetery15Image from www.teavivre.com

idearabbit_sweetery10He offered us several sweets; Brownies $2.95, Lemon Loaf, and Coconut Macaroons $1.25. I liked the macaroon the best.  It was a bit hard to eat as if was really crumbly. However, the crispiness of the outside, and the chewiness of the inside was a nice contrast, and the flavour of coconut was delightful. The Banana loaf had a hint of zest and was moist. I didn’t try the brownie because of the high sugar and fat content. I didn’t ask, but a lot of places put nuts in them too, so I didn’t have any.

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When we were about to leave, Charbel generously gave us some pizza to take home with us. I heated them in the oven. The bread was a bit dry and hard, since it was sitting out on their counter (maybe for most of the day), and it was extremely salty. However, the herbs and spices used were really flavourful.

Again, the staff were really friendly (even way before they knew I was a food blogger). The cafe is spacious, clean with a nice all-windows on one side letting natural light to come in. I thought the prices were pretty fair, even some a bit cheaper than I would expect. I would return to try out more pastries and drinks. A good place to meet up with friends and catch up.

Disclaimer: Half way through, the owner found out that I was food blogger. The 3 sweets, pizza and Blossom tea were complimentary. The review is entirely my opinion and it has not been edited or compensated by monetary means in any way.

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrot

Tartine Breads and Pie on Davie

Tartine Breads & Pies Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - ZomatoI loved the coconut pie they had in the one located near the Granville Bridge, so I was pretty excited that this new location was opening up.

The cafe is a lot better designed than the other location. Modern, a bit of hipsterish feel, and the cafe is better branded/presented.

idearabbit_tartinepie_davie1 idearabbit_tartinepie_davie2Unfortunately, the coconut pie is so popular that every time I go, it seemed to be sold out! When Sheepie and I decided to check it out, that was the case.

idearabbit_tartinepie_davie5So instead, I got the Lemon Cream Pie $3.99 It’s a good portion, and although I was craving for coconut, the lemon was still pretty good.

idearabbit_tartinepie_davie4Sheepie had the Raspberry pie.

idearabbit_tartinepie_davie3Love their logo with the cute bear with the pie.

The next time, I went in a bit earlier, hoping that the coconut would be available. And there was one last slice! Yes! I had it to go.

idearabbit_tartinepie_davie6 idearabbit_tartinepie_davie7Little rabbit was ecstatic with finally having the coconut cream pie! Enjoyed it :D Love it… dangerous! lol

Service is always good. Seating is limited – not ideal for groups larger than two.

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot