501 North Road, Coquitlam
In the corner of a tiny restaurant complex on North Road sits Choco Coo Cafe, a dessert cafe whose tiny signage says that they sell Belgian pastries and delicious cakes. I came across Choco Coo on Instagram, and was immediately drawn in by the aesthetic photos of delicate and delicious looking cakes. Flavours like chocolate and matcha were coming through the screen, and I knew immediately that I wanted to try it for myself. So I finally went, with my two friends. In retrospect, I may have overhyped it for myself, but let's just say that the word "underwhelmed" comes to mind. The restaurant is clean, open and incredibly aesthetic. There was a clear case that showed off its beautiful cakes that looked every bit as delicious as they did online. However, what surprised me was the fact that there were only four tables and a bar that could seat 5 people. And all of the tables were occupied by people who were finished their desserts and also brought their homework with them. I appreciate places that let their patrons stay as long as they want; however, it was clear that the workers at Choco Coo wanted these people out so that more people (like my friends and I) could come in. When we finally did get a spot, my friends and I shared a red velvet cake and a Oreo cheesecake. The cakes were good, and just as aesthetic as they looked on Instagram, but at the end of the day, they didn't wow me as much as I thought they would. At the same time, I had watched people walk in and out, hoping to get a seat but giving up and leaving. I don't really have any suggestions on how to get a table - it's either be patient or just try your luck. The slogan that rests on the wood block wall says "Life elsewhere, life in Choco Coo." You may be better off going elsewhere.
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3278 W Broadway, Vancouver (Kitsilano)
Soft serve is taking over the ice cream scene, and here is yet another new place coming onto the scene and just taking it by storm. 720 Sweets, which just opened about a month ago, is reinventing the look of soft serve ice cream with their eclectic mixes and toppings. But the even cooler part is the showy nitrogen smoke that comes with it. According to my sister, who watched the ice cream being made, the nitrogen cubes go into the main cup while the ice cream goes in a separate cup. Then hot water goes into the cubes to create a cloudy smoke that surrounds the ice cream once the second cup goes on top. The results last for about 3-5 minutes and it is quite mesmerizing. I have never seen anything quite like it. The homemade soft serve is not too milky or icy. I personally prefer this soft serve over the soft serve offered at Soft Peaks, flavour wise. The toppings that went on our ice creams - Milky Way for Eleanor and S'mores for me - added to the aesthetic appeal and the taste of the ice cream. The Milky Way had a milk tea soft serve base with caramel drizzle, espresso jelly, crushed walnuts and salted caramel Biscotti. The S'mores had a chocolate soft serve base with dark chocolate drizzle, with a toasted marshmallow on a Pocky like chocolate almond stick. Both were delicious. 720 Sweets is off to an incredible start, with people lining up before it's opening at 3 every day. Again, it is a small place with minimalistic decor. The wait is a little long, depending on when you go. But it's super delicious. As the wall decal says, "my mind says to go to the gym, but my heart says ice cream". I agree! 433 Abbott Street, Vancouver (Gastown)
Soft serve: soft serve everywhere. And Uyu is definitely a unique and strong soft serve place that is making a name for itself in the world of soft serve ice cream. "Uyu" is the Korean word for milk, and Uyu Ice Cream officially opened it's door almost a month ago. Leading up to it's opening, Uyu offered tastings of their original flavour as well as their unique flavours such as green tea, black sesame, salted caramel and Vietnamese coffee. After their success, the storefront opened on Abbott Street in Gastown, making it walking distance away from False Creek and Yaletown. With rotating flavours every week, patrons have the choice of having their soft serve in original form or in ice cream bar form. After choosing their flavour, there is an array of toppings from freeze dried fruit, different kinds of nuts and almond bark, plus various complimentary syrups. Whoever thought that black sesame soft serve topped with condensed milk, freeze dried strawberries and milk chocolate almond bark would be a good combination? (hint: I didn't. But it definitely was delicious!) I personally prefer Uyu over Soft Peaks, and the prices at Uyu are definitely a better deal for more soft serve! This super young company is just starting up but has serious potential and a great niche. I highly recommend it - go check them out! 245 Union St. Vancouver (Chinatown)
Creme brulee has always been one of my favourite desserts, and when I heard about this creme brulee place on Union Street close by another foodie adventure place, I knew that it was a sign to take advantage of it. Crackle Creme is a quaint place with that is filled with character, sweet smells and a lot of passion. The creator and owner of Crackle Creme, Daniel Wong, opened the store just over a year ago, specializing in flavoured creme brulee but also serving Liege waffles, affogato and other secret menu items that can be found on Instagram. Naturally, I had to try the creme brulee - earl grey for myself and salted caramel for Marinelle. There were a host of other flavours including butterscotch bourbon to Tahitian vanilla to mango passion fruit. Watching the creme brulee being torched before my eyes was definitely an experience - and hearing my spoon crack through into the cream was something else entirely, hence the name "crackle creme". I think that i will definitely try out the Liege waffles next time, but the creme brulee was a great treat! Follow Crackle Creme on Instagram for secret menu items, and pick up a punch card on your way out! |
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