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French Made Baking
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 10 am - 6:30 pm
Sun 11 am - 4:30 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for French Made Baking
27 reviews in English
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Review from Sheryl D.
Updated - 5/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
You know what FMB? Charge me more for those damn macarons. They're so bloody good...and fresh...and wonderful...and life-bettering...and so deceitfully light I can consume twenty in one sitting AND still convince myself they're good for my thighs. What's good for my soul is also good for my thighs right? Right?! Come on, somebody agree with me here.
I had to drag a girlfriend there on Sunday, after the rainy day blues parade that was Kits market (nice market, god-awful weather). I couldn't stop raving about FMB's almond croissants in her car (which OBVIOUSLY, I got 2 of as well as the 6 for $10 macaron deal..and a chocolate croissant...and a mini chocolate cookie...that's it, I promise). I didn't drive this time, so I could stuff my face with croissants while someone else is driving. Much safer that way. I ended up with a loot bag, promising half of it will be for my manly Canadian at home (HA!).
We both arrived to the wonderful smell of buttery baking, homey cafe tables all around and a full pastry and macaron case that just screamed, "bring it on folks!". (And I'd like to think we brought it.) Just the way a cafe in Lyon would be. I'm not super sold on their attempt to create a patio ambience right outside their doors. I could see myself sitting there trying to enjoy a $4 croissant with homeless people and smokers walking by to get to the bus. Great improvement to the last time I was there though. Still no hot Frenchman to snuggle with but hey, I can't have everything.
New macaron flavour alert: Banana Bread (if my memory serves me well). Just as good as all their other flavours but I'm partial to Earl Grey, Rose and Salted Caramel. Oh oops, I also did get a Salted Caramel Eclair and the whole time I was thinking why the hell is this the first time I'm having one? Glad that's been rectified.
I'm kidding, please don't raise prices. My mother often told me having kids would be the ultimate motivation in making money. I beg to differ. Eating well is.Listed in: Confessions of a Dessert Fiend
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/9/2012
I almost died eating their almond croissant today.
No actually, I almost crashed into another car… Read more »
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
The most exciting dates for me occur when friends (this time Reena M) suggest we meet somewhere I've never actually stepped foot in. Yes, that's right, "Hi, I'm Crystal H, long time enjoyer of a French Made Baking macaron, first time visitor" to the magic shoppe that produces these beauties.
The shoppe is small, with only one table and a handfull of stools to enjoy their magical creations, but because it's so small, it has that homey feeling. You can hear and smell the baking happening, and if you are so inclined, you can pull up a stool and watch the kitchen work.
My americano was beautiful, the heated up lava cake that I had for breakfast (don't judge) was moist, rich and gooey, and the service, was warm and friendly.
I've been a recipient of a box of macarons from French Made many times, and this weekend I finally got a chance to be the purchaser. They make a fantastic hostess gift: 6 macarons for $10. With flavours like raspberry chocolate, earl grey, green tea, vanilla etc, it would be tough to go wrong. Bonus: the 10% off check in offer they have on Yelp for purchases over $10.
I think it's safe to say, I'm a long time fan! -
Review from Meana k.
4/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
They have some of the best macarons I've ever tasted. Earl grey and raspberry were wonderful. Little bites of pleasure, it's so easy to eat a whole box.
My biggest suggestion to FMB would be to revisit their display and store set up to become more inviting and cozy, and showcase more product. Still, as a relatively new business they've made such an incredible impact already. Nobody does it better. -
Review from Cynthia C.
Vancouver, BC
5/24/2012
I came here for the first time after being recommended to try macrons by a friend of mine and at first i thought that paying $1.75 for a small cookie was ridiculous.... that is until i tasted them. I ended up eating the entire box of 6 right then and there. Now although I Loved them, being the stickler that I am I still thought to myself that it has to be better to just bake them at home, so I did. I found a recipe online and using the things I already had in my kitchen I proceeded to bake makeshift macrons. OMG they were amazing, but OMG they were sooooooooooo my boyfriend ate half of the macrons that day and it was so much work. They are definitely one of the most difficult things I've ever baked and since I don't feel like buying a mixer just to bake them I would say YES they are AMAZING and Definitely worth the money!!
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Review from Felicity D.
Vancouver, BC
5/23/2012
i know i'm in the minority here, but i thought that the macarons were just ok and pretty expensive for what you get. i liked the pistachio, the earl grey, and the rosewater ones. my man and the boy disliked the ones they tried (i don't remember the flavors), but the man isn't a fan of macarons in general and the boy may have been following his lead.
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Review from Jennifer K.
Vancouver, BC
What better way to pay tribute to this lovely bakery than to visit them on Vancouver's first ever Macaron Day!
Bought a dozen of these pretty little pastries to eat. All by myself. Oh, what was I thinking??? Eating merely three rendered me too full to eat a proper meal! So rich! So flavorful! So decadent! Ah, the sacrifices we make.
But let me tell you about the macarons!
Sigh...
I knew I'd fallen in love when I bit into their ever-so-subtle yuzu macaron, flavored with Japanese citrus and a lovely chocolate ganache filling. So fitting for those of us who tend to avoid the orange/choc combination a.k.a. moi.
The Earl Grey & chocolate followed behind in a close second. The other jam-filled macarons regrettably did not win a place in my heart with their sugary sweetness.
Oh, and did I mention that French Made Baking showers LOVE upon Yelpers? That's right. Just by checking-in, they'll give you 10% off. Can't wait to come back for all their chocolateleee goodness! -
Review from Amy T.
2/24/2012 1 photo
I've been wanting to try French Made Baking for the longest time and I finally had the pleasure to do so. Expectations were high and fully met!
I even emailed the owner before to ask about gluten free cakes and they responded quickly and provided all the details I needed. Super nice owners and provided a lot of different options.
My favorite item here is the Earl Grey Macron. If I had a dozen, I would have devoured everything in 10 minutes or less. Dangerous... but I live for daaaanger.Listed in: Main Street Love, Macarons
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Review from Andrea B.
2/28/2012
Imma jumpin' on the train!!!
Tried this place at Yelp's Night at the Museum and my brain exploded.
It's for people with a sweet tooth and yummy standards. I greedily tried a bit of everything they brought: macarons (raspberry and earl grey), le canelé and tiramisu. Lets just say, if I could've, I would've squatted and shoveled those goodies into my mouth like my life depended on it. No intermission allowed.
Le canelé - had an interesting texture. Not "slug slime" interesting, but "oh, give me 10 slices please" interesting. It's moist and spongy - two words that create an awkward essence but in this case work marvelously.
Macarons - now, I'm not a huge fan of macarons, but these babies were itty bitty and I love me them miniature baked goods. And they definitely nailed the different flavors they were going for.
Tiramisu - enter brain explosion. This was my favorite. It was a wonderful myriad of cake, coffee and cream. Since that night, I've tried 2 other tiramisu's and was left dreaming about the one I met at French Made Baking.
I can't stop talking about this place to my friends and family. So, if you got a sweet tooth, try it! try it! try it! Your taste buds will thank you. And we don't want to anger our taste buds now do we. -
Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
3/23/2012
French Made Bakery
81 Kingsway
I am angry, I bought a pack of macarons for $10 during macaron day on Tuesday and I ate the whole tray in 15 minutes, now I am having a massive craving, I am too far away to get to said location and my body is being a jerk 'cause it craves macarons. Damn, why did these have to be so tasty? It's a gluten free guilt free pleasure in a small circle of happiness.
I have been unimpressed by certain shops and their macarons, however, glad to report that this location has one of the best gluten free macarons that I've had, locally made.
They say that the French do it right in terms of pastries. After tasting the earl grey tea macaron,...who was I to argue. The rose water macaron was also to die for. They're working on other gluten free desserts, however, their chocolate lava cake is also to die for.
I've seen the bakery at trade and bakery shows, therefore, it was finally good to walk into their store front.
The shop is very small and there is limited seating, however, by the time you get to a seat, there is a good chance that all the macarons you bought will be devoured in less than 10 seconds.
The location is awesome, easy to find and reference. It's close to my favourite record store on Main, I wanted to buy some for my best friend, however, the chances of actually reaching him during the 20 minute ride are very slim, but it's the thought that counts.
I reached there after 4 pm when most of the selection was gone, however, still satisfied none the less with what I came home with. On second thought, these didn't make it home, it barely lasted to the bus stop across the street.Listed in: Favorite Gluten Free spots
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Review from Karen R.
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was introduced to these guys at the Yelp Party the other night. I loved the passionfruit macaron, the chive cream puff and the opera cake so much that I had to come into the cafe ASAP.
The woman working the front counter was really really nice - and genuine. The space is small and sometimes casual exchanges can be so...awkward but it wasn't at all. I ordered the box of 6 assorted macarons, the caneles (eggy crispy fluffy goodness) and an almond croissant (flaky and nutty and sugary goodness). I checked in on my iPhone and got 10% off!
Grab a stamp card - every $10 you spend you get a stamp and those can go towards a free breakfast.Listed in: Without Yelp, I Wouldn't Have…
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Review from Peter H.
Vancouver, BC
2/10/2012
Tres bien! J'adore le French Made Baking. Been here several times since they opened just before Christmas, and I have never been alone in the bakery so I suspect I'm not their only fan.
Enjoyed everything I've had from them be it giving macarons as a gift, giving macarons to myself, the pain au chocolat, creme brulee or Canelés de Bordeaux; all delicious and enjoyed!
A welcome addition to the area! Bonne chance mon ami! -
Review from Robin M.
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
My taste buds are simple little guys and they have but one request when it comes to the flavours I force upon them: to be as uncomplicated and authentic as humanly possible. Charcuteries, espressos, the perfect glass of wine, the deceptively simple macaron -- that's robin-country, right there.
When done right, a macaron is the most perfectly pretty puffy pastry known to robin-kind. Lucky for Mount Pleasant (hell, lucky for Vancouver) French Made Baking, or more specifically -- chef David Introligator does it right. Not too sweet, not too big, never too chewy and packed with the most velvety ganache, these bad boys are the real Parisian deal. Also, bonus: using only the very best natural ingredients, without any additives or preservatives means that my little taste buds are not only happy, but probably a little bit more healthy (you know, relatively speaking).
What's better than that? Being given 10% off my pretty little pastries for checking in on Yelp. We've officially entered robin-land. Welcome.Listed in: Five Star Holler, Gluten Free Vancouver, Sweet Things
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Review from Trude H.
Vancouver, BC
3/5/2012
To be fair, I dropped in late Sunday afternoon when the shelves were quite bare. The lovely macaron did beg to be eaten, though, so I gave in. Delight!
I will return to sample more flavours - this is as close to the grandmother's baking as it gets. The coffee machine was off (it was late) so my only consumable was that spectacular macaron.
Very friendly staff, a lovely bright front and easy view into the kitchen. Nice stop after spending time at the library at 1 Kingsway. Just one block east of Main. Parking is tight - fortunately I can walk here from home! -
Review from Simon K.
Driving on a wet day, my partner spotted this place while I drove by, people inside, looks new, has the word "French" and the word "Baking" in it, hit brakes, circle around, find parking, enter business! This place is fairly new when we entered, about 2 weeks, where you can see that the white paint is still glistening. I remember hearing about this place from the person who was planning to open this store, David, who me and my partner met twice, once at the Bakers Market, and the other time at the Nikkei Craft & Bake fair. I can say, that when we had his macarons then, they were not as good as they are now. Probably because now he has a space to call his own, and can work in a true kitchen to make this delightful delicacies!
There is one table with four chairs in here, and another two chairs that are facing the open kitchen, with an open hole for people to look into. This place is small, as in the up front, customer section, but the kitchen is fairly large in size to work in. We were able to speak to David, and he advised that the breads they sell is from Terra Breads, but the other things are made in house. He is also waiting for another French baker to come in to work with him, and will be adding many new things to the menu, but for now, what he has there is solid. Looking forward to the coming weeks and months when he has help, and what items will appear in this little place. Will come back again, also of note, was able to try the rum cake that they had samples of, and it was moist and a good treat. -
Review from Tera K.
Vancouver, BC
2/23/2012
I was able to try some wonderful treats for free at last night's event "Yelp Night at the Museum".
I tried a small raspberry macaron and I have never had such a delicious macaron before. They are soft so that when you bite into them they don't flake everywhere and there is yummy bright pink jam in the middle. It was delicious and I can't stop thinking about it.
I also tried a piece of Opera cake. I popped the whole thing in my mouth to make sure I didn't miss any of the flavours and the texture of the ganache was amazing. So smooth and creamy.
Bravo! -
Review from Dani C.
2/24/2012
Earl grey macaron!!?? Yes please!
I had the lovely opportunity to try out their macaron during the Yelp Night at the Museum event and the earl grey macaron was just to die for. You know it's good when you keep coming back and stealing another piece! I never had earl grey macaron before, it was always chocolate or a fruit-flavoured one.
You can really taste the earl grey filling and the softness when you chew it makes it a piece of heaven. Definitely one of my favourite 'dessert' during the event! Sadly, the location is a little bit out of the way for me, but I will try at one point to swing by there because I don't think there are any places around that have earl grey macaron! Earl grey macaron!Listed in: Food!
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Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
another great macaron place, they seem to be flying everywhere these days!
The pistachio and caramel were the best, the chocolate just so-so; unfortunately only 3 flavours to choose from at 4pm today but for 6 pcs, $10, again a bit tad expensive for the area. then again, don't need to go thru traffic to Thierry's ;)
will come back for the hazelnut & raspberry, as stated ;) -
Review from M M.
Vancouver, BC
1/26/2012
I was so excited to finally try French Made Baking. I've heard so many great things about them through various types of social media, and they did not disappoint.
It was a cold, rainy mess outside and I was pleasantly surprised at how warm and friendly the girl at the counter was. It's hard to find people like that in Vancouver!
I ordered a coffee to stay while I waited for my sister (Kari C! Check out her reviews! Haaaay! Shoutout!), who had been there before.
You have a choice of an Americano or brewed coffee, both supplied by 49th Parallel (yum!). While I was ordering, a man from the back slipped a small paper bag to the girl and mumbled something. I didn't know until she gave me my coffee what was going on, but he had slipped her a coconut macaroon for me to try with my coffee. So sweet of him!
Unfortunately, the coffee was very thin and tasted watered down... I'll go for an Americano next time. :)
The macaroon was almost indestructable. We tried to bite it, cut it in half with a plastic knife (that broke)... then I remembered that he said to try it with my coffee. DERP. It was all sorts of yum.
We had both skipped lunch (see above: delirious macaroon incident), so we shared a ham and cheese croissant, a canelé, an Opera Cake, and I stole a bite of her spinach quiche.
I'm already not a fan of quiche at all, but my sister liked it. I liked the crust. Haha.
I LOVED the ham and cheese croissant. Little diced bits of ham with melted cheese.. and it tasted like they put a little bit of bechamel under the toppings. It was seriously one of the best croissants I have ever had. Get it warmed up! You won't regret it. :)
LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE OPERA CAKE. OH. MY. GOD. If you like the coffee/chocolate flavour combination, then you are in for a treat! An opera cake is made with layers of almond sponge cake, soaked in coffee syrup, layered with ganache and coffee buttercream, and covered in a chocolate glaze. DROOL. Can you see why I skipped lunch? I fell in love at first bite.
The canelé was lovely. It was almost crusty on the outside and was soft and tender on the inside. It had a delicate vanilla flavour.
We were so full that we didn't try any of the macarons. They have packages of them for takeaway.
The bakery is sort of small, but the lighting and decoration give it good ambience. There is a small table for 4 by the door and 2 seats at the counter, where you can watch all the magic in the back happen.
What they do here is absolute magic. I've been to many bakeries in Vancouver, and this one, excuse the pun... takes the cake. -
Review from Nicolb T.
1/31/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Very, very good. Glad they opened so close to home because now I can get amazing pain au chocolat ($3.00) without having to go to Granville Island.
Had the opportunity to try one of the hot chocolates during the Hot Chocolate Festival and while it was far too sweet for my liking, it got great praise from The Boyfriend.
My 6-pack of macaron ($12) were memorable, though the L'Anglais (earl grey) and Le Yuzu were instant favourites.
If they have it, YOU MUST GET the fleur de sel & caramel macaron. -
Review from GirlintheCity A.
Montréal, QC
4/6/2012
Good macarons, I like that they don't use artificial dyes. Not as good as you can get in Montreal or france but good for what you can get in Vancouver. I prefer macarons with a bit more filling, the ones I had here were kind of bare but the good thing is that they were super fresh and good quality.
Comment from David I. of French Made Baking 4/16/2012
We only use natural flavours but our macarons contain a… More » -
Review from Tania M.
North Vancouver, BC
4/1/2012
The almond croissants are amazing.
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Review from Cream J.
Vancouver, BC
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Friendly girls in the store and crunchy macaron!
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Review from Deja S.
Vancouver, BC
12/24/2011
Canelés de Bordeaux = mmmm! Crispy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. Also had the plain croissant, best I've had, extra buttery and warm. I only tried the hazelnut macaron, very nice texture. Then I had one chocolatey product that is like a cross between a cookie and a decadent brownie, can't remember the name but yummy. Will have to get rich to make this a habit though.
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Review from Tess M.
Vancouver, BC
5/15/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I first tried French Made Baking at Bake for the Quake and instantly fell in love. Their Earl Grey and chocolate macaron is simply the best I have ever had...the flavour combination is PREFECT!!!!
Since the event I have been craving those macarons but sadly they don't have a store (you can order them on-line but there is a minimum order.) But now that summer is here they have a stand at Lonsdale Farmers Market on Saturdays. Needless to say you will know where to find me on Saturdays....I'll be the one hoarding the macarons. -
Review from David L.
10/10/2011 2 photos
I tried their macarons while visiting a farmer's market in New Westminster. The macarons from French Made Baking are very good and the taste, texture, look, and feel remind me of the stuff one gets in Paris. I really like the maple and walnut flavour. Although it's very small in size, it's very rich, light, and flavourful. After just one bite, the macaron brought back memories of eating my first macaron in Paris - I sitting on a bench on top of a building while gazing at the Eiffel Tower while watching the daily life of Parisians.
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Review from Ripley W.
Vancouver, BC
1/7/2012
Have now tried their macarons, canelés de Bordeaux and chocolate croissants. All incredible - so glad there's finally a good patisserie in Mount Pleasant.
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Review from Vicky L.
Vancouver, BC
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I admitted I did have really high expectation going into French made based on the reviews I've seen so far. Not sure if it's my high expectation of the macarons or my luck, but I was a bit disappointed. First of all, they only had two flavors, yuzu and pistachio, that day when we were there. Apparently they had some problem with their production hence the lack of flavor selections. We got an almond croissant, and a macaron of each flavor to sample. The almond croissant was good, and I really enjoyed the custard filling. However, I still think Thomas Haas' almond croissant is better. Onto the macarons, there's some inconsistency of the texture. The yuzu one had a better crunchiness texture to it, but too bad I'm not a fan of yuzu to begin with. The pistachio one was a little bit too soft. Perhaps they really did have some problem with their production and I happened to get the not-so-great batch. Funny enough, later that day, my friend came to visit with a box of macarons from Soirette. I compared Soirette's pistachio with French made's pistachio, and my friend and I both found Soirette's one is better texture and flavor wise. I love the service at French Made though. The girl who worked at the front was very friendly and helpful with her recommendation. I like the fact that the kitchen is wide open and it's interesting to see the chefs making the macarons by hands.
