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32 reviews for La Baguette et L'echalote
Review Highlights
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"On a tour with Edible BC I got to try some pain au chocolat." In 3 reviews -
"Mmmmmm that almond croissant was sooooo good." In 4 reviews -
"La Baguette has one of the best breads in Vancouver." In 9 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Viet V.
Vancouver, BC
4/18/2012
La Baguette et L'echalote is one of the most beautiful thing that appears in Granville Island. It is a must go place whenever I visit Granville Island and when I go out of the store, I always bring home one of their deliciously baked bread each unique and all delicious.
The price range is also a surprise when the breads can range anywhere from $4-$7 and is a very cheap prices for such values. -
Review from Tamara L.
2/11/2012
This is probably one of the best 'French Bakeries' in the city.
For one- It's authentic. Many of the staff are, indeed, French. You can go ahead an order en français and you will be understood. In a city FULL of chinese owned & operated 'French Bakeries' (where you can barely order in ENGLISH and be understood) this is definitely something that I appreciate.
For two- The selection is really incredible. From Mille Feuilles, Choux à la Crème, an assortment of Macarones, all the loaves of bread and buns that you could ever dream of... and the best fucking Pain Au Chocolat (Chocolate Croissants) this side of the Atlantic-- everything is fresh-- still warm-- by the time it gets into your hot little hands.
For three- After you order your treats, you can just step outside, take a seat on one of the many benches, and watch one of the performers that is set up in the square just adjacent to the bakery. Wonderful atmosphere, and a great way to pass 20 minutes.
Why the deduction of one star? Well, I have to admit that the prices are high here. A single croissant will run you about $3. Also- there always seems to be a bit of a cluster-fuck going on near the entrance to this place. Lots of 'lookey lous" who poke in, mill about, clog up the bakery and then leave. It can make things a bit congested and frustrating when you are trying to figure out where and how to order... But, I suppose that comes with the territory of being a really awesome, really authentic French Bakery in the heart of one of Vancouver's biggest tourist attractions!
I make sure to vista La Baguette et L'echalote every time I am on Granville Island. It's rad-- you should check it out. -
Review from Chrissy H.
Vancouver, BC
1/30/2012
Best baguette (especially the bake at home version) in the city. Not to mention that their croissants are EPIC 92% of the time (the other 8% is when they get busy and leave them in the oven too long and they get far too crsipy)
Note: If I were rating them on their baguette and croissants only they would nearly get 5 starts
Macaroons: 1 Star (Yuck, so dry)
Other Bread: 3 Stars (I've had better)
Tarts & Desserts (3.5-4 Starts can't even come close to Thomas Haaus or Ganache in Yaletown)
Customer Service: 5 Stars; they are lovely and they have accents that make me really want to visit Paris.
If you want some take home baguette to complement the perfect cheese tray or your on Granville Island, their croissants make the perfect companion to cappacino from JJBean. Just stay clear of their macaroons. -
Review from Tiffany C.
3/16/2012
*drool* I got the tomato pesto croissant here and it was really nice and flaky. They were so nice to toast it for me; perfect for a cold day. Loved that they had tons of samples out. =) They even had pieces of their fruit tart to sample, which I hardly ever see at a bakery! Normally they stick to the cheaper stuff like bread. My friends go the healthy scone, and the granola bar. All really great. Definitely a place to hit up if you have a sweet tooth.
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Review from Kathryn S.
3/18/2012
It was my first time visiting Vancouver and one of the best parts of my vacation was this place. The Croissants are to die for!!! I'm serious! Every flaky layer is given special love and attention. You've never had a croissant until you've tried one of these!
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Review from Molly D.
Vancouver, BC
7/15/2011
Mmmmm- just had a chocolate croissant - warm, buttery, chocolatey, delicious!
Definitely worth it. -
Review from Emily B.
3/24/2012
This is a must go every time we are anywhere near Vancouver. I love their chocolate croissants and they have the nicest, most friendly staff. They are always happy to help and gave us great samples to help us buy more wonderful baked goods. Don't pass this bakery up!
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Review from Angela L.
10/29/2010
This seems, like many bakeries, to be one of those places where your experience can vary widely based on what your expectations are and what you get. I've almost never been disappointed with my purchases here, but I generally tend to keep it simple.
The baguettes may not be THE most authentic, but they're crusty and delicious, especially served with a hunk of cheese and a hot date. I've also enjoyed the chocolate almond croissants that I've got here. I've never experienced anything less than sweet and cheerful service, even though it can get insanely busy at times. On one occasion, when I was buying a chocolate almond croissant, the friendly gentleman that was ringing me through cheerfully informed me that it was "2 for 1 day!" and slipped an extra croissant into my bag. Totally day-making material right there. -
Review from Reena M.
5/29/2009
After reading L. C.'s review a couple months back, I was determined to go and get an almond croissant. I tried once in late March, but alas, they had run out. So went early this morning (8:45am?) and sure enough they have some. Took my croissant at the pier with my maple latte and sat and indulged on my not-so-low-cal breakfast. Mmmmmm that almond croissant was sooooo good. It was nice and crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside with the almond paste too. It was a really nice almond croissant and I will be back to get some more.
Satisfaction. check. -
Review from James G.
Vancouver, BC
10/26/2011
Love this bakery in Granville Island. My favorites are their Rye bread varieties, especially the Winnipeg Rye. They don't use any unhealthy ingredients, and the many of the breads are vegan-friendly.
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Review from John M.
3/2/2010
By far the best bread bakery I have come across.... EVER! The multigrain loaf was incredible. The bakery goods (smartie cookies, birds nest, light hazelnut and hedgehogs) are not cheap, but they ARE good! If your there long enough youll see how busy and crowded it can get there, yet the staff will always greet you warmly and serve you well.
If you park and leave before 10am, there is no charge for parking. Boo-hiss-hiss to Granville (not the bakery) for charging for parking now! -
Review from Jay S.
6/2/2009
One requirement for a big public market seems to be: have a good French bakery. La Baguette does a nice job being "the French bakery" of Granville Island.
A decent selection of pastries & breads. My children thought the chocolate croissants were good, but not the best they've had. Prices are on the higher side of average for this type of bakery.
On the more unique side: macaroons. These are not macaroons as we tend to think of them (at least where I'm from) - they are almost more like meringue wafers sandwiching a light, fluff filling. They come in a rainbow of colours - literally, about 7 choices. We had pistachio & strawberry - neon green & pink, respectively. They also have a gorgeous violet coloured, lavender one - on my "to try someday" list. Expensive: $3 each, slightly larger in diameter than an oreo & about 2.5x as tall. I don't know what the going rate is for these delicacies.
Not my first choice for a snack at the Granville Market, but solid for basic French baked goods. -
Review from Angela H.
8/7/2008
La Baguette is a great bakery on Granville Island- its in a separate building from the Public Market, so don't get turned around looking for it. They sell a variety of baked goods, but I was there for the baguettes. In addiiton to the traditional baguette they also offer a potato baguette- its a little softer and the crust isn't as crunchy.
I probably should have just bought the traditional baguette to go with my pate, but I decided to try the potato one. Unfortunately, because it is so soft, it didn't allow for the pate to be spread easily.
I didn't get a chance to browse too much, but they do have a lot of other breads and dessert pastries. If I hadn't been so pressed for time, I'd have stayed longer, but that seems to have been the theme of my Vancouver trip. -
Review from Avivos S.
11/1/2010
How can this happen? this is the second "5 star" I give to a local food shop in Granville island, and believe me, I'm not easy with my stars.
To make it short: the best croissant I had in north america. And I had quite a few :) I can honestly say that the texture and flavor were exactly like these I would get in some of my favorite places in Paris. to die for.
Bottom line: get this croissant and see how beautiful everything becomes afterwards :) -
Review from Jon M.
8/21/2011
Friendly, fun little bakery in Granville Island. Ended up buying a fresh fruit Danish and eating it outside while watching the local entertainment that happens right outside the front door.
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Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
9/12/2008
The perfect place to visit when you want to indulge in French-themed fantasies of having to cycle down from your garret just off the boulevard St-Michel to the neighbouring boulangerie. Well, minus the distinctly Canadian looking mountainous backdrop. And the crowds of tourist sporting red crocs to go with their newly purchased souvenir t-shirts emblazoned with a bright red maple leaf. Okay, so maybe the Granville Island feel isn't so French but the baguettes at La Baguette et L'echalote are. Crusty and flaky, long and slender with that warm golden hue... hmmm... can you tell I haven't eaten yet?
La Baguette also carries Peasant Farmer Flax and, one of my particular favourites there, the French Sour Pumpkin Loaf. If you're in the mood for something sweeter, have a gander at their cake display which are filled with trays of tiramisu, duo chocolate cake, white ganache, strawberry charlotte, all topped with chocolate swirls. Their éclairs and chocolate croissants are lovely, too. Keep an eye out for seasonal favourites. -
Review from Alouise D.
Edmonton, AB
6/10/2011
On a tour with Edible BC I got to try some pain au chocolat. This might be the single best thing I've eaten in a long time. It was so good, like I think I was crying while I ate it type of good. The croissant was buttery, flaky, sweet, just amazing. I went back for something savory, a croissant sandwich, with cheese, tomato and pesto. Again delicious. If only this place wasn't so far from where I live.
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Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
11/21/2008
While I have never been to France (only to its closest neighbors), my parents used to pick up our weekly Sunday French loaf from a wee bakery in Calgary and it was the best in the city...some of the best in North America. Unfortunately, the head baker and proprietor developed an allergy to flour and could no longer bake. Seriously! Apparently it is more common than you would think. The irony though, right?!
Anyway, my point lies somewhere with the search for a perfect loaf of French bread outside of France and aside from baking it yourself (really, its the only way, my Mum has proved it), La Baguette et L'echalote does a fantastic job! Aside from long French loaves, La Baguette also carries a number of traditional and unique varieties of artisan breads, all with the ingredients listed and origins retraced. The Winnipeg Rye brought back memories, I disliked it as a child but now it is something totally different, or maybe its because they do such a great job of it here. Regardless, there are baked and part-baked options, as well as a number of delectable pastries and chocolates.
I settled on a bag of three partially baked French mini-loaves and trotted home to make myself a dinner of bread, fresh pesto, soft, creamy goat cheese and wine. The best! -
Review from Natasha L.
10/10/2009
La Baguette has one of the best breads in Vancouver. Try to bring home one of their semi baked baguettes and have them freshly baked in the morning with a generous amount of butter or jam (Yes, this is my version of a piece of heaven).
Another favorite, utilitarian choice is their whole wheat bread. Great for sandwich or with a hearty bowl of soup during the rainy day.
Tried their fruit tart. Not cheap but well worth the splurge if you are craving for one.
Try one and you'll be back to try more before you know it.Listed in: Breads and co.
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Review from Peter H.
3/2/2009
This is one of my favourite bakeries. I love the variety of traditional breads, selection of pastries, and customer service. It's like the traditional pastisserie/boulangerie I used to enjoy whilst living in France. Although I suspect that the proprieters are actually Quebecois, it's close enough. The pain au chocolat is buttery, flaky, plenty of chocolate and ohhh that crackle sound that's made when you bite into it like a good, flaky pain au chocolat should make. The crackle sound as you squeeze the baguettes is dreamy. (They weren't kidding in that flic Ratatouille... - it's how you know if the bread is really good...)
I've had several of the tartes aux fruits, baguettes, & pain au chocolats and have frequented this place for several years. The challenging part is finding the parking on Granville Island - my preference is to simply take the Aquabus from Yaletown.
If you're desirous for good bread or good pastries this is a good place to go. -
Review from DineoutGal A.
Winnipeg, MB
6/5/2010
I LOVED the butter croissants here! So buttery and oh so flaky exterior. I ate two croissants despite having finished lunch in the market.
The macaroons, the meringue one, not the coconut one is AMAZING! They are pricey but I'll splurge on great pastries. The pistachio & strawberry was so light and magical! -
Review from Zubair K.
5/27/2011
Amazing selection of breads...great place to hang out and enjoy the scene.
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Review from Vanessa G.
10/26/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I don't know if it's not possible to not love a french bakery. Unlimited baguettes, and sourdough, and treats galore. I usually pick up some day old stuff and 1/2 price and freeze it. They also have sandwiches which are a rare find surprisingly on Granville Island. Located just between the market and net lofts, it's sometimes over shadowed because of people busking outside of it, but it's always busy and for a good reason too.
Listed in: All things Granville Island
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Review from Melody M.
9/18/2010
I love coming to Granville Island, and wandering in all the little shops. But I must always stop at this little bakery. The smell of fresh french bread is mouth watering and the desserts are too delicious. I never leave this place empty handed. Two of my favourites are the Croque en Bouche and creme caramel
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Review from Allison F.
9/8/2010
Oh be still my heart. They have three types of birds-nest cookies. The traditional raspberry jam with a light glazing, mango, and chocolate hazelnut. Nom nom nom. $3/each puts them at a super treat, but each cookie is technically 2 large ones and so really they're $1.50. Fan-tastic.
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Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
7/13/2010
In an effort to taste the different textures and flavours of Parisian macarons everywhere, I had heard that La Baguette had sold them..... so making a quick pitstop last week, I decided to venture in and see what was in store.
On the top shelf of their pastry case lined several rows if different colours of macarons, both in mini and regular size.
First observations - the look of the macaron - not all the same size, and not all round. You could see where the tips formed as the surface was not flat and smooth like a good looking macaron should look like. None the less, that wasn't going to stop me from trying one.
Second - the price tag - for a mini macaron, the cost was $1.99; regular size - $3.49. No offense.. seems a little like robbery to me. For a bakery that specializes in bread, they are making a fortune of of these.
I decided to get two mini ones - pistachio and tiramisu flavoured, which I was told were their most popular (I thought to myself that I had great taste... just for a moment).
Well sad to say, my great taste did not reflect in the taste in my mouth. Being put into a paper bag, the buttercream was overly soft and the shells were sliding around to the point where I could not wait until I got home to take a picture and truly appreciate them. I had to eat them, all sticky fingered while grocery shopping in the market.
My pistachio flavoured one was okay......... not overly powerful which I did not mind, but the shape of it was definitely awkward. The shell, a little thicker than I anticipated gave a hard crunch with my initial bite, although the filling wasn't bad.
The tiramisu.... was NOT tiramisu flavoured... as a matter of fact.. it tasted flavourless, not even vanilla like really, which really saddened me. I was so excited for this one.
Sorry - don't waste your macaron time here.... until next time.Listed in: Not Your Average Macaron!
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Review from Sue L.
3/23/2010
Wow, some of the best baked goods i've ever had!! The breads are amazing and the pastries are very flavorful! Trust me this is a MUST SEE type of place. The sourdough bread is SOOO good!!
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Review from Kellee K.
8/2/2010 4 photos
We had a fantastic picnic lunch on the pier after taking avantage of their lunch special for two. We had brie and avocado and taste of Italy sandwiches. Completely different flavors, but both were delicious. Dessert was an apple strudel and chocolate and almond croissant. Oh my goodness, they were heavenly.
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Review from Jonas T.
10/3/2008
All I've had here were their French macarons. It was like eating macarons on steroids. However, at $3 a piece, I don't know if it's worth it.
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Review from Connie M.
Vancouver, BC
5/7/2011
l like using their brioche loaves for use as french toast with cinnamon and OJ and also for foie gras. Their croissants are ultra flaky and one of my fave items in town
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Review from Ali L.
Montréal, QC
10/14/2009
As a former Montrealer I have high expectations for a French bakery, and La Baguette et L'echatote falls far, far short. If you've ever lived in a primarily francophone city with a lot of French or Belgian immigrants (or spent a lot of time in Europe), you'll likely have the same reaction. That this is Vancouver's leading "French" bakery is a real tragedy for the city, and if anyone knows a better one, please let me know. The breads here are entirely disappointing. I've always been able to find great multi-grain and Italian breads in Vancouver, but there is a real lack of quality artisanal breads in the French tradition. The baguettes here are depressing, especially the bake-at-home ones. They are soft. They lack the robust, chewy denseness of a real baguette encased in a crispy crust. The breads here are not so much baguettes as what you would call "French bread", ie soft white bread in a baguette shape with a medium firm crust. The breads are also way overpriced.
The saving grace here: the desserts are good. The macarons were quite large and ridiculously expensive, but I've had far worse. The pain au chocolat and the millefeuille are delicious, so I think the patisseries here are worth trying!Listed in: Granville Island Picks and…
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Review from L C.
3/4/2009
I must say this is the best French bakery I've been to. Hands down, they make the best Double Baked Almond croissant I've ever tasted. I was visiting Grandville Island and saw the small bakery. I love Almond croissants so I would try it at every bakery to go to. So I bought one, and brought it back to the hotel and tried it. I regret not buying more at that time. So I headed back to Seattle for a meeting and after I was done with the meeting, I had to head back across the border to get more of the croissants. When I arrived at 5pm in the afternoon, they ran out of the almond croissants. I was so sad but I asked the person behind the counter if there's any way I can put in an order for 10 and pick it up in a couple hours. She said if I can wait, she can do it in 15 minutes for me. I was ecstatic! I had to bring it across the border and so it wouldn't be refrigerated for a couple hours. So she told me she can prep it for me (put in the almond cream inside and out and dipped it in almonds) and write down baking instructions so I can bake it when I get home (Hence, "double baked") so it could be fresh. She even included a bag of powdered sugar so I can finish it with it. I baked it the morning after I flew back from Seattle and it was as soon as if it was freshly made. You would be missing out if you don't visit this bakery.
