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Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates & Patisserie
Category: Food Specialty Food Chocolatiers and Shops Chocolatiers and Shops [Edit]
998 Harbourside DrNorth Vancouver, BC V7P 3T2
(604) 924-1847
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 8 am - 5:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates & Patisserie
Review Highlights
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"I especially love the double baked almond croissant." In 3 reviews -
"Stilton Cheesecake with Rhubarb Compote is one of my..." In 5 reviews -
"They sell the Sparkle cookies at Whole Foods and Capers." In 5 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Diana C.
Burnaby, BC
3/27/2012
Thomas Haas has some solid treats and even though the locations are so far away, it's worth the trip.
- Few free parking spots out front
- You kinda need a car to get here, unless you like to walk
- Recommended: Macarons, Double Baked croissants, and Tiramisu
- Can be a bit pricey
- Busy with people and might be hard to find a seat for large group
- Outdoor seating (great for summer) -
Review from Florence C.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2012
I vote for Thomas Haas among all fine cafes in Vancouver.. Every piece of his creation is an art. My number 1 go-to place for casual Saturday sweet and savoury indulgement. Some of my favourite items are:
- Double baked almond croissant: The no# 1 killer croissant. The almond paste is a real deal, crunchiness is approved especially when it's baked two times. It's a full meal!
- Butter croissant: My second choice after double baked almond croissant if I want to have savoury items too. The perfect croissant for every morning.
- Portobello panini: You don't need 15 ingredients in a panini. This one has all the taste and healthy option to feel satisfied. The portobello is marinated with merlot, good gruyere, watercress with wonderful walnut bread..
- Pear almond tart: Poached pear, almond cream in perfect shortbread crust. Size is just right.
My only wish is they open on Sundays and closed on Tuesdays instead. -
Review from Allen C.
2/8/2012
It isn't always easy to find out what you want to get for your significant other on Valentine's Day but when I noticed multiple dessert store websites on your spouse's computer, I knew I might be on to something.
So, perusing through her list, I discover this store. It's not the likely of places to find a dessert joint (within the North Shore Auto-mall area) though I heard their sandwiches are to die for. Alas, I will try that some other day. Today, my mission was to surprise her with some of their assorted Macarons. The variety of Macaron flavors ensure you'll always find a fan favorite. I enjoy the Macaron texture very much and I can see why my wife loves this stuff. For the effort it took to go out there for such a tasty product was well worth it. Although, there is another store in Kitsilano if the North Shore is out of your way. -
Review from Lisa C.
8/14/2011
Inventive flavors and pretty presentation makes this a solid establishment to satisfy your sweet cravings. Their sweet offerings goes from mildly sweet to oh-so-sweet, so they have something for everybody.
I like how they add pistachio to a lot of their almond offerings. The Pistachio Sour Cherry Tart is an interesting combination that I have not had before.
For chocolates, their Salted Caramel Pecan Square is good and not too sweet. I tried their Exotic Chocolate-Caramel Domes expecting some passionfruit/mango/banana bits, but it is all infused into the gooey caramel inside. I like it , but it maybe a bit sweet for others.
The Grape Macaroon has a very concentrated grape flavor and it is soft and gooey inside. Their Milk Chocolate with Passionfruit and Almond Cake is way too sweet and chocolatey for me.
Too bad this store is up North. If this store was in downtown Vancouver, I would have frequent it every day of my visit. -
Review from Minori I.
North Vancouver, BC
3/5/2011
OVERPRICED.
I went back because they had the best almond croissant ever. But one almond croissant became over $5.00. That's a turn off to be a neighborhood bakery for sure. -
Review from Erin H.
Toronto, ON
4/9/2011 1 photo
A gem tucked away in an industrial area on the North Store, I heard amazing tales and had to experience it for myself. I stopped by Thomas Haas mid-morning on a Saturday and there was a lineup out the door! There was a bit of confusion as to where to order but the amazing selection of pastries were enough to distract me from the chaos inside the small shop.
I ordered the Pain au Chocolat and a caramel latte. They asked if it was okay that it was double-chocolate... um, yes. I received a colossal piece of buttery, chocolatey goodness with almonds and powered sugar on top, fresh out of the oven!
I paid $9 for both, but quickly realized that the price (and the wait) are totally worth it. The caramel latte wasn't overly sweet and the Pain au Chocolat just melted in my mouth. There's seating right outside or you can walk down to the waterfront and sit on one of the many benches or picnic tables overlooking downtown. An awesome way to start the day! -
Review from Karen T.
Richmond, BC
8/5/2011
Excellent pastries and sandwiches! The desserts are good too, but I don't really go for the individual chocolates - nothing spectacular.
This location is better than the one in Kits, though it has limited seating and parking. -
Review from Polly C.
Vancouver, BC
10/22/2010
What can I say about Thomas Haas? Let's see...four words describe it all: O-M-G good!
My favorite cake is the Crispy Chocolate Raspberry cake. I just had this yesterday and I can't help but to think of that dark chocolate mousse being so light in texture. Every time I eat this dessert, it feels like a tiny person is in her ballet shoes fluttering and dancing in my mouth. The chocolate glaze swirls around my tongue and I can't help each time but feel like I'm on cloud 9. The crispy hazelnut wafer is what I love best...it's just SO O-M-G good. I always find myself scraping the chocolate off of the gold cardboard to ensure I don't miss any crumbs or chocolate glaze...it' just that O-M-G good. With that said, I give 5/5 stars for this dessert. -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
7/23/2010
My special friend knows that I'm on a Macaron hunt so she bought me an assortment of 6 macarons for my birthday. Beautifully packaged with a lovely red ribbon and a palette of pastel colours, I was introduced to the following macarons:
Raspberry, chocolate, passionfruit, pistachio, vanilla, coffee.
I know that everyone raves about Thomas Haas pastries but I have to say that I was not overly impressed with this particular product. The filling in the macarons were not consistent.. in fact some of the meringue actually did not rise to the full. The chocolate macaron was relatively small compared to the rest of them, and the raspberry one was forcing itself into the box. The pistachio was my favourite, with the filling and taste almost to perfection.. and passionfruit filling coming close behind in second.
I am sure that their other desserts and pastries are out of this world.. including their double baked almond croissant, but I'm not sure whether I can justify the prices for the macarons here.Listed in: Not Your Average Macaron!
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Review from Tinella T.
Vancouver, BC
4/13/2011
My friends invited us to Thomas Haas after we were snow shoeing in Grouse Mountain :) Since we burned calories, we needed to "recharge". I was impressed to see all those chocolates, truffles and chocolate desserts! I had one with dark chocolate mousse and raspberry- fairy tale :* Sucks for my husband who has nuts allergy, most of cakes had some nuts in it and due to risk of cross contamination between cakes, it cannot be guaranteed that nut-free cakes are really nut-free. Coffee was very tasty too!
I yearn to go back and try more and more and eventually everything at Thomas Haas, its really worthy!!!
Just that this Thomas Haas location is hardly accessible to me. I didnt try out Kitsilano one yet. -
Review from Raymond O.
Vancouver, BC
6/1/2009
"Stock up and start hoarding for the home..."
WHO:
You know you have it good when you are the fourth generation pastry chef who previously worked in Michelin starred restaurants in Europe. You were once Executive Pastry Chef for Daniel Bouloud's Daniel in NY. And Martha Stewart has invited you several times back to her TV show. Yet after setting up your own shop, the accolades continue pouring in.
WHAT:
Pastry Chef and Chocolatier who set up a trendy and stylish shop while using select ingredients and chocolates laced with BC wines, oak barrel aged maple syrup from Quebec, hazelnuts and berries from Fraser Valley, organic herbs and spices. And if you haven't guessed by now there are definitely no preservatives or artificial flavouring.
WHAT TO TRY:
- Fine, handmade chocolates in signature tier boxes
- Hot chocolate made from pure chocolate and not cocoa powder (CAD3.75 - 4.75).
- Double Baked Almond Croissant (CAD3.75)
- Pain au Chocolat (CAD2.50)
OTHER OPTIONS AT THE CAFE:
- Cakes and tarts (CAD5.25)
- Sandwiches (CAD7.95-8.95)
QUOTE: "Discover our world of chocolate excellence!"
RESPONSE: Oh, I will...Listed in: French Connection
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Review from LJ M.
North Vancouver, BC
10/19/2010
The herb scones are a persistent stand out and their hot chocolate is fabulously rich.
A great place for pastries or chocolates and coffee. My favourite Saturday mornings involve a stop at Thomas Haas in the midst of a dog walk by the waterfront. -
Review from Sarah O.
Hmmm...
I wasn't impressed with their chocolates! Their dessert cakes were just normal! I don't understand all the praise for this place.. and their hot dark chocolate?? WAY TOO SWEET! What's going on?! I'm sorry but dark chocolate isn't suppose to be like that.
However, this place gets 4 stars from me because I really liked their tarts. You need to pre-order them but only one day in advance. Not too buttery, sugary or sweet and still retaining great flavor and texture, you get my stamp of approval. -
Review from Odette C.
Vancouver, BC
7/27/2009
Addictive.
Must try
1. Chocolate Sparkles (I usually get at least one package to bake at home. The aroma fills the whole kitchen...they are soooo good when they are fresh out of the oven)
2. Stilton Cheesecake...best I've had and it's cheaper than if you order it @ Diva
3. Pear Almond Tart (their cakes are nice; however their tarts are out of this world good) -
Review from Anne B.
11/25/2009
I love love LOVE this place! To tell you how much my friends and I love Thomas Haas, I drove 3 hours yesterday just to pick up some Sparkles to carry overseas to a friend.
Whenever I visit Vancouver, I make sure that Thomas Haas is my first stop. I try to order something new every time so I can taste everything. Haven't had a bad order yet. Pastries, chocolates, cookies, sandwiches, cakes, all phenomenal. I took my parents, sister and nephew here over the summer and they loved it. (And my parents are picky eaters).
Will always be going to visit Thomas Haas if I'm in the area.Listed in: Vancouver
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Review from Stephen Y.
Vancouver, BC
7/23/2009
DEFINITELY - delightful and delectable chocolate treats/truffles as well as the awesome pastries. Been coming to the downtown store for years and very recently started coming to the N Van store - Highly recommend the Stilton cheesecake (small individual size or large "multiuser/American" size) & passionfruit choco yumminess. And yes... choco sparkles "truffle" cookie...
Pre-packaged chocolates in various cocoa% - OK.
MAYBE - Choco and pastries are the forte of the store. The panini was OK - just reheated/pressed sandwiches w mayo/aioli. Bit greasy and nothing too special. Well, let's get back to the sweet treats !
Parking can be a "ML P in the A" - very limited # of designated spots in front of the store and can be quite cramped. Down the road is a small park with "waterfront view" - nice place to enjoy the "maybe" panini with the "definitely" choco/pastry treats.
Staff friendly and also helpful. -
Review from Q B.
Vancouver, BC
8/12/2010
Hidden and so busy. I was going to give them four stars for that fact.. But I think I actually like it because it makes it even more of a find when you do find it.
Their hours are horrible though. I've gone there on four different occasions when they were closed. Make sure you call to see if they are open.
The duck breast sandwich is an amazing sandwich if they have it get it! I've enjoyed every cake I've had here. I had the bread pudding last time I went and it was delicious. The almond croissant is amazing as well.. -
Review from ADAM E.
North Vancouver, BC
12/2/2010 3 Check-ins Here
This is a great place to find beautifully crafted chocolates and French-styled pastries. The coffee is good quality too. the only down-side is the lack of seating and the rather hap hazard way of serving the customers.
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Review from Cyrus G.
1/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Simply the best pastries in Vancouver. Everything else he serves (coffee, sandwiches, etc.) are excellent too.
Yes, it's horribly busy and crowded but if you can stand a little discomfort, you will not be disappointed.
During the summer, the passion fruit iced tea is great. For sandwiches, the tomato bocconcini and Moroccan chicken are very solid choices. For desserts, anything with passion fruit is worth getting and his almond croissants are world-class.Listed in: My Favs
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Review from NOrthshoreMama M.
North Vancouver, BC
7/9/2011
I discovered Thomas Haas by fluke when it first opened. I was near the NS Auto mall for another reason and saw a little sandwich board saying "Valentine's chocolates"... so I drove down the road to oblivion... (at the time there was nothing there!)... found this little chocolate shop, with a few things, and an amazing guy. He was giving samples of his chocolate cookies and his chocolates. I bought some and took them home. They were amazing. Well since that day... I think it was 2005... we have been going to Thomas Haas for croissants, fine patisseries, and they make amazing sandwiches too, not to mention the chocolates.
The Fleur de Sel chocolate is amazing.
If Thomas is there, he will say hello with a big smile, and though it can be insanely busy in there,... the staff are all very calm and gracious, never getting stressed and always taking things at a pace. After being in patisseries in Montreal where they don't give you the time of day unless you order within 2 seconds of having your number called, it's nice to get some great customer service.
It is exciting to get such quality on the North Shore, before Thomas Haas came around... getting a good croissant or some good chocolate on the North Shore was not really possible!
Parking is awful, and there's no where to sit, so take your stuff to go. -
Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
9/5/2008 1 photo
It's the same feeling Charlie must have had when he walked through the doors of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. The aroma that wafts through Thomas Haas's bakery in North Van is enough to tickle your taste buds and make you swoon. Everything on display tastes even better than it looks, from homemade chocolates and truffles to delectable desserts like Stilton Cheesecake and the world-famous Chocolate Sparkle™ Cookie.
The North Van location is slightly off the beaten track, but a trip here is well worth it. If you're lucky, you can catch a glimpse, through one of the portholes, into the massive kitchen where pastry chefs are busy at work. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and Thomas Haas himself often mingles with regulars and newcomers alike. -
Review from Nina I.
Burnaby, BC
1/16/2011
Great coffee, desserts, and of course very fine chocolates! Yummm! I tried the raspberry chocolate dessert and it was absolutely divine! The seating area at the north van location is a bit tight as it was very busy on this sunny Saturday. 5-6 small tables outside and bar stools lined the windows and one side of the counter. Next time I'd try to sit by the window looking into the factory. Great if you can get a seat. All the little chocolates are $1.10 each. But the boxes are expensive (i.e. $5 for a 2 pc box) and unnecessary unless it's a gift. They do also give you a menu when you get the chocolate to go. I've seen Thomas Haas sold in Westfield Center at a chocolate shop in Union square in the heart of San Francisco for more than double the cost. As an "import". TH was lined up beside other chocolates from Belgium and France. Support TH, your local chocolatier!
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Review from Crystal G.
West Vancouver, BC
3/29/2011
Love this place! It's great for both the chocolates and the pastries, and occasionally they have vegetarian soups and salads (we call in advance). The location is a bit out of the way along the North Van waterfront, past the automall, but that means there's lots of parking and it's nice to take a coffee or hot chocolate for a walk around the area. Don't try to park in the small, cramped lot -- street is better.
This place is almost always busy, especially around Christmas. They have seasonal items such as stollen, which is also sold at Whole Foods but cheaper if bought at Thomas Haas itself.
Thomas Haas recently won the Georgia Straight readers' choice for chocolates -- I think the pecan caramel with fleur de sel. We have tried this and it's amazing! Also try the aztec chocolate, both the hot chocolate if they have it and the truffle, and the white chocolate passionfruit truffle. Actually, just about all their truffles and pastries are wonderful. The hot chocolate is so rich that we get one and share it between two people.
The bake-at-home items such as the chocolate sparkle cookies are a nice touch, as you can make them soft and chewy or crunchy according to taste.
I'd give this place 5 stars, but they're so busy there's usually a bit of a wait, and the prices are on the high side -- but you get what you pay for so it's worth it once or twice a month. I also like the fact that Thomas Haas himself is on site and keeps an eye on things, occasionally offering little samples. -
Review from Nadine N.
Vancouver, BC
9/17/2009 ROTD 2/20/2010
THANK GOD that I don't live or work near Thomas Haas. If I did, I'd surely gain 50 lbs. Their pastries are to die for! I especially love the double baked almond croissant. As much as I want to branch out, I just can't tear myself away from the double baked almond croissant long enough to try anything else.
Listed in: There's life on the other side…
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Review from Jodie O.
Toronto, ON
11/29/2010
This might just be heaven on earth. Hands down one of my favourite places I've ever been.(and yes that includes chocolate places in Belgium and Switzerland) I live in Toronto but whenever I go to Vancouver this is a must go place for me...atleast once or twice. I even have anyone I know who is travelling to Vancouver bring me home a box. If you've never been go NOW!!!!! Don't think about it....just go! Don't forget to check the secret little doors in the wall for free little morsels of goodness.
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Review from Robin D.
Vancouver, BC
11/20/2009
Holy fire-breathing hot chocolate is this place good. I took my parents to the new digs in Kitsilano and everyone was impressed. The place is a Christmas-modern paradise, with cool chocolate Santas, elaborate truffle trees and homemade stollen winking from every shelf. Makes me curious to know if the goods are prettier to look at than they are a joy to eat. If the hot chocolate is any indication, however, I better not buy any of these holiday treats because they would surely not make it to my loved-ones' stockings. I had the Aztec hot chocolate after reading the yelp accolades. It was great. Super Chocolately, but not too gourmet to actually consume. It had a nice cinnamon undertone and a flash of fire at the end that eventually cools down to a slow burn. Way spicier than Moonstruck's Mexican hot cocoa (Portland, Ore.). On a cold day it is double yum.
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Review from Sophia S.
Vancouver, BC
7/1/2009
Definitely the Best Chocolate in BC!!!
If your customer would drive across the border or take a 2-hour bus ride just to visit you, then you know that you have a remarkable business. Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates is located in a semi industrial area in North Vancouver, Canada. With almost no advertising, the business makes over 50,000 chocolates a week plus other pastries. "Chocolate Sparkle", was listed #17 on 2006 "Saveur 100: Favourites from the World of Food" http://www.npr.org/tem....
Surprisingly, the recipe of this "World's Best Cookies" is freely available on the internet. As Thomas said to McLean's, "I'm not worried about Auntie Sue from Ontario who's not going to order them anymore because now she can make them herself. She's so excited about it that she tells four other friends and then they order. It's KARMA or something."
You bet. Looking at the steady stream of people coming and the long line up at the counter, he must've created a great karma. Employing 25 people at a time, it's a busy wholesale operation. Yet, if you come to his cafe, you will meet Thomas himself, chatting with his customers (that he knows many of them by name), sharing his passion of chocolate & bicycling. http://www.thomashaas.... -
Review from Michael A.
North Vancouver, BC
2/18/2011
Being honest, i'm not much of a chocolate fan, but i do recognize greatness when i see it. I met Thomas a few days before his shop was set to open while on a bike ride through the ghost town which was the Harbourside at that time. I was amazed to see that someone had dared open a shop in that mall, and i will admit, i thought it was a terrible idea. He offered me a taste of some of his chocolates, which i gladly ate, and found that they were amazingly delicate and flavourful. My wife has never forgiven me for not having either taken some back for her, or for not having rushed home and fetched her to share in this moment of unfettered generosity. As it turns out, he's a really great guy too, not like those other chocolatier bastards. Since then we have not only frequented the shop for special celebrations but Thomas was kind enough, on Mother's day no-less, to insert an engagement ring into one of his chocolates and created a special heart shaped piece which read, "Wed Me". It was much better than the first one he made which said, "Wet Me", but to be fair, it was busy, and his english was insufferably terrible back then. We delight in his efforts to make perfect pieces and are glad to see that his decision to open up shop in such a terrible location has only proven to make visiting him more special, now that he's getting the recognition he deserves.
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Review from Brent F.
10/17/2009
one of the best chocolate experiences i've had.
the aztec hot chocolate was solid and well balanced.
very nice vanilla caramel truffle.
pain au chocolate has some of the tastiest chocolate i've ever tried.
my friend bought a bag of chocolate sparkle cookies and it was at that point that i really understood what this place was about. highly recommend those for a first time visitor. they're spectacularly good. -
Review from Richard J.
North Vancouver, BC
4/25/2009
This is the best chocolate anywhere and I don't say that lightly. The best desserts, too. Cakes to order or individual pastries all amazing. The Chocolate Sparkle cookies that you bake at home are awesome. Thomas is a true artist and is world renowned. The parking for this North Shore location can be a nightmare but it's worth the walk. They also serve great soups and sandwiches....but chocolate is where it's at here. Love it.
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Review from Ant L.
Burnaby, BC
5/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
My friend and I stopped by for an afternoon dessert fix. We ordered 4 mini-cakes to share, exotic cheese cake, manjori chocolate, almond mascapone and cassis. All excellent, but there's a reason Haas is well known for his chocolate mastery. One can taste the subtle differences of layers of chocolate within, all mixes harmoniously in your mouth. Very interesting location, across a high school in an industrial part of North Van. Probably a good thing so that I don't get tempted to visit too often.
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Review from Natasha L.
10/3/2008
Every Vancouver cake lover must come here. The desserts excellence is unparalleled. The chocolate cakes simply melts in your mouth. Stilton Cheesecake with Rhubarb Compote is one of my favorite. I have once bought 2 (TWO)Chocolate Pear Walnut over 3 days.The cakes are not only pretty, but they taste even better than they look. The location is not exactly strategic, but your drive will definitely be worth it.
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Review from Michael C.
North Vancouver, BC
8/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Sandwiches are amazing; the Moroccan Chicken, and Prosciutto are both delicious choices. On the beverage front, the Iced London fog is my staple, and it's no less than exquisite. Yes, I know this is largely a dessert/chocolate shop, but I enjoyed the other products enough I felt that my review be about them.
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Review from Victoria R.
BC
12/5/2008 3 photos
Chocolate Lovers unite under one roof and never leave. You know they say that chocolate produces a certain chemical in the brain to make you feel like you're falling in love and I am sure of this. I love chocolate and Thomas Haas makes it, handmakes it to say the least perfectly. Their sparkle cookie makes me want to curl up with sweetness. I love their hot chocolates too. The location is a wee bit out of the way and not conducive to getting a lot of walking traffic but I'm sure they're not interested in that anyways. They sell the Sparkle cookies at Whole Foods and Capers. His chocolate bars are very delicious. My favourite is the 70% dark cocoa bar or the exotic tea and spice infused chocolate bites. I personally don't like the Stilton Cheesecake but everyone else does. I stick to the chocolates, chocolates and chocolates.
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Review from Penny N.
Bowen Island, BC
11/3/2009
I stopped in to see what all the fuss was about not to mention the fact I had 3 hours to burn while my car was being fixed. My 4yo daughter is a connoisseur of fine pastries. I had an almond tart which was very good but not outstanding. My daughter picked a very colourful chocolate raspberry creation that was overwhelming but had an interesting hazelnut crust. We went back for sparkle cookies and macaroons which certainly lived up to the hype. I would go back for those but not the pastries. The sea salt caramels paled in comparison to those available at Cocoa West on Bowen Island.
