I've heard of this place from some of my neighbors for a few years now, as they purchase their…read morebread from here. And I have walked past it a lot in the summer, when I go on long seawall walks, often walking back on Beach Ave. This place is on Beach, by the underside of the Burrard Bridge and the hanging chandelier there.
Whenever I've passed Tartine, I've made a mental note to visit. In the summer, there are a few bistro tables outside with people drinking coffees and eating the most scrumptious-looking pastries and croissants. And the aroma that's wafted out of this place at times has been heavenly. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats the aroma that emanates from a bakery.
I finally ventured inside the other day, as I was in the area and I was in the market to get some bread.
The interior is small, and it was cramped with tables in close proximity to each other, and lots of people inside. The counter had three people behind it, and they were busy ringing up orders and getting foods from the back and preparing bags for pick-up. TBH it looked a little chaotic, and I just stood at the counter, waiting for someone to be free to help me. No-one looked up or acknowledged me or said they'd help me in a second. So it was kinda weird. (No-one else was standing at the counter. Everyone else was seated at tables).
I took the time to read the menu on the wall and look at the foods in the display case. Wow, the pies looked insanely good. Lots of sandwiches. I saw the racks of fresh bread loafs in the back. Lots of beverages listed on the chalk menu on the wall. I was REALLY impressed with their prices here. Without exception, everything here was less expensive than any cafe or bakery in town. Sometimes items were just $1-$2 less, but across the board, everything was less: coffees, pastries, breads. Nice!!!
Finally a girl looked up and asked what she could get for me. I asked what kind of breads they had, specifically, if they had a challah bread. She looked at me like I was from Mars. I had to explain what challah bread is. (Is it that obscure, that someone in a bakery wouldn't have heard of it? This blew me away). Anyhow, no, needless to say, they don't have challah here. Bummer. She listed all the other types of bread. I asked if they had a baguette and she said, yes, she forgot to mention that! So I got the baguette (it was $3 and change).
When I got home, my kid and I ripped right into that baguette (we are bread fiends!) and wow, it was SO fresh and so good, with the perfect crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior. For $3 and change! Great bread, great price.
Despite their not having challah and their chaotic counter, I really liked this place. It'd be perfect for getting a bougie sandwich and/or pastry and coffee, to go and having a little picnic by the seawall when the weather gets warmer. The prices are great, and the food looks amazing.