I am SO happy this bakery/coffee shop opened up in the 'hood!
It just opened yesterday, April 7. I got to visit today and it is GREAT!
If you are familiar with Small Victory, you know how wonderful their breads and pastries are. I'm pleased to report that this new site has all thier expected bells and whistles - and then some!
This new site is huge (compared to thier other locations and the old Yaletown site, anyhow). There is a long counter and display case for their food items, and a separate beverage counter (which I think is smart).
Don't expect a vibrant interior; rather, the palette is muted and calming. They say they took inspiration from the nearby water and marinas, but to me it seemed rather monochromatic, with watery blues and aquamarine, and no artwork on the walls.
I liked the layout, with lots of seating areas (and more to come, when their spacious outdoor patio opens up). And the place is immaculate. Even the huge bathroom was immaculate. Like, hospital-clean. (I hope it all stays that way!).
Now for the food... oh, where to begin! (NOTE TO SELF: If you're on a diet, do NOT even walk through these doors! DANGER!). Everything looks bloody AMAZING. I shared with my kid an almond croissant and a pear danish. I also got a sample of a cinnamon croissant "bite" (like donut holes, but made from croissants). OMG. I'm from Montreal so I'm used to high quality croissants and I'm usually disappointed in pastries not from France or QC, but wow, these were wonderful. And all their tarts and cakes looked equally wonderful.
They have a huge selection of desserts, but I was most surprised by thier lunch and brunch offerings: so many sandwiches and "power bowls" and soups and, wow, their chicken pot pies looked fabulous, as did thier quiches. Just...wow. Tons of options. And then there are the beverages. You who know me know I love me my Starbucks, but I've been trying to only patronize Canadian places lately and only buy Canadian, so I got me a dirty chai here and, yes, it was different than my usual Starbucks but it was equally good. Just different. I plan on getting used to this drink here and only come here now (sorry Starbucks. It's not personal!).
Thier loaves of bread for sale looked amazing, too. I was just a bit disappointed that, with all thier bread options, they don't offer challah. Sad!
Lastly, I gotta say, the folks behind the counter here could NOT have been nicer or more knowledgable about the cafe and all its offerings. (David, I'm talking about YOU!). (Natalia, you were great too, as was my drink's barista). Everyone was super friendly and made my whole experience here top-notch. I already know that I'm going to be a regular.
Welcome to Yaletown, Small Victory! We are so glad you're here! read more