Valentine's Sweet Treats: Discover Calgary's Newest Bakeries for Love
This week is all about showing appreciation for our loved ones, whether they are romantic partners, close friends, or family members. While many people scramble to secure reservations at upscale romantic restaurants, there is a simpler and equally heartfelt way to express affection: through delicious, handcrafted baked goods. Instead of stressing over fully booked dining spots, consider treating your special someone to buttery, flaky, or chocolatey confections from Calgary's latest bakery additions.
Calgary's Evolving Bakery Scene
Calgary has long been home to beloved bakeries such as Mari, Manuel Latruwe, and Glamorgan Bakery, which have built loyal followings over the years. However, as the city continues to grow, so does its culinary landscape, with new and new-ish bake shops emerging to offer fresh and exciting options. Valentine's Day presents the perfect opportunity to explore these establishments and find something sweet or savory that will make your beloved's heart skip a beat.
Canela Vegan Bakery and Café: Plant-Based Perfection
Canela Vegan Bakery and Café has already made a name for itself within Calgary's plant-based community, but its recent expansion has made it more accessible than ever. In addition to its original flagship location in Inglewood, Canela has opened a new spot in Bridgeland, catering to vegans and non-vegans alike who crave high-quality baked goods.
Vegan baking involves replacing traditional ingredients like eggs, dairy, and butter with alternatives such as non-dairy milk, egg substitutes, and margarine. Canela excels in this craft, offering a diverse array of items including filled Danishes, croissants, tarts, brownies, and nostalgic Pop-Tarts. Each product is meticulously crafted to ensure it is not only vegan but also exceptionally delicious.
"One thing I love about vegan food and vegan ingredients is that everything is very intentional," says Andie Amaya of Canela. This attention to detail results in treats that often rival or even surpass their non-vegan counterparts. The new Inglewood location also features a weekend vegan brunch, adding another reason to visit.
Locations: 208 4th St. N.E. and 1319 9th Ave. S.E. Closed on Mondays.
Patisserie Louise: Elegant French-Inspired Delights
Patisserie Louise began as an online, home-based business in June 2024, specializing in exquisite French-style pastries. In December of that year, founders Djim and Louise Tondoh took a significant step forward by opening a stunning dessert boutique in Inglewood. Louise, the head pastry chef, developed her passion for French patisseries while growing up in Côte d'Ivoire and has brought that expertise to Calgary.
Upon entering Patisserie Louise, visitors are greeted by a sleek and sophisticated showroom that might seem intimidating at first glance. However, the friendly staff quickly put customers at ease, showcasing the daily selection of about a dozen desserts displayed under glass cloches. Options include individual-sized fraisiers, slices of creamy French flan, fruit tartlets, and other beautifully prepared confections.
The patisserie also offers larger-format cakes, tarts, and Charlottes, which require at least three days' advance ordering. This makes it an ideal choice for those planning a special Valentine's Day celebration.
Whether you are vegan, a fan of French pastries, or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate love, these new Calgary bakeries provide delightful alternatives to traditional Valentine's Day gestures. Embrace the sweetness of the season by exploring these culinary gems and sharing their creations with those who matter most.
