East Village Bakery - Vancouver, BC

A small bakery hidden on East Hastings and we would have driven by if I had not spotted it while stuck in traffic.  I only found out about this place because a picture of one of their tarts popped up on my Twitter feed - I don't know when or from whom or from where but I'm glad it did or I wouldn't have found this place otherwise.  

East Village Bakery specializes in artisan breads, pies and assorted pastries that are gluten-free but they have gluten-full options as well.  The smell emanating from this place is intoxicating but we have places to go and people to see so we don't have all day to bask in the aroma of freshly baked goods.  Mr. Piglet and I pick a few items and take it home for a try...

Gluten-Free Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownie - $3

It's the perfect amount of moistness - not too greasy but not too dry.  And when you first take a bite, you taste some really deep chocolate and as you're chewing, the heat creeps up on you and BAM!  Then you're basking in the spicy chocolate.  So good.  I take two bites and hand it over to Mr. Piglet and he quickly finishes it off before I can ask for another bite.  He can't help it.  He has a problem.

Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Rhubarb Tart - $4.75

There's rhubarb in here?  I wouldn't know because all I can taste is the apple, which is wonderful but completely overpowers everything else.  I like the thick crumble on top which is not too sweet as it gives the apple a break.  Mr. Piglet says it's good but not great and I agree with him.  Next!

Blueberry and White Chocolate Scone - $2.75

Light, fluffy and just generally delicious.  The white chocolate is a bit lost but the blueberries are right there to make up for it - and it's all about the blueberries right now since they're in season.  Nice crispy crust on the outside and soft fluffy scone on the inside.  I would come back for this anytime.

Gluten-Free Blueberry Crostata - $4.25

It's as delicious as it looks folks!  Light flaky pastry crust with a nice crunch from the sugar topping and sweet moist blueberries within.  Not too sweet - perfect for an afternoon nibble or after dinner dessert.  As Mr. Piglet eats it, all he can say is "oh mmmmmm".  That's a good sign.

Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crostata - $4.25

Lovely crust again - it's crispy but light and there's that nice crunch from the sugar but again, all I can taste is apple.  Where's the rhubarb??

Gluten-Free Lemon Tart (6") - $10

EVB does a good crust - again, here, lovely crust that's more dense and reminds me of a shortbread rather than a pie crust.  The lemon filling is smooth and very lemony but not so much that it's unbearable although I wish it did come with some type of whipped side to cut they tartness.  Very good and anyone who's a fan of lemon should give this tart a try.


It's a neighbourhood gem that caters to the sweet tooth and the gluten-intolerant.  Baked locally and with heart, it's definitely an endearing place.  In saying that, if we lived in the neighbourhood, we'd definitely drop by for a crostata or scone but since we live quite a distance away, we probably can't make it back anytime soon just because of the long drive.  So if you wander nearby, drop in because the brownie and scone are pretty worth it.  Bon appetite!

Pros:

• Many gluten-free and vegan options available
• Friendly service
• Free parking nearby

Cons:

• On the pricey side - the lemon tart was only 6"!
• Location is very remote - there's nothing really around here