Fol Epi - Victoria

The only place in town I know of that can do a proper canelé de bordeaux! One of my all time favourite pastries. :

What do you know of panetonne? It's the dry, tasteless bread that comes in the octagon box. Right? WRONG. That my friend is an imposter. And imposters have been fooling us our entire lifes, convincing us that panetonne is the perfect day old bread for our french toast or bread pudding. Real panetonne is nothing of the sort.<br/ <br/ I had the pleasure of savouring a slice from Fol Epi. This sweetbread is a game changer. It's moist, light, flecked with vanilla and studded with raisins and citrus. I tried it as is and toasted with butter. Both delicious!<br/ <br/ It's truly worth the whopping $35 price tag. I know. I know! That's expensive for *one* loaf. But with multiple sizes, you don't have to make such a big investment :p I just had to try it after watching thier process on the tv show, Food Factory. And wow, am I ever impressed with the amount of work that goes into making these. And double wow, thier panetonne tastes A M A Z I N G. I have fallen in love with it so much, that after the first slice, I decided it's officially part of our holiday tradition. Maybe if you try it, it'll be a new holiday tradition for you too.<br/ <br/ <br/ This hip bakery is neighbors with Fantastico coffee. It's a popular place for MeetUps especially cycling ones because it's right along the Galloping Goose Trail. The building, Dockside Green, is known for it's sustainability and has beautiful water features and outdoor seating. Fantastico has recently expanded thier space, adding more offerings and seating to the area in general. You can enjoy a view of the waterline that leads to Point Hope Ship Yards.<br/ <br/ Fol Epi has baked delights that are not common in every bakery, like caneles. A custard like dessert that is so caramelized on the outside, some might mistake them to be burnt. But you know better! It's supposed to be that way! I'll also mention thier rhubarb strudel. Only available seasonally, this was so delightfully flavour packed, I promptly returned for a second so my partner could experience the deliciousness. Except that I ate it. Oops.<br/ <br/ They carry an assortment of well made, individual desserts with thier unique take, as well as a selection of fresh baked breads. Next time you're looking for a great place to hang out and enjoy a sweet treat and hot drink check this place out.

Agree that while this bakery is nice, the viennoiserie didn't quite live up to my expectations. Maybe there isn't much competition in town? I'll try a macaron or a slice of cake next time.

Outstanding. European style bakery one of the best on the island

Go. You will NOT regret it.. Simply amazing. Fol Epi has some amazing food. Basically all the macarons are to die for. The scenery is gorgeous and the coffee is great. You will not regret going here. It's a must-stop every time I'm in Victoria!