baking

Since visiting Shorewolf Farm Bakery last week, it seemed like a good idea to check out the place where Shorewolf gets its flour: True Grain Bakery in Cowichan Bay. At only a 90-minute drive from home, it made for the perfect little road trip—and as you may know, I do enjoy a good road trip.

True Grain Bakery is located on the main street of the charming village of Cowichan Bay. Since 2004, the folks at True Grain have been milling their own flour, including Red Fife, rye, spelt, and several other heritage grains. Everything is stone-ground in small batches, using organic grains sourced locally whenever possible.

Their flours are available for purchase in small, medium, and large bags, and they also offer online ordering with shipping across Canada.

Now, let’s get to the baked goods!

Croissants, scones, apple strudels, buns, baguettes, bagels, and several varieties of sourdough bread fill the shelves. The bakery looks and smells absolutely wonderful. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions about their products. There’s also a small patio outside where you can enjoy a coffee and a pastry. We did exactly that, sampling a delicious pain au chocolat and an apple strudel. Both were excellent.

In addition to their baked goods and flour, True Grain produces its own dried pasta, pancake mix, and rolled oats.

True Grain is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and also operates a second location in Summerland, B.C.

If you’re heading to or from Victoria, make a point of stopping by. It’s well worth the visit. Cowichan Bay itself is a delightful village with unique shops, restaurants, and an excellent maritime museum. Unfortunately, the Rock Cod Café, long known for its outstanding fish and chips, closed a couple of years ago. A Chinese restaurant now occupies the space.

For more information on True Grain, visit their website:

https://www.truegrain.ca

I continue to be amazed by the food scene and agricultural richness of Vancouver Island. From artisan bakeries and local farms to talented chefs and food producers, it’s truly something special.

Just saying…

In the last 50 or 60 years I have driven through Ladysmith several hundred times. Every two weeks for 20 years when I was working. But in all those trips I have only ventured off the highway about half a dozen times. And never have I taken time to visit the infamous Old Town Bakery. Until this week.

Off we went, a 45 minute drive from FRENCH CREEK. We arrived just after noon and immediately found a table since we planned to have lunch. There are only 6 tables. A short line up to order whilst overseeing some serious deliciousness. Everything from sandwich’s, meat pies, scones, bread, danish pasties and of course, the famous Cinnamon Buns. Best on the Island award for these apparently. We chose the soup of the day, a very unique Minestrone, a Blueberry Scone and an Italian Pastry. We ordered, paid and very promptly the delights arrived at our table. Excellent! Top marks for everything.

As we noshed, the lineup increased until it was out the door. Hungry customers just kept appearing. Some for take out some for eat in. A older couple next to us shared a Cinnamon Roll, each with a fork, attacking it with some serious gusto.

In the window next door you can watch the talented staff icing and decorating cakes. Oh my ! They look fabulous. They do custom cakes if you have a special occasion on the horizon. I’ve think it would be a great idea.

The Building has housed a bakery since 1932 under various Ownership and names. In 2002 the current owners took charge and renamed it OLD TOWN BAKERY. Based on the crowd of customers they know what they are doing and doing it well. Great to see.

If you are passing through Ladysmith and crossing the 49th Parallel and have not made the Cinnamon Roll pilgrimage you really must. Stop in for a cappuccino and a pastry, have lunch or get some of the wonderful fare for the road.

Check out their website https://www.oldtownbakery.ca/

Old Town Bakery is on top of the hill on the main drag in Ladysmith. Big Maroon Awning, easy to find. Just follow someone. They are probably going to the bakery.

Just saying…

MURPH..Just Saying.

More Sourdough.

Cinnamon Buns in Ladysmith