Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a wedding or a celebration for Mother’s Day, cake is always part of the plan. Here are some cool ideas for places to have your cake or just share it with someone you love.
Goodside Pastry House
For beautiful mousse cakes — think mascarpone mousse layered with coffee-soaked joconde on a crispy hazelnut feuilletine base — GoodSide is our go-to pâtisserie. They also offer absolutely gorgeous little domed entremets (cakes encased in mousse, enrobed with glaze and topped with fine decorations) for one or two to share. goodsidepastryhouse.ca
Ooh La La
This long-time favourite spot is known for its cupcakes and cakes, including their signature layer cakes (such as red velvet or salted caramel) as well as seasonal bakes and all manner of creative bespoke cakes for celebrations, even vegan and gluten-free options. oohlalacupcakes.ca
Ruth & Dean
This little café in Estevan Village is the place to stop for a slice of the cake of the day. They don’t make custom cakes to order, but walk-in customers can often find today’s cake in the cooler to take home. ruthanddean.com
Northern Bars
This is the nifty Nanaimo bar in a box, a Vancouver-made treat that turns a family favourite dessert into stylish little bites. Packaged like a beautiful box of chocolates, they’re perfect as host gifts, party favours or a present for yourself. northernbars.ca
Cake Cards
When you can’t be there to deliver a cake for someone’s birthday, you can mail an InstaCake Card instead. Sarah Neal makes InstaCake Cards in Lantzville (just outside Nanaimo) — greeting cards with a little cake mix and pop-up microwaveable cup in each one. They send it all for you, including a custom message of your choice. instacakecards.com/shop