where jess ate

Many people, myself included, have preconceived notions about vegan food. This all changed for me after a visit to Tori’s Bakeshop (@torisbakeshop).

Open every day from 8am (except Mondays), this bakery/café serves up all natural vegan baked goods and sandwiches. Those with gluten allergies will also be in for a treat as Tori’s has a wide selection of gluten-free products.

Tori’s Bakeshop is located in the Beaches, at Queen and Balsam. The bakery’s cute exterior gives you a little taste of the décor inside. Upon entering, I fell in love with the space. While it was a little small, it was really cute and quaint with a very warm and welcoming feel to it.

I started out with something on the savoury side, the Cheese & Chive Biscuit ($3), served with side of “butter.” I was halfway through eating the biscuit with butter before realizing that this was a “cheese” biscuit with “butter.”

I asked Tori about the “cheddar cheese” in the biscuit, and she told me that the cheese is actually made from tapioca starch. As for the butter, there’s a company called Earth Balance that produces a variety of all natural spreads – “butter” included. Interesting, eh? The biscuit was a delicious savoury treat which I never would’ve guessed was vegan!

Since its fall, the café is currently featuring fall items including many pumpkin-inspired goodies. I tried a slice of Pumpkin Pie ($4). They asked if I wanted it with a side of coconut whipped cream. You know I’m not going to refuse that!

While I never thought of coconut and pumpkin as a good pair, it all worked as the whipped cream had a very subtle coconut flavour. With flavours of cinnamon, allspice and ginger, the pie simply tasted like a bite of fall.

Last, but certainly not least, was the Double Chocolate Donut ($2.50). In addition to being vegan, Tori’s donuts are gluten-free and soy-free. I’m not sure how they do it, but the donut was absolutely amazing!

Don’t let the small size of these donuts fool you – they are quite dense (and ridiculously delicious). The donut had a nice chocolate flavour and was really moist. I’m still in shock that a donut without dairy or eggs could taste this good.

The café also serves coffee and espresso drinks (made with soy milk) for those who want a little something to accompany their sweets.

Overall, I had a great experience at Tori’s – loved the atmosphere and loved the food. For those of you who know me, you know I’d have a difficult time going without meat-based products. But I can assure you, they won’t be missed at Tori’s!

*This was a complimentary meal. The opinions in the post are my own.*

At a glance:
• An all natural, organic, vegan bakery/cafe
• Many gluten-free products available
• Located in the beaches
• Open everyday (except Mondays) from 8am
• Warm & welcoming atmosphere