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Kamloops  

Let's Eat: Gold Leaf Pastries in Kamloops is bound to have a cult following

Aberdeen is home to a Red Seal Pastry Chef serving fine French pastries and desserts.

After the first bite of a trio of Gold Leaf Pastries, I knew that I would be a return customer. Truth be told, I did not expect to find macarons in Kamloops that I savoured more than the ones I once enjoyed in Paris. Red Seal pastry chef Carly Harding is at the helm of the 14-1415 Hillside Dr. storefront, where she makes fine French pastries that are bound to gather a cult following.

cake2Each macaron flavour provides a different textural and sensory experience. (via Emiko Ohama)

The first macaron I tried was a tangy explosion of delicious passion fruit jelly, perfectly melded in a layer of real buttercream that was encapsulated by a thin, fragile, and yet satisfyingly crisp outer shell. A dusting of yuzu powder topped it off. The gluten-free passion fruit macaron is one of my personal favourites (it tends to rotate into the feature flavour line-up bi-weekly).

Another macaron flavour that made it high up on my list was a classic: the raspberry. Dried, ripe-red flakes on the outside added another dimension of flavour to its authentic raspberry filling. Since Gold Leaf Pastries' storefront in Aberdeen has been open for four months now, I’ve popped in for their drip coffee paired with a raspberry macaron at various times.

Let me tell you, there’s something that’s been particularly special on each of my 9 a.m. Saturday morning visits: I’ve experienced a change of temperature between the macaron’s crisp outer shell and its refreshingly cool raspberry centre. There’s only one problem. Macaron tasting might just be a pleasure-filled experience that leaves you craving more throughout the week.

According to the friendly staff, Gold Leaf Pastries is the only place in town that offers a praline crunch macaron with hazelnut buttercream, pailleté feuilletine, and praline paste. Although it’s the only macaron offered that isn’t gluten-free, it boasts a delightfully crunchy centre. This macaron’s textures were perfectly balanced and proved worthy of its in-house “Signature Macaron” status.

They also offer an edible giftware section filled with New Moon Teas, JJ Bean Coffee, pastry books and Black Salt Catering sauces (the books aren't edible).

cake3The perfect hostess gift. (via Emiko Ohama)

Moving onto the chocolate cake… rather, the chocolate quinoa cake. This cake was ultra moist with layer upon layer of decadent Lindt chocolate. It also possessed a genuine cake texture, regardless of holding ‘gluten-free’ status. Although there was a gourmet price point associated, this chocolate masterpiece made with quality ingredients and worth every pretty penny.

Next up, the Kouign Amann. A very pleasurable croissant dough baked with caramel and chocolate paste. It was topped with a generous serving of Dolce De Leche and decorated with milk chocolate balls.

Lastly, I’m not sure where Gold Leaf Pastries source the cherries for their Danish, but they were very flavourful and bulged in an aesthetically pleasing way. The cherries were well paired with a muted cream cheese and flaky pastry.

Overall, I’m going to make the bold prediction that Gold Leaf Pastries is going to garner a cult following in Kamloops. Even my relatives — from the big city — smacked their lips in approval after testing the box of macarons I brought out to Toronto a few weeks ago!

Gold Leaf Pastries is a place where you can pick up a quick treat to go, make a bulk order, or relax with friends as you sit in either an outdoor patio section or at one of their indoor tables. Inside, I’ve enjoyed the ambience. Comforting sounds from the kitchen remind me of home, and sometimes, the sunlight shines through the mountain-facing window. Perhaps it will illuminate your next indulgence.

Emiko Ohama is a Kamloops resident, writer, photographer and speaker. When she's not searching for her next local establishment to review, she’s either working as a Kinesiologist, volunteering in the community, or travelling. You can now follow her journey on Instagram.



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