It has been three weeks since Joyce and I were in the Fraserhood. We had originally visited for an event and came earlier to explore the area. In doing so we stopped by Olivier to check out their offerings, attracted by their large and brightly lit showcases. However, closer to dinner most of it was empty, so to see it stocked full this Sunday morning was a treat.
Olivier’s original location is in Coquitlam, opened in 2009. Their goal has always been to bring authentic, French artisan bread to Vancouver, wanting to replicate their former boulangerie in France. Which means everything is made using butter with no dairy or gluten alternatives. They now sell their bread to over 400 supermarkets across BC and opened thisVancouver location in April of 2024.
My guest and I grabbed one of their wooden tables by the all glass front and sat down for a slow morning catch up. They have the traditional cafe drink of tea and coffee, plus all the typical milk alternatives.
We started with a matcha latte and London fog and appreciated how tall the glasses were, and how much more liquid we got because of it. Enough to slowly sip and take in the space.
They have a new avocado toast menu we thought to start out with. Three different types of mashed avocado on multi-grain toast. We passed on the classic with pickled onions, avocado, sesame seeds, olive oil, balsamic glaze, and salt & pepper; on peasant bread.
My guest got the Salmon avocado toast with avocado, salmon, pickled onions, sesame seeds, olive oil, and balsamic glaze. Tasty enough, but hard to cut through with the knife and fork we were given with it.
I went with the Mediterranean avocado toast and appreciated all the cheese crumbled on top. Avocado, goat cheese, sun-dried tomato, olive oil, and balsamic glaze. I just could have used more sun dried tomato slices for acidity and balance. Filling and satisfying, but the pasteries are really what you need to try.
They have shelves and showcases of traditional sweet that includes Mille-feuille, Madeleine, Macaron, Tarte Tatin, Éclair, Crème brûlée, Quiche, and Tartine. There are also sandwiches and salads for something heartier.
There were too many options, and my attention was already caught on their two colourful croissants right by the check out. A pine green pistachio with cream filling and a ruby red raspberry with gel filling. Each piped to order so that they stay crispy for longer.
In closing, it is a nice addition to the neighborhood, as a great place for the locals to spend their time, plus a solid stop for those looking for authentic French pastries and desserts.
Olivier’s La Boulangerie
3885 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4E3
(604) 559-8081
oliviersbreads.com
