Sherman's Food Adventures: West Side Bakery

West Side Bakery

A long time ago, when I was first going for my driver's license, my instructor had introduced me to some very delicious butter cheese buns. As odd as that just sounded, it is a true story. He was taking me through dry runs of my road test around the Kitsilano Driver's Services on McDonald Street and brought me to West Side Bakery (I'm not sure if it was that name that back then). He was ranting and raving about these cheese buns. For me, I was thinking that he was a bit strange for: (a) bringing me to a bakery and (b) seeming so enthusiastic about these "buns". Whatever the case, I'm game for anything and I tried some of those cheese buns. I gotta say, those were some pretty tasty cheese buns. They don't look like much; but there is a good amount of cheese within buttery "croissant-like" bun. Healthy eating? Nah, take that Krispy Kreme!

Honestly, these cheese buns are best when you either get them fresh outta the oven or nuke 'em for a bit. What you get is nice soft pastry with melted cheddar cheese. Now, if you're wondering why I can't just go to Safeway and buy some of their cheese buns, it's just not the same. The ones at supermarkets seem a bit hard and not all that cheesy. Today, I was only able to get 2 of them since that's all they had left! I was a bit disappointed at only getting 2; but it was better than none I suppose. Trying to avoid the dreaded tax, I ended up getting 4 cookies to bring my total to a half dozen. I got 2 each of the butter chocolate marble and butter sprinkle cookies. I didn't actually try them since my kids wanted it all to themselves. They looked good and the kids liked them. While I was there, a few people came in to get fresh bread. That also looked good. Maybe next time I'll visit the bakery earlier so I don't miss out on the cheese buns. Looks like my ol' driving instructor must've introduced quite a few people to his favourite buns...

The Good:
- Great cheese buns
- Other items seem quite good

The Bad:
- It's a small place, not much selection

West Side Bakery on Urbanspoon

8 comments:

Chris said...

Sounds good. The buns look more like pop overs; made in a muffin tin or something. Being the baker I am, the best thing about your own cheese buns is adding as much or as little as you want!

Those cookies are shaped so perfectly.

Sherman Chan said...

That's a good point Chris... I think I might make my own and add a whack load of cheese in it. Strange thing, one of my friends in Edmonton is also a baker! Coincidence?

Andy Kit_on said...

West Side Bakery is the best. I've gone there forever. They have the cutest little bday cakes that are around 6 bucks if I remember correctly.

I adore and I mean ADORE the almond tarts....wholly crap they are the best. Great place and cheap compared to the "chains"...I love the joint and hope it never goes away.

Sherman Chan said...

Hi Andy, Westside is quite a hidden gem. I wouldn't have known about it if my driving instructor didn't send me there.

monique said...

Word on the street is that Westside Bakery has undergone new ownership, cheesy buns are no more - at this location at least - and Ray (former owner) has moved to or opened a new bakery in Burnaby??

Would you know where those cheesy buns can now be found? Please let us know if you're able to do dig anything up!

Sherman Chan said...

@Monique Noooooo! Lemme see what I can find out...

monique said...

spurred by my love of ray's cheesy buns, i'm happy to say that i've been reunited with the best buns in the business (his tagline, not mine) at Ray's Bakery in Burnaby.

time for a new review sherman?? :)

http://rays-bakery.com/contact/default.html

Sherman Chan said...

@monique Thanks for the tip! :)

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