Bloomer's on Queen
Bloomer's has been known as one of Toronto's best vegan bakeries turning out some of the yummiest donuts and birthday cakes free of animal products in the city.
This is their second location , and unlike their first, it's more bakery-focused without a full kitchen or liquor license.
Most of the space is taken up by a much larger pastry case than at the other location, as well as a freezer where full-sized cakes and pies are stocked. There's WiFi and seating at the back, plus a backyard patio with a mural by a local artist.
Donuts ($3.50) are handmade fresh every day, massive, puffy vegan affairs.
Rose pistachio, birthday cake, sprinkle and cinnamon sugar varieties are available every day.
There are also varieties like strawberry with a thick glaze made using real fruit puree for a strong punch of natural sweetness.
A maple walnut donut has a fall flavour profile to it, warmly sweet with a nutty crunch.
Everything and sesame bagels get the vegan treatment too, available served with vegan cream cheeses and jams.
They're also available in packs only at this location.
Don't fill up on donuts and miss out on other stealth hit baked goods like carrot cake ($5), mini loaves topped with "cream cheese" icing.
Six-inch cakes start at $35 ($45 for gluten-free) and serve about six to 10 people. Cakes were previously only available with advance notice, but here they stock a couple last-minute cakes in the freezer in varieties like vanilla, chocolate, lemon, salted caramel pecan and gluten-free carrot.
While they don't have full restaurant offerings here, sandwiches like a spicy, crunchy cauliflower po'boy or a vegan "bacon egg n' cheese" with tofu scramble and bean bacon are $10.
A wedgy, nourishing tofu club goes for $13, bread actually all house-made as well.
These sammies are also available in convenient grab-and-go formats, the same as other Bloomer's favourites like their mac n' cheese, Cobb salad and "Other Bowl."
Reunion Island custom roasts coffee for Bloomer's, lattes for $4.10 made with dairy alternatives like coconut milk.
Slightly sweet and nutty, the coconut pairs well with the chocolatey custom blend.
Add a donut bite to your drink order for a dollar upcharge.
This is a great way to experience just a morsel of some truly legendary donuts without having to take a bite out of your friend's, and the dipping opportunities are wondrous.
Savoury meat pies and scones in varieties like cheddar broccoli and tomato cheddar rosemary are also in stock here. The exterior sign was created by the same local artisan behind the sign at the original location. Take care to note Bloomer's is cashless.
Hector Vasquez