Burger Heaven at Max’s Burger

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Fantastic burger (The Max) from Max’s Burger on 8th and Cambie, this place is a hidden gem. There’s really no comparison to grass-fed beef, and these guys know how to make a proper burger. Best of all, the variety of bun options, whole wheat, gluten free, vegan, and regular ol’ hamburger bun! We all agreed the gluten-free bun was one of the best gluten-free bread products we’ve tasted in a restaurant. Yam fries were tasty too! Overall nothing was too heavily salted or over seasoned, just fresh ingredients done right. Move over Vera’s, I’m all about Max.

photo 3-8Oh, and then we had the cheesecake. Scrumtrulescent. The crust was nothing special, but the cheesecake part was creamy and tasted homemade. We’re going back for sure.
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Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery

On a recent walk through the Cambie Village area I discovered a new(ish) local gem, the Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery. Open for about three months now, this boutique bakery entices you indoors with its urban chic charm and sweet heavenly aroma. Once inside, don’t eat everything at once. Delectables include sweet and savory breads and muffins, scones, cookies, bars and drool-worthy personal sized cakes (oh my!).

The ruby-red and golden-yellow fruit drew me in, the light flakey pastry sealed the deal. This Peach and Raspberry Crostata balanced the natural sweetness of the fruit with a pie crust close to perfection. Their website boats you can’t tell the pastry is gluten-free and I challenge anyone to taste a difference because I certainly couldn’t. If only all gluten-free treats tasted so sweet!

I’m a sucker for lemon desserts so I had to try the lemon bar. I wasn’t disappointed by this dessert with its shaved white chocolate curls atop a creamy lemon custard. It was a littler more tart than it was sweet but very enjoyable.

For Phil’s birthday I had to get him the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse. The flavour combination has never been my favourite (gasp, I know) but for Phil it was perfect, and I have to admit it the rich flavours were well-balanced.

I’m so happy to have found this bakery. From their friendly staff who answer any dietary question to the affordable prices (for gluten-free products), Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery is a welcomed addition to the block. The walls of cookies, flours, loaves and buns will have me coming back until I’ve tried everything.

Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery on Urbanspoon