May 29, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Sooke, Culinary Tours & Schools
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How pleased we were that the Little Vienna Bakery chose to advertise 'Cheese' on it's main road facing sign! We'd left Vancouver on a 8am ferry to Swartz Bay. By 11:30am we were at our destination of Sooke and it felt a world away. Never to miss a fine European cheese selection, and ready for a healthy lunch, we hopefully entered the Little Vienna Bakery. Travelling with a gluten allergy is challenging to say the least. Trying to get lunch at a bakery usually ends in disappointment. This bakery was a marvellous exception.
When we sheepishly inquired of a gluten-free possibility, Michele, the proprietor, enthusiastically came out from behind her counter and regaled us with CHOICES of bakery treats and promises of a freshly baked loaf. This was enough to make our hearts sing. The most divine mushroom soup alongside my turkey and havarti sandwich on mmmmm....bakery fresh bread was enough to start looking into Sooke real estate. We couldn't resist taking away flourless chocolate cake for later. It was devoured within the half hour.
If not tuned into 'cheese' signage, The Little Vienna Bakery would be regretably easy to miss - blending in with other less interesting looking small businesses on the right side of the main road coming into Sooke-central. However, inside is a cerebrally-skewed microcosim of the town. Yes, it's a relaxing locals hangout and they probably want to keep it that way. Their secret outstanding lunch spot and repreive - all to themselves. Don't let them. Two weeks later, and my mouth's still watering at the memory.