The future of baking is plant-based. At least, that’s what Erin Ireland of To Live For has coined as her bakery’s slogan. ICYMI, the beloved vegan pop-up that took Vancouver by storm twelve years ago (and every day since) is finally getting its own brick-and-mortar location in East Vancouver. A perfect fit, if you ask us!
And we won’t have to wait too much longer until its doors are finally open. The bakery-cafe shared with Curiocity that they’re planning to soft launch on Saturday, November 19th – so mark your calendars & get ready for a fantastic new spot for vegan treats.
The space
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When scouting for potential locations, Ireland said she initially wrote off the Nanaimo Street area. However, after taking a closer look with her realtor, she found the perfect place to set up shop & expand her vision.
“When I saw the space (which was under construction at the time), I got really, really excited. I love this neighbourhood and I love the space—it’s large enough for our growing bakery production as well as a small cafe storefront. We’ll be set within a small residential building (I love having neighbours so close-by), and being just off of 1st ave, it’s convenient to get to from the North Shore, Tri-cities and Fraser Valley.”
Construction was completed over the spring and summer, with an original projected opening of late summer or early fall. But good things always come to those who wait – and this naturally lit space with cozy nooks and window seating is a prime example.
With the first test batch at the bakery complete, it’s only a matter of crossing some ‘T’s and dotting a few I’s before the new spot fully opens.
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The eats
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Now, as for food–the new cafe will serve all the delicious baked goods you know and love. Their famous banana bread that started it all, their new carrot cake with dairy-free frosting and their melt-in-your-mouth salted double chocolate cookies are all slated to make an appearance on their menu.
What’s new? A lot – actually. Ireland and the bakery team have been working tirelessly over the past few months to fully stock their pastry case and develop some exciting new offerings. Expect cinnamon buns, muffins, brownies, scones, Nanaimo bars, Chef Thibault’s flaky croissants, and much more.
Ireland even teamed up with Salvatore Boccarossa from Passione Gelato (and now Motoretta Gelato) to create a delicious, dairy-free soft-serve recipe. So yeah, lots of exciting things going on in the kitchen!
Photos via To Live For
Lastly, we wanted to touch on one of the main features in store for the cafe: a cake decorating centre. Guests will be able to watch the decorator make custom cakes through a glass wall separating the cafe area from the kitchen.
And if you can’t wait until the soft opening to load up on delicious treats, To Live For is offering its long-standing curbside pick-up menu. Stay tuned via socials for more updates as they unfold.
We’ll see you there, Vancouver!
To Live For Bakery & Cafe
When: Soft opening on Saturday, November 19th
Where: 1508 Nanaimo Street
