Topics
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Sneak peak: high-end baked treats
: Posted in by Justin on 12.16.2009
Are you into high-end treats? Here’s a sneak peak at something we’re releasing today.
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Holiday Hours
: Posted in by Garner on 12.08.2009
We’ll be closing early on Thursday the 24th at 3:00 pm and will re-open on the 30th and 31st. We will then be closed on New Years day and will reopen on Wednesday, January 6th. Happy holidays everyone!
(closed Dec. 25 – 29th, January 1st – 6th)
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Christmas orders
: Posted in by Garner on 12.08.2009
We are now taking orders for Christmas! We have some great items for Christmas including a traditional Büche de Noél and gingerbread flavoured macarons. We also have lots of pre-packaged items including spiced nuts, marshmallows and macarons perfect for stocking stuffers. We are accepting orders up until the 20th so make sure you call and get yours in early.
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Espresso machine woes
: Posted in by Garner on 12.03.2009
Our espresso machine decided to give up the ghost today in a somewhat spectacular fashion replete with plentiful steam. Unfortunately this means that until we can repair / replace it we will be unable to serve bar drinks including steamed milk and hot chocolate. We will however still be able to serve tea and coffee in our french presses albeit at a slightly slower pace. We apologize for the inconvenience for those who come in looking for a hot cappuccino on a cold day. Be rest assured we are doing everything we can to remedy the situation.
Sincerely,
Garner Beggs
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Something new: a macaron tree!
: Posted in by Justin on 12.02.2009
Look for some new products to be appearing for the holiday season such as our small macaron trees. Nine macarons are affixed to a white chocolate cone to create a delicious and attrative centerpiece. We hope to have our full holiday season menu posted on-line shortly.
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Garner interviewed by Vue magazine
: Posted in by Justin on 11.19.2009
Sharon Yeo recently interviewed shop owner Garner Beggs for a feature in Vue Weekly. Here is a quote, where Garner talks about the importance of croissant education:
Beyond filling a patisserie void in the city, Beggs has taken on the role of an educator as well. He is passionate about ensuring that patrons are keenly aware of the products. “I want people to know why it’s a croissant,” he explains. “It’s not just a funny-shaped white bun that you get out of a bin. There’s a culture behind it, a history and a technique, and a reason behind the technique.” It seems like Beggs never really did leave his educational tendencies behind. “I absolutely want to teach people about it,” he laughs, “because I guess I’m still a teacher.”
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On running out of product.
: Posted in by Garner on 11.11.2009
Some people may have noticed (rather a lot really) that on busy days at the bakeshop we tend to sell out of items. On days that are extremely busy, such as last Saturday, we may even sell out of everything. While we obviously want to be able to sastify everybody, there are definite limits as to how much we are able to produce on a given day. Having been open for only a month there is a significant amount of equipment that we are lacking and do not have a large staff. Also, the fact that we make everything from scratch means that in the event of a busy day, we are not able to simply pull product out of the freezer or make up a batch of filling from a mix. Apples have to be washed, peeled and cut by hand, dough has to be first made from sugar and flour and butter and then rolled out, again, by hand. Croissant in particular take a great deal of time and effort to make and once they run out for the day it is very challenging to make any more.
I’m very thankful to the vast majority of customers who have been understanding and patient when they arrive at the shop only to find that the macaron or croissant or eclairs have already sold. For the very few who have been upset I’d ask that you be patient and try to understand that an enourmous amount of effort goes into making these products and that we are first time business owners who have a great deal to learn.
Again a huge thankyou to everybody who has supported us and given their encouragment to myself and our staff. We will continue to try to meet the demand and provide the best quality baking that we possibly can.
Sincerely,
Garner Beggs
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Duchess Bake Shop on the cover of the Edmonton Journal
: Posted in by Justin on 11.07.2009
Today we were featured on both the cover of the Edmonton Journal, and in the lifestyle section. The coverage translated into an extremely busy Saturday. Thanks to everyone who visited us for the first time today. We hope you come back soon!
Here is an excerpt from Liane Faulder’s article:
I must commend the Beggs for their hard work in creating the stylish and welcoming atmosphere at Duchess. Garner renovated the space (formerly a pawnshop) with the help of friends and family. The result invites visitors to sit, to linger, and to visit. Everything is white and gold; elegant flourishes abound.
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City Spice Magazine feature on Duchess Bake Shop
: Posted in by Justin on 11.06.2009
As promised, City Spice Magazine just did a beautiful feature story on Duchess: click here to see it!
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Britney encourages citizens to try Duchess Bake Shop
: Posted in by Justin on 11.05.2009
iNews 880 blogger Brittney LeBlanc is encouraging Edmontonians to shop local. Here’s what she had to say about Duchess Bake Shop:
My second recommendation: Duchess Bake Shop. Duchess Bake Shop opened recently at 10720-124 Street. I first heard of them when they signed up on Twitter (@duchessbakeshop), and immediately wanted to check the shop out. I haven’t had amazing baked goods since I went to Europe a few years ago… but this morning, I finally tried out Duchess Bake Shop and they rocked my world.
As for the pain au chocolat, I didn’t share that with anyone. And trust me, you will never want to share one of these either. It was an experience. Just the right amount of chocolate wrapped in a light, flaky (but not overly flaky) pastry. It was delectable, scrumptious, and probably the only satisfying pastry I’ve had since I returned from my brief tour of Europe. In fact, if not for work, I’d probably be writing this blog inside the bake shop right now, enjoying another one.
10720-124 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5M 0H1 : T : 780.488.4999 : info@duchessbakeshop.com
Photography by Amanda Gallant : Design by Dana Woodward
