Over the weekend I was in a taped-off spaced-out line-up at my local Bulk Barn, picking up a few pantry items (they had yeast!), and another shopper across the room joked with us waiting that the story in his house is that the Easter Bunny has coronavirus. He was buying a few scoops of Easter candy - "the kids need to hunt for something!" - he planned to stash around the house.
I've been wondering, too, what to tell my six-year-old about the Easter Bunny this year. The Tooth Fairy has already had to make an appearance (I've got two Toonies, aka two teeth's worth, left, in case she needs to visit again) but the EB is a little problematic for a single parent, logistically speaking. Where you fall on the Bunny's merit I won't touch - in our secular household it's just a little seasonal sweetness and magic rooted in family tradition. Running into the store to "just grab one thing" isn't the same as it was before, and isn't something we should be doing right now anyhow. But we can still celebrate!
Luckily, Vancouver's many treats-makers, as well as some restaurants, are still making Easter magic, whether it's something from "the Bunny," something sweet to share as a family or send to a loved one, or if you need a break from cooking and need a festive meal.
Oh, and PS, if there's a Bulk Barn near you, you can order online ahead of time and they'll do all the bagging and scooping for you, Easter candy included.
I've rounded up a few places where you can get Easter eats and treats, for pick-up or delivery. While the Bunny may not show up until this weekend, you may need to get orders in earlier than usual due to delivery methods and availability.
Hop to it!
Soirette
Soirette is offering delivery and curbside pick up. Their stunning Easter offerings include surprise cakes, macaron pops, cookie boxes, and more.
BETA 5
BETA 5's treats are always incredible, and sell out year after year. While a few things are no longer available, they still have plenty of eye-catching and creative Easter treats, and they're doing shipping and delivery. Don't wait if you want any of these beauties in your Easter basket!
Karameller
Yaletown's Karameller candy shop is offering in-store pick up and shipping on their candy. You won't find bunnies and eggs here, but you will find high-quality Scandanavian candies in an array of colours and flavours. Things like Swedish Jelly Beans and licorice will put a pop of colour and flavour in your Easter goodie pile, for sure.
Mon Paris
Burnaby's Mon Paris' owner and pastry chef, Elena Krasnova, has developed an online ordering system for deliveries, as well as a pre-order by-phone service with curbside and in-store pickup options. In addition to a limited selection of breakfast pastries and special occasion cakes, the Mon Paris 2020 Easter Collection, featuring colourful chocolate eggs and adorable chocolate ducks and a do-it-yourself (DIY) Easter cookie decorating kit, is now available for takeout and delivery (free delivery on orders of $40 or more).
Temper
West Vancouver pastry shop and chocolatier Temper Chocolate & Pastry is helping Vancouverites bring a little springtime sweetness home for Easter this year with a brand new collection of limited-edition chocolate creations and seasonal pastries. You can opt to pick up, or they're doing delivery on the North Shore.
Butter Baked Goods
Dunbar's Butter is doing delivery these days, and their adorable Easter collection includes cakes, cookies, marshmallows and more. Look for the "Coachella Bunny" cookie for an extra springtime giggle.
Thomas Haas
The master of chocolate and whimsical delight is still at it this Easter. This year they're available first-come, first-served at both of Thomas Haas' locations - Vancouver (Kitsilano), and North Vancouver.
Purdys
Purdys was the chocolate of my childhood Easters, shipped lovingly by my granmother from Vancouver to me in Toronto, then L.A. Their shipping deadline for this Easter has passed, however you can still order for curbside pick-up at their Vancouver factory shop - orders take two business days to process, so act fast.
Rain or Shine
Not exactly something the Bunny can tuck in a basket...but still super fun for Easter are Rain or Shine's pints of "Egg Hunt" ice cream. Pre-order online and pick up from one of their shops on either Tuesday or Saturday.
Easter Dinner Packages
- St. Lawrence has special Easter menus available on Sunday, April 12 and Monday, April 13. They've just launched their "a la maison" meal bundle program, and the first weekend they quickly sold out.
- Belgard Kitchen is offering an Easter Feast take home meal kit - skip the grocery store and enjoy a restaurant-level Sunday Dinner in the comfort of your own home! Serves two for just $58. Pick-up and delivery available.
- Well Seasoned in Langley has a full Easter dinner for four, with three courses. Order before April 8 for delivery on the 10 or 11, or pick-up in store.
- Stanely Park Brewing: Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant and Brewpub is offering delicious family-style dinners paired with a selection of fresh beer. Meals can be ordered with and without beer and range from $40 - $150. All orders must be placed by 3pm on Tuesday April 7, pick up is Sunday or Monday.
Did I miss your bakery, treat shop, or restaurant? E-mail [email protected] or tag my personal Instagram account, @squashblossom on your posts. Thanks!
