Which Scone gets the Throne?

I have a confession to make.

I am a baked goods fanatic.  

Just ask my dear husband- on every trip that we go on, there is at least a few hours dedicated to cruising around town searching out the local bakeshops.  I am mostly looking for my two favorite baked goods- muffins and scones.

Although I like more non-traditional, "healthy" muffins (not too sweet, not to "cakey", no icing, with nuts/seeds/raisins, whole grain/flax a bonus), I like scones of every variety.  There is certainly something to be said for more traditional, white flour, all butter scone.  When done correctly, these can be heavenly.  On the other end of the spectrum is the "out of the box"scone, with unique textures and flavors.  

Fortunately, no matter what kind of mood you are in, you can usually find a scone that will fulfill your desires here in Vancouver.  Here are my favorites:

1.  Creme de la Crumb- This little shop located just north of Dunsmuir on Granville may not be widely known, but it certainly has its followers.  They sell coffee, lunch items and, of course, a large variety of baked goods including some of the best scones in Vancouver.  These are a good mix of traditional and non-traditional scones- white flour and all butter (sooo buttery and flaky..), but with very unique flavors including apple cinnamon, vanilla bean and pear, dark chocolate and cherry, and my personal favorite, cranberry and white chocolate.  

If you would like to try one of these heavenly little pastries (and I highly suggest you do!), you had better arrive at the store by 10am at the latest as they sell out fast!  I promise though, it will be worth setting your alarm a bit earlier!

2. Purebreads- This Whistler-based bakery regularly transports its freshly baked goods out to Vancouver and are often set up at the Farmer's Markets.  Purebreads sells just about every baked good you could possibly dream of, and more.  Bread, loaves, cookies bars, brownies and, of course, scones.  You will be blown away by the unique flavor combinations they offer including earl grey and lavender and, my personal favorite, buckwheat and blueberry/cherry.  The buckwheat adds the most wonderful texture (dense and hearty), with just the right amount of sweetness from the fruits and a but of white chocolate.  This is a scone like no other, and my regular weekend treat from the market!

3. Beaucoup Bakery- This little French bakery has made quite a name for itself since opening in the last year.  Although they have quite a selection of beautiful baked goods (many look too pretty too eat!), I have have yet to choose anything but the tropical scone because it is just that good.  They are irresistibly buttery and flaky, and filled with coconut, dried fruit and white chocolate.  You MUST NOT leave the store without one!!!

4. Meinhart- If you are looking for a more traditional scone in both texture and flavor, I would suggest checking out the selection of scones at Meinhart.  This little specialty grocery store, located in South Granville offers a variety of baked goods and prepared items.  The scones here are white flour, all butter and pretty commonplace in flavor (raisin, blueberry, raspberry chocolate) and are perhaps the lightest of the bunch.  There is something to be said for simplicity done right.

5.  Revolver- The baked goods for the renowned Revolved (voted best coffee in Van Mag 2013) are actually made by their sister location, Crema, in West Vancouver and are delivered fresh every morning.   Although it is reason enough to visit just for Revolver's fabulous coffee, you will not want to miss out on their whole wheat currant scone.  Less sweet and denser than the others, this scone is a nice choice for breakfast.   I like to cut it in half and spread some peanut better on each side to make it extra tasty.  

6. Muffin Granny- This little kiosk located in the food court on Granville Island puts a very tasty spin on the classic scone, and even gives it a new name- the "scrumpet".  A cross between a scone and a crumpet, this scone is a little denser then the average scone.  It keeps its shape quite well, so it is perfect for cutting and covering with a thick layer of butter, jam or peanut butter.  My favorite kind is the apricot and almond scrumpet, but they also come in a variety of other kinds including raspberry, blueberry and cheese.

So in the end, which one of these stand-out scones gets the throne?  Because I love them all, I really cannot make that call.  I will leave it up to you to decide for yourself:)


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