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Shop Local - two shops to check out today!
 Posted
11/4/2009 1:13:00 PM
Back in August, I blogged about the 3/50 Project where you're asked to spend $50 at three local businesses every month. Which really isn't that difficult to do. On Monday, Liza Yuzda wrote a story on Shop Local month where Edmontonians are encouraged to shop local.
Since August, I have been frequenting more local businesses, and let me tell you - I don't regret it for a second. It's great to know that you're supporting other Edmontonians, and some of the shops in my area are amazing! I have a long list of places I still need to check out - but if you're anything like me, you probably want some recommendations. You need to know where to start. So here are two of my tried and true recommendations for you to go and enjoy.
First up... the Tin Box. I LOVE the Tin Box. In fact, if I made more money (hint to my lovely bosses? Syd, I love that tie!) I would spend gratuitous amounts of my money here. Art, jewelery, fun cards and gifts, and of course, my favourite winter accessory - animal toques! You can find all that and more! The jewelry is unique and of a very good quality. The store definitely caters to a trendy crowd and people with a lot of wit and a good sense of humour will be right at home. Some of my favourite online household items are all inside the stores - which are located on Whyte Avenue and in the High Street area. (10508 82 Ave and 12433 102 Ave)
Still not convinced? Monday, November 9th (so next Monday) the High Street location (12433 102Ave) is having a sale/event. From 7pm until 10pm everything in the store is 20% off. They'll be serving wine, and delicious gourmet foods - including cheese from the nearby (and local) Paddy's Cheese. I'll definitely be stopping by Monday night, and I recommend you give it a shot too!
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.
I picked up a pain au chocolat, which is a pastry similar to a croissant with chocolate inside. I chose the Milk Chocolate version, but they also have a Dark Chocolate version. I also picked up a croissant pastrami sandwich with mustard (which was so amazing, I cannot even properly form words to explain), and a few sampling goodies to bring back to the station.
For those who know her, you know that Lesley Primeau is a tough lady to please. She has a more refined taste for quality food, so I knew she'd make a good judge. We sat down and sampled a Lemon Madeleine each. They were soft, and had just the perfect amount of lemon. Next, we both sampled a Rose Macaroon. I've never had a Macaroon before, so I didn't have anything to judge it against - but Lesley and I both agreed that was light, tasty, and exactly how you'd want a Macaroon to be. I'm allergic to nuts so Lesley ate the Pistachio Macaroon, but let me just say - that I think I might be getting a raise for letting her in on this little secret gem of a bake shop.
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.
What I'm trying to say is... Shop Local. There are SO many wonderful places to try around town. Run, don't walk to the Duchess Bake Shop right now and go sample some of their enticing delights. And Monday night from 7pm - 10pm, I expect to see you shopping at the Tin Box on High Street! By the way, if you're there... keep in mind the next day is my birthday, and I'd always love another animal toque! Our winters are pretty cold, and I need to keep my little ears warm.
Do you have any recommendations for good places to shop local? Let me know in the comment section below!
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Brittney LeBlanc
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The Wish List on Whyte Ave is owned and run by a fabulously stylish lady with a wit that is both pleasing and entertaining!
The shop carries very unique items and particularly at this time of year, the Christmas pickings there are amazing! I purchased some wonderfully ghoulish decorations for Halloween, and suspect I will return for a repeat performance for my Yuletide displays.
Definitely worth a peak, this store has beautiful jewelry as well.
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Posted By
Dee Reich
On
11/5/2009 1:14:14 PM
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This is awesome!! I have always been about shopping local! NOw I have some more options thanks to this! I got hungry just reading this! Can't wait to check out the Bake Shop!
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Posted By
Heather
On
11/4/2009 2:09:18 PM
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