Show Me the Bunny

Did you know the words ‘Easter’ and ‘estrogen’ both derive from Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility? With this feminine influence dominating Easter’s pre-Christian tradition, it’s no wonder that chocolate plays a starring role in this annual celebration.

Here’s a round-up of unique Metro Van sweet spots, just in time for Easter shopping, but equally fun for year-round indulgence.

Charlie’s Chocolate Factory is the place to go when bunnies just won’t cut it. At Charlie’s, you can browse through chocolates shaped like construction tools, trains, hair dryers, you name it. They have a great on-site selection, especially at their Burnaby HQ, but if you want to order a certain shape, look through their extensive online catalogue and it can usually be ready for pick-up in two to three days. A smaller outlet has opened its doors in PoCo, as well.

If you love the thought of customized ‘theme’ treats, but cookies are more your bag, check out Diva Designs. Owner Sabrina Podlesnik can re-create almost any theme for an adult or children’s party. Diva Design’s gorgeous personalized cookies can double as birth announcements, birthday ‘loot bags’, or Easter party place settings.

Family-friendly luxury is afoot at the Mink Café in downtown Vancouver, where you might sit down for a chocolate fondue or Belgian waffles while deciding which hand-crafted, preservative-free bonbons or bars to take home. The Mink Café is a relative newcomer to the Vancouver sweet-scene but is already a top spot on many folks’ lists.

Similar delicious decadence is tucked away near the North Shore waterfront at Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates. At this bustling café and retail shop you can watch the chocolate makers in action, taste-test their infamously yummy creations, drink a remarkably smooth Americano and nosh on their excellent panini, all while getting your A-List Easter shopping done. This is best saved for an adult-only outing, though, as there is little space in Thomas Haas for strollers or wanderers.

And if you’re looking for an excuse to traipse through the shopping village of Fort Langley this weekend, remember that the Ruby Slippers specialty chocolate shop is tucked away behind the Lamplighter Pub. This is the place to go for those old-fashioned treats such as salt-water taffy, or those boys’-world staples such as candy worms and suckers with scorpions inside! More conventional chocolates are also available, so you’ll find an Easter treat for Aunt Ethel as well.

Remember, age-old springtime celebrations are all about honouring rebirth and fecundity. So make sure you SavvyMoms treat yourself to some ‘Eostre’ chocolate of your own!

Charlie’s Chocolate Factory
www.charlieschocolatefactory.com
(604) 437-8221 (Burnaby)
(604) 941-3811 (Port Coquitlam)

Diva Designs
www.divadesigns.ca
(604) 831-9055

Mink Chocolates and Café
www.minkchocolates.com
(604) 633-2451

Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates
www.thomashaas.com
(604) 924-1847

Ruby Slippers
(604) 882-7317