Begonia Bakehouse — Restaurant in Calgary

Nice little space. I am only prefacing this with a bit of background to validate the level of knowledge, because it sucks when I mentioned it, my point wasn’t valid at all.

I wouldn’t give feedback if there wasn’t improvement needed.

I was in the area and I only drink local coffee since 2007 google mapped what was around and saw it! Quickly walked over! Saw the reviews and in the photos that they carry Monogram coffee! Perfect.

I did only need a coffee. So this review is only on that. Though the treats looked amazing (maybe next time and I’ll update my review)

I like to support local cafes that make the effort to carry local roasters products. For almost 20 years I drink the same thing. Americano with an extra shot. Black. I go to roasters themselves Monogram, Rosso, Analog, Phil& Sebs to say a few. Or Eclipse and then even the ‘Bicycle Cafe’ in Canmore who is to be more objective is a bicycle 🚴 shop - that sells monogram coffee. And they always incredible coffee//shots being poured there.

And coming from working at a Roaster/Cafe on Van Island and visiting as many shops there as I could each weekend (stick in the Mudd, Cafe Fantastico, 2 % Jazz, Bows&Arrows an on. Coffee is life. lol

I am saying this because it’s disappointing when it’s clear the shots were extremely weak and not being pulled correctly. I ordered the same thing here. Tipped them a $1.50 in my change. On top of it being the usual almost $6.which That’s fine. That’s what I do. I love helping and appreciate small business. 💕☕️

What I don’t appreciate in return is then nothing being done when there was a concern brought to them and clearly was super watery. I don’t know how they don’t see it when it’s being extracted. Visually this was not something you would need to taste to see there is a problem.

My travel mug is 12oz. So it’s not like that amount of shots would be that watered down. And again, For consistency I am comparing this to ordering the same and receiving better at any cafe / or the bike shop / and roasters. I order the same thing. In the same cup. Same size.

So in summary. I’d like to hope and say that the espresso knowledge needs to be improved. I know I can’t carry around a card to validate my knowledge or tastebuds if there is a problem. I wish I could bc My words/concerns were not enough.

It was so bad I was going to add in another shot of espresso on its own. But that was another $3.25 to do that …And no offer to look into it or correct it.

So I left. A few photos to show how watery it was. I took one immediately at the shop in my cup but didn’t show well on camera versus in person because it was hot and foggy. So I got back and poured it into a glass. It tasted like one shot.

Knowing what to look for when a shot is being pulled/maybe better training is my suggestion. It’s like they forgot the second shot. Not sure if monogram offers training? But could be an option?

And if not training then a bit better resolve when there is an issue? I don’t know. But there was Zero concern…

Any of those options would be appreciated because you are essentially doing a disservice to Monogram. There is a bit of an expectation that there would be training to carry out that brands level of coffee.

If the guys at a literally bicycle shop in Canmore can manage to do it. Then I hope there is something that is done for this BakeShop.

Because local coffee is needed in this little area and hub. It’s all franchise garb.

You have an incredible Opportunity to WOW ppl and be a local grab for coffee. Improvement is needed to have that extra Coffee base clientele. To grab and go at $6-$12 in an out. It’s huge addition to high profit quick sales. Let alone have all their sandwiches and bake goods shine as I’m sure they do. 🥪 🥐

And please - local business owners understand how hard things can be and people also work just as hard and want to come and give a lot to have a nice cup. ☕️ It sucks to walk away with a watery weak tasting americano. Especially when I drink it black for the love of the...

The bakehouse was a neat little place tucked into the side of a building, passing by you’d probably not notice it much. It added to the charm of the bakeshop, kinda like a hidden gem. While I loved their selection of pastries, breads, macaroons and sandwiches nothing wowed me. For my personal opinion the hallmark of a good bakery is their plain croissant, and for me it was only okay; it didn’t taste as buttery as other croissants and was a little too baked and charred for my taste. I appreciate the size of their croissant and really feel as if I got my moneys worth, size alone. The next pastry I got was their kouign amann, again I’d like to state that the size of this was huge, really good for its price. Taste wise, it lacked a little bit for me not as buttery as I would like and the sugary-caramel top was too sticky and stuck to my teeth every bite I took which bothered me so much I couldn’t finish it. I also got a matcha latte, and they do not make their own in house coffee I believe they use Monogram Coffee Beans and I assume in this case their matcha comes from them as well. The latte was alright, but seeing as it wasn’t from them it doesn’t matter what I think about it as much.

Overall the place is cute and cozy and I love the little wall of Polaroids they have of patrons pups they also have a little “bring your own cup for x amount off” which was a nice touch. However in terms of pastries I think it’s average at best, it’s a nice place to go to relax and have a coffee or tea but I still do think there are other places in the city with slightly better tasting pastries. In terms of if I would be back, I would like to see what else they can come up with and I’d love to give them another...

I do love looking at 1 star reviews for a business that otherwise consistently gets 5 Star reviews. Some complaints can be understandable but the ones that truly make me laugh are the ones that are like, “I came here for a sandwich at 12 and they had no sandwiches left and nothing to make sandwiches with. Poorly organized stock” and gives one star.

I’m sorry but what?

I’ve been to several AUTHENTIC European bakeries here in this city, and MANY AUTHENTIC bakeries in Europe, and it’s not uncommon for stock to be gone before noon. I would rather a bakery make what they know they can, without wasting any food rather than make too many sandwiches, and waste a bunch of food.

Also there are like 5 other bakeries within walking distance of this place who usually have low stock at noon on a regular basis. I envy the amount of privilege one must have to be so inconvenienced by the lack of stock that you leave a bad review. Wild behaviour.

Anyway. This place is great. Their bread cards a nice touch. Sour Dough is consistent and I always grab myself a loaf on Fridays. Their pastries are to die for....