Pure Vanilla Bakery & Cafe - Cadboro Bay — Restaurant in Oak Bay

I was at your window-front store this morning and purchased $36 worth of baked goods. When I went to pay, I was asked for a tip which surprised me since I picked out the pre-packaged items myself which were on the table outside and I simply had to pay for them. Your employee was not particularly friendly and really did not provide a "service" other than take my money. I am always supportable of charities and have never declined to make donations, however, in this instance, I was taken aback. Tip for what? The customer behind me swiftly then said "well I'll give you a $1 tip" loud enough for me to hear. Why would your business set up a situation to shame customers like myself. Perhaps you as an employer should pay your staff better and not pass that onto your customers. Add that cost to the cost of the goods you sell. If your employees feel entitled to a tip for doing nothing for me except take my money, then why don't we tip grocery clerks, healthcare workers, teachers and all of the other more impactful people...

This is a little bakey/light lunch bar that makes sandwiches as well. Their coffee is very good. Their baked goods as very tasty. Their cheesecake is soooo yummy. They are expensive but they reflect the cost of making one at home. The thing is, they are well worth it. The same can be said for their cakes! They are smaller, tasty and reflect the cost of the good quality ingredients they are made with. They have sweet and savory squares, scones and cookies. All their goods are made with quality ingredients and reflect the workmanship and ingredients used. The biscotti are so good. It is so easy to eat the whole package and not share. They have a few tables available for coffee and a tasty treat. They are a bit crowded but for a quick bite and coffee,they are fine. The goods are well worth the cost. If you want something made with good quality and tasty, it's well worth the visit. Come early because they...

I used to buy lots from Pure Vanilla but I won't be back after my latest experience. I phoned on the Wednesday before Easter weekend to see if I could come in and order some dessert items for Easter Sunday to be picked up on Saturday. They said "sure we are open till 4." So I arrived at 1:10 and started to place my order when another clerk came over and said that no I couldn't place an order now as I had missed the cut off time of 1:00! I said that I was not told there was a cut off time and it was only 10 minutes past that. Too bad she said but you can come in on Saturday and pick something out at 7:30 or 8:00 and they should have more goods then. Like I really want to take a chance! What if the didn't have what I wanted? Then I am left to run around to other places. Customer service is obviously not their strong point anymore and I will...