I had noticed the Beard Papa’s in San Francisco on a recent trip, but with a hungry 3 year old at 7pm it’s no time to stop for cream puffs. So when when were  in Vancouver a few weeks ago I thought the store sign looked familiar. Since our daughter was sleep in the car and my wife was getting coffee I asked her to grab me a cream puff. I figured, it’s worth a try -  at least once. So she grabbed a few and we headed over to Stanley Park to sit in the car next to water. It was sunny and in the mid 60’s – so gotta love it.

The bread was light and airy, but substantial. It didn’t collapse after I bit into it. The cream puffs are made daily with no preservatives, which was great to hear. Sure, if you can make pate a choux you won’t be impressed, but for most of us, you will appreciate this home made tasting puff pastry without going through all the work. Each cream puff is filled with a custard and whipped cream filling.

We tried both the vanilla bean and chocolate filled puffs. We both agreed the vanilla was the better of the 2. If you’re in the mood you can purchase their cream puffs by the dozens for a party or tea. And they all come in a handy yellow carrying case. I’d just wish their bag was not so bright yellow so that everyone wouldn’t know what I’m carrying – delicious cream puffs!

Beard Papas
http://beardpapascanada.com/