Downtown Dartmouth welcomed a new business to the neighbourhood last month.
Caroline's Bakery and Patisserie, at 79 Alderney Drive is already making a buzz for their fresh baked breads, pastries, cakes and light lunches and soups.
"I have been baking all my life, " said owner Caroline MacLeod, who has certificates in both Boulanger and Baking Arts and Baking and Pastry.
"This is my first venture out on my own."
MacLeod worked a few years for other businesses.
"But I didn't want to lose my talents. I wanted to use fresh ingredients, do everything from scratch. I absolutely love it. And having my own place to show people what I can do is perfect."
MacLeod said she knew the location was going to be a big part of her business.
"I had been looking seriously for about one year and when this space became available I took it."
Located right across from the library and within walking distance of the ferry and business terminals, MacLeod says she hopes to interest commuters in stopping by on their to and from work.
During the interview several people did just that.
Dartmouth resident Wendy Hill was on her way home and stopped in to Caroline's.
She said this bakery is just what the downtown needs.
"I work in Halifax but live on the better side of the harbour. It is convenient to hop off the bus, pop over here to grab your bread and head
home for supper."
Hill doesn't bake and says when she has company over, having Caroline's in Dartmouth will be a blessing.
MacLeod said she is big on presentation and quality.
"My hands do get tired sometimes from doing everything from scratch, but it is what I do and I love it. In order to do my best I have to feel the dough. Using your hands and feeling the texture is a big part of it."
Specialities include her baked bread and short baked pastries.
She will continually offer new homemade soups like roasted yellow pepper and carrot bisque, cauliflower tahini and Mexican meat ball.
Special occasion cakes can be made to order.
MacLeod said local weather person Cindy Day is a fan of her baked goods and she gave defense minister Peter MacKay a goodie bag to take him with him when he was last in town.
"I want people to know I am here. Pop by. If you want to be added to our email list we will give you a free cookie."
Caroline's hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. 1 p.m. and she is closed on Sundays.
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca
