The Dutch Bakery & Coffee Shop
718 Fort Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 385-1012
J: I’ve heard of the Dutch Bakery. And on the days I’ve strolled down Antiques Row, I would often see the delicious pastries tempting me from the display window.
But never have I stepped into the establishment. Me, a man born and raised in this fine city was completely unfamiliar with this place. I learned that in 1955, Cornelis J. Schadelee bought a failing coffee shop and turned it into one of the most successful independent businesses in the city. As I entered this bit of Victoria’s heritage, it was bustling.
People were queued-up to buy pastries for Christmas. Others sat in the diner that has changed little in appearance.
The diner was decorated in Dutch-themed wall hangings. Large black and white photos depicting the business history adorned one wall.
One would think Dutch Bakery takes great pride in their past.
E: I can only imagine what being here must be like when those meat pies are fresh out of the oven. Most of the time, when I want to treat myself, I pop in to grab one and delight in the buttery tenderness of the pastry they use to make these heavenly pies.
At $2.30 each, I can easily stop in anytime. Today, after bumping into my ol’ schoolmate, Shane Priestly, while heading there, all three of us sat down for a spell and enjoyed some good times reminiscing amidst the holiday rush. Both Priestly and I are recent graduates from Camosun College’s Applied Communication Program.
Heading out to Sooke may feel like a chore to some, but for other’s it’s like walking 500 miles, especially when it comes to parking down the hill and walking the rest of the way to the Sooke Pot Holes. But for hungry foodies like me, the song by the Proclaimers must’ve meant more than just about the quest for love, it’s the hunt for good food.
