As autumn leaves begin to blanket the streets of West Vancouver’s picture-esque Ambleside district, a new exciting culinary delight is about to join the area with the grand opening of Cafe C’est si bon on November 10th.
This new quaint cafe brings with it the rich flavours and atmosphere of a Parisian patisserie, a long-held dream of owner and head chef, Lydia Kim, and her business partner Rachel.
We spoke with Lydia to learn more about what Cafe C’est si bon has to offer and how it got started.
The Journey to Cafe C’est si bon
The story of Cafe C’est si bon is a tale of passion and dedication.
Lydia Kim’s culinary journey, rich with experiences from prestigious Parisian establishments, including Michelin-starred restaurants and the renowned patisserie Pierre HermΓ©, has been the foundation of this venture.
With a wealth of knowledge from Le Cordon Bleu, and backed by a degree in Business Management with diplomas in Pastry and Boulangerie, Lydia brings authenticity and expertise to every bite.
Her partnership with Rachel, whose passion for pastry started as a hobby and blossomed into offering baking lessons in Vancouver (where the two eventually crossed paths), adds a harmonious blend of dedication and craft to the cafe’s foundation.
When asked about the inception of the food business, Lydia shared, “After settling in Vancouver 3 years ago, I’ve always had a dream of bringing the essence of Parisian patisseries to our local community.”
It was this shared vision that united Lydia and Rachel in their mission to bring a slice of Paris to West Vancouver.
Their location choice is a hidden gem, just minutes from Ambleside Beach, featuring a courtyard that mirrors the quaintness of a European ‘la cour.’
Lydia fell in love with this spot for its potential to create a genuine Parisian teatime experience for locals.
A Taste of France in Every Bite
The cafe’s offerings are rooted in tradition with a selection of classic French pastries like Financiers, Madeleines, Canneles, and Chouquettes.
They’re passionate about maintaining the authenticity of these treats, providing a true taste of France.
The roll cakes are a standout, blending French techniques with a touch of Asian influence, representing the fusion of cultures that characterizes Vancouver.
The interior design of Cafe C’est si bon mirrors the food’s authenticity, with an ambiance that invites customers into a small Parisian haven, adorned with Astier de Villatte tableware, rich wood accents, and rattan chairs.
Despite its cozy size of 536 square feet and 14 seats, every corner of the cafe is thoughtfully designed to enhance the customer experience.
Lydia hopes that each guest will leave with a sense of joy and excellence that the phrase ‘C’est si bon’ (which means ‘It’s so good’) embodies.
She remarks, “We want our customers to exclaim ‘It’s so good’ when they experience our desserts.”
As Lydia reflects on the cafe’s origins, she likens business to a marriage, filled with unpredictability and requiring unwavering commitment. The last three years have been a blend of challenges and milestones, culminating in the realization of her Parisian cafe dream in West Vancouver.
With anticipation and a confident belief in the quality of their desserts, Lydia and Rachel are ready to welcome guests to experience a little piece of Paris at Cafe C’est si bon on Nov. 10th.
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Address: 1425 Marine Dr Unit 240, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1B9