Max's Bakery and Deli

Bakery: Max's Bakery and Deli 
Address: 3105 Oak St, Vancouver BC
Website: http://www.maxsdeli.ca/
Style: Canadian 
Price: $$$ 

Resembling more the ready-food counter at a gourmet food store, Max's is definitely more deli than bakery, especially with its large counter space devoted to sandwiches, salads and other savoury prepared foods. Of course, there is the bakery zone with mostly large cakes, individual cake squares and slices in addition to quite a number of cookies. Fresh baked goods like danishes, muffins and cinnamon buns are fairly limited, not to mention that some were simply there in the form of a label next to an empty plate. Service was hectic and confusing - I never do understand why businesses do a number system and disregard the fact that half the customers have numbers and opt for the closest one at the counter method - unfortunately, I can't even say first come first served. That teamed up with the fact that two workers didn't know what the poppy seed square was or how much it cost (but I was just reading the label!) led to a very frustrating purchasing experience.

With their sticky cinnamon buns looking like the definite stars of the show, I was going to take them until I spotted it: that good old poppy seed square ($3.49). In this case, the "old" part was a bit overwhelming. :( This not only tasted like fridge and the poppy seed mass had a hardened crust along the outside, but I don't know whether they placed it on a dirty surface at some point in the preparation process or it was kept next to it in the fridge, the square, especially the shortbread bottom, tasted like... onions. Onion buns, onion bagels... I don't know what it was, but it ruined a pretty good, albeit a bit on the stale side poppy seed square. I know that you can't make squares on a daily basis, but someone should keep track of how long some of the items have been in the fridge and what they're coming into contact with - what a shame.

Rating: **