Cinnaholic Restaurant Review
Just outside of 17th Avenue SW is a small specialty bakeshop where they specialize in everything cinnamon bun. That’s right! There is a store that specializes in one of the world’s favourite sweet pastries. Today we are visiting this store of sugar and spice but the question is: Is it just as nice? There is only one way to find out.
On the Outside
Atmosphere
I was rather unimpressed with the feel of this restaurant. Inside the place is dull, lifeless, and devoid of personality. Noone would be excited to come here when the décor is as cold as it is. The walls are bare except for some frayed posters which did not look like quality artwork of any kind. There is not much for seating except a couple of bars and stools. Granted, it is a small space but you think it would be more comfortable than that. The (stool) chairs are so tilted and awkward that it’s like that they want no people around to stay a while and visit which is just plain sad.
What they need to do is bring a little colour into the place and not just leave that to the display of cinnamon rolls or their menu which was the only piece worth looking at. The lack of pizazz made me wish that I was anywhere else. Comfortable chairs are needed and so would a table or two. The place feels unwelcoming as soon as you step inside. It is clear that people are just supposed to be in and out. I think you guys can do better with this because your customers deserve better even if it is just an in and out kind of situation.
Atmosphere :/
Service
The girl behind the counter was pleasant enough. She was friendly, had a good knowledge of the menu, and makes a great cinnamon bun; quick and pronto. The only thing that was disheartening was that she was pretty quiet. I had the sense from her that she did not want to be there but was happy that someone actually showed up to keep her company. She was clearly bored and uninspired but motivated enough to do her job and do it well. I have the feeling that the atmosphere is also affecting this young lady too.
Mouthwatering yet?
Food
Delightful! The cinnamon buns are super good. In fact, they are nothing short of perfection. Each one has its own unique flavour and ingredients that some would not think to put on this classic pastry but they do. And it works! I choose to have the very berry cinnamon bun because I can never resist a good berry. It was warm, sweet, and a true comfort food. Just the way a cinnamon bun should be but with a little tart thanks to the berries. It is quite big so you had better bring your appetite and go for a workout before or after your visit.
Very berry and totally tantilizing
Book
The best book to have when visiting Cinnaholic is “The Cinnamon Bun Bookshop” by Laurie Gilmore. Sweet and spicy just like the cinnamon rolls that we all know and love. The drabness of the place reminds me of how Hazel (the female lead) feels about her life and longs to have an adventure. While the colourfulness of the display cinnamon buns reminds me of our outgoing male hero in the story named Noah. He pushes Hazel out of her comfort zone and shows her what a life of adventure could be like. I just hope that these two can find a way to come together and make something special.
Love it when its obvious!
Final Thoughts/Ratings
6/10
The cinnamon buns are the star of the place and to that I say bravo! They are made perfectly and you can taste the delectable sweet, spice, and all things nice in each bite. However, when you just base your business on that alone and not on the atmosphere of the place then people are going to forget it quickly. Or sometimes it could be worse. They just want to grab and get the hell out of there with the strong possibility of not walking in again. It’s true that you can probably order them online or on the phone but do you really want that? A lack of human interaction will make a place lost and forgotten. With cinnamon buns as good as these, I would hate to see that happen.
To find it: 1523 5 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1P2, Vegan Bakery - Calgary | Cinnaholic
