The old Ecco Il Pane bakery at 238 West 5th Avenue had become one of Vancouver's new urban mysteries. I seem to remember it being open back in the mid 2000's. But somewhere along the line it closed its doors and the building looks like it's been abandoned ever since. I believe Ecco Il Pane was one of the city's first artisan bakeries. It might have been well ahead of its time as artisan everything is in vogue now.
The building is situated in Lower Mount Pleasant which has become an "in demand" destination for the tech and fashion industries. Real estate prices in recent years have skyrocketed forcing many traditional service businesses to relocate elsewhere while the new and hip move in. Just across the street the old Hudson Plating building was recently demolished to make way for a big new office building. So no doubt the old Ecco Il Pane building is worth a small fortune! I'm sure realtors and developers are probably salivating hoping to get their hands on the place. But there it sits looking empty and abandoned and covered in ivy. Could be the space is being used with access from the lane but it all looks very mysterious!
Not sure who's running the joint, nor what it's called now. But it's still a bakery as far as I know, last time I drive by the laneway 2019, trays of loaves of bread were being loaded into a white van. Ghosts of a bakery past? I think not.
ReplyDeleteLil back story, the owners of the bakery were a husband and wife team. Some have said that world famous, and Vancouvers own Chef Rob Feenie and his wife owned the bakery, and it was her lil project. They also owned and lived in the house just west of the bakery, and around the corner to the South, which they lifted off of the ground, and restored it, but also added a proper concrete foundation, and a finished the basement. It was said that they had a child with disabilities, and an elevator was installed to make it easier on all of them.
Back in the mid 90's, Ecco Il Pane also had a mini bistro in the front of the store, where you could order, daily soups, fresh made sandwiches, and mini pasta dishes for lunch.
Before Feenies on West Broadway was Feenies, it was Ecco's second location, but with a more upscale dining atmosphere. They still sold and baked some breads here, but it was mostly a sit down, white tabke cloth full service restaurant, that had fresh bread on hand for sale, but mostly to finish baking the bread, to serve in the restaurant.
Last I heard, a bitter divorce between Chef Feenie, and his wife, pretty much tore all their businesses apart.
But I'll never forget their black cherry chocolate muffins, and their olive loaf. Some of the best breads to date. But as Ecco was making a great name for themselves by selling their breads in local supermarkets such as Stongs, and IGA's, Terra Breads was on the uprising. (See what I did there? LoL. Hahaha).
Anyway, great to see someone still remembers EIP.
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Ecco il Pane was owned by Chris Brown & Pamela Gaudreault. Chris was one of Vancouver's first true artisan bakers, and arguably its best. The couple split and for a time Chris ran Rise Artisan Bakery, selling products through local markets. In 2014, he was a co-founder of Bâtard Boulangerie & Cafe Moderne on Fraser Street. It still features great baking but in early 2022, Chris is in Japan, getting ready to open another food place.
DeleteI worked here for a few years, the owner Pamela was such a kind lady. I hope she's doing well :)
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DeleteYes, I too worked there, but for a very short period of time.
ReplyDeletePamela had her good days, (just like we all do). I had the unfortunate timing, of working there while their house, two doors down was being lifted, fitted with a new foundation, lowered, update, and renovated inside.
It was a very stressful time for her, and unfortunately, it showed in how she dealt with things.
There was a baker/kitchen staff member, that worked at both locations, but originally he started at the W. 5th Ave location, before going over to W. Broadway. I believe his name was Sammy, or possibly Sam.
Asian fellow. Just the nicest all around guy, and was always giving me little bits of encouragement, and telling me, "not to let how bosses treat" me, get to me. Very nice man.
I really do wish that I'd kept in touch with the staff there. They were all so friendly.
I worked there from 1997-1998.
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