Getting To Know: West Coast Chipwich

(Courtesy of West Coast Chipwich)

So what is a chipwich?

A chipwich is a handmade artisan ice cream sandwich. The name chipwich coming from the Chocolate CHIP cookies, the wich from the sandWICH

West Coast Chipwich’s Dave Roberts has always been a cookie fan but wanted to create a delicious twist on the classic treat, ice cream sandwiches.

Ice cream and cookies whats not to like right? But is always seemed so boring with the  tasteless wafer like chocolate cookie and plain vanilla ice cream that you always associate with.

After recently moving back to Canada after living in the United States for a couple of years, Dave began experimenting with flavours, and with much success among friends, he decided to take his creation to the next level: building a business.

I saw the amazing artisan ice cream shops around Vancouver and BC, I thought here is an area that needs some awesome chipwichs!!

Sourcing local and supporting other small local businesses are very important to Dave. Taking “local” to another level, the cookies that form the chipwich are all baked by Dave himself.

I actually bake all my own cookies as they are not your traditional treats. My cookies use different sugars, molasses and cooking methods to make sure that they are not too sweet and also don’t turn rock hard when frozen.

(Courtesy of West Coast Chipwich)

In line with West Coast Chipwich’s commitment to local businesses, the company’s ice cream is BC made, from the raw dairy to the production.

The most important part for me was that the company was local and used BC dairy. I think that this is important not only to the taste but also to my vision to support and source local. One day I hope to make my own ice cream!

Dave is always ready to create and try out new flavours combinations.

There are so many subtle changes that can be made in the cookie recipe, cook times and temperatures that can change not only the taste but the texture and sweetness levels as well. Once I have a  combination of cookie and ice cream that’s when the real experimentation begins!

To ensure the highest quality product, Dave cuts no corners, baking and assembling all products by hand. From weddings, and birthdays, to employee appreciation, West Coast Chipwich has all your catering needs covered!

…or just to be the awesome guy in the neighborhood I am available for your next event! Over the next six months I want to put my delicious product into the hands of as many of my BC neighbors as possible. I am confident that everyone who tries my product will love it. 

Only in his first year of business, Dave is ready to continue to grow his company and challenge himself, even looking to future labour expansions.

Getting To Know: Royal City Donuts

(Courtesy of Royal City Donuts)

Calling all donut lovers! The much anticipated, Royal City Donuts will be participating in the Coquitlam Farmers Market this season. But before digging in, here’s some more information about who they are and what their products are all about.

Jonathan and his wife, along with their team of fellow donut lovers want customers to experience the balance of unique ingredients that are put into each batch of their donuts.

I want them [customers] to think they are getting more than they expected in terms of flavour and quality.

Royal City Donuts has strived to bring a European style treat, made by hand with care and quality ingredients into the local market. With an expanding team and an eye for food trends, we can expect new things from the company.

My wife has contributed greatly, and now with two members joining the team we are starting to forecast a month in advance with ideas to play with. The trends in the food scene are also very influential with sweet and savoury being so predominant.

(Courtesy of Royal City Donuts)

Continuously forecasting a month in advance, Jonathan says himself and his team are always mindful to balance new blends of interesting flavours while still maintaining the integrity of the donut.

Once you do a few markets or pop ups in the same place you want to keep things interesting and give people a reason to check you out again and again.

With excitement building around the company, Jonathan says Royal City Donuts will concentrate on summer markets for now, but talks about what’s next for the company are already in the works.

We would love to have our own, industrial space where we can do higher production for breweries, coffee shops, corporate and large scale orders while having a small store front where people can get their fix.

Royal City Donuts already has a supply partnership with Hive Cafe in New Westminster and customers can expect continued creativity with their donuts.