LPK’S Culinary Groove

This vegan bakery works against the grain of what you would expect when you put the words vegan and bakery together. But let’s put it on record that there are exceptions to the rules, and if you visits LPK you will see that non-​dairy baked good can hold that candle high to their dairy counterpoints.
The butterscotch cookies here are pretty amazing, and the pistachio ones are near perfection of cookie, nutty goodness. Not to crunchy and not to chewy, their cookies are melt in your mouth great!

Sadly LPK is closed now, the last day being Dec. 31 at their store. According to their website they will be at 2 places until the end of Janurary. Then there will be a farewell «open house» and a final sale. This is sad news for myself, who is a celiac.

I’m a health conscious vegan student at U of T. Back in Miami, my parents called up LPK’s and asked them to send me a giant vegan gift basket for my exams at school. WOW. IT WAS AWESOME! Okay, so the cookies were too dry and crispy (chocolate chip oat are my favorite, but hard, thin cookies just aren’t my style.) However, their vegan peppermint nainamo bars and their coconut lime cupcakes were amazing. I’m not even a cupcake person! But man, it was so dense, so rich… my mouth is watering thinking about it now. I got vegan marshmallows in the pack (Sweet & Sara’s), which are too sweet for my taste. The LPK’s poppyseed onion crackers were consumed within a matter of hours after the package’s arrival. I also got some delicious coffee beans and chana masala red tea. So. Delicious. I got a Sweet & Sara’s peanut butter s’more (I ate the pb & graham cracker… I guess the S&S marshmallows just aren’t my style!) The PB Nainamo bars were a bit too sweet for me too, but I guess I’ve just never been a fan of peanut butter in desserts (although it is my favorite food!) LPK’s is sadly closing it’s doors on Dec. 31^st. Once my exams are done, I plan on making another stop at this store to pick up another delicious coconut lime cupcake and to say my farewells to a place I’ve just discovered.

My friend and I went there tonight for dinner. We had a sweet potato burger, black bean burger, a chili (that came with a side of toast) and a pizza (Note: the hot sauce on the black bean burger is VERY spicy). It was all very good, the portions were small and the prices were reasonable. Our bill came to just over $ 20 for the two of us and we left feeling satisfied.
I like that this restaurant is conscious of where their food is sourced. It is also nice that they are accomodating to various diets (gluten free, vegan). They have vegetarian options as well.
I am making it a point to go back for the desserts before they close at the end of this year. It is unfortunate that the city is losing one great restaurant.

My girlfriend went on a gluten free kick a while back so I picked her up some snacks from here. The chevre noir shortbread cookies sat on the shelf and was eyed with suspicion for a week before she tried em. She thought I was crazy, but was pleasantly surprised how they paired so nicely with her metamucil.

i’ve tried:
— focaccia (tried: onion; pepper basil; plain) — good
— oreo type cookie — good
— oreo type cookie w/​espresso filling — didn’t care for espresso — suggested by owner
— chocolate chip rice cookies — good
— chocolate cupcake — okay
i had one semi-​bad experience. i pre-​ordered a 9″ ($ 9) foccacia at the farmer’s market and when the store called me back they made it seem that i might change my mind! i demanded to know what time. i got the same lecture when i went to pickup the foccacia from the owner due to them having a bad experience when i felt that they were a bit rude. it didn’t impress me as i’ve bought from them on several occasions and their stuff is (NOT CHEAP).
i have since bought from them a couple of more times from my neighbourhood farmer’s market.

My first foray into LPK goodness was by way of Leslieville farmer’s market and subsequently at the Vegetarian Food Festival, both experiences of which left me quite impressed with the flavourful yumminess of LPK’s treats.
I finally got to touch down @ LPK HQ at their bricks and mortar location a couple weekends ago and was so looking forward to «ravaging» their deliciously decadent yet food intolerance conscious cupcakes and cookies, dissappointingly upon entering LPK the selection inside their glass display counter was pretty barebones. I inquired about my beloved lime coconut cupcakes: P~ and the helpful counterstaff gingerly explained that most of the cupcakes where out being sold that day at the various farmer’s markets instead :’(
Hmmm, you’d think they’d be more prepped with quantities at the shop especially knowing that;
a) Saturday tends to be the busiest day for commerce
b) Folks who’ve already tasted LPK’s goodness elsewhere would most likely make their exodus to the shop on a weekend.
I guess if you want a good selection of sweets from LPK you have to get here on a weekday which is not always convenient.
Tip: Apparently they serve Pulp Kitchen fare on Tuesdays to Fridays from 11−3pm which is good news for those of us who miss their now defunct café.
Maybe I’ll have to skip work to comeback and nosh on some Pulp Kitchen eats and finally score a decent selection of goodies from LPK’s. Maybe the third time will be the charm: S

I’m always happy to find another gluten-​free option, especially for baked things. I stopped at LPK last Saturday hoping to find a loaf of gf bread. Sadly, they were out of loaves, but did have onion focaccia on offer. I bought one of those (very yummy when warmed up), an oatmeal cookie (tasty but a bit thin, sort of like a cookie bred with a cracker), and two cupcakes (delicious). All gluten-​free of course.
The woman working behind the counter was a total delight — welcoming, helpful, and friendly. Each item in the display case was carefully labelled to indicate whether it was gluten, lactose, or allergen free, or vegan. Definitely appreciate the lack of guess work while choosing my treats. I will look forward to my next visit and eagerly anticipate which baked delights I might find next time.

I had my first introduction to LPK’s Culinary Groove at the Evergreen Brickworks on Saturday and all I can say is DELICIOUS! I recently started a gluten-​free lifestyle (as I found that gluten was the cause of my daily nausea, headaches and dizziness) as well as having a ton of food sensitivities. That said, finding baked goods that I can readily buy and not have to bake on my own is pretty difficult. Until, I was lucky enough to discover LPK! They cater to food sensitivities (even nightshade ones!!) and offer so many delicious (and not just edible) baked creations! I tried their gluten-​free crackers and hummus (AMAZING) and purchased their onion foccachia bread (PHENOMENAL). I didn’t even know foccachia could be gluten-​free! YUM … I’m getting hungry thinking about it now! As yes, I finished it the day I bought it …
I can’t wait to go back and try more of their delicious food! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Oh, it’s also VERY reasonably priced.

This place has a fab selection of vegan/​gluten free desserts. The desserts are rich and delicious. I’ve had a few cupcakes and tarts, and they were all delish, and totally worth a try.
They also make some great cookies, and have recently expanded their offering to include other locally made goods.
I haven’t had anything here yet that I didn’t enjoy!

Next to the Love of cakes shop, this is one of the best places I have been to for cupcakes. Im sure ive said that in another review but this place is amazing. I love it because it caters to those with dietary issues, its super cute, and the staff took their time to explane what each product they sold had in it. This is super importent to me because If I want to take cupcakes into work for students I have to be super careful and this place allows me to do so without being worried about the ingredents.
Poppyseed with lavender honey buttercream cupcake. Would go down there just to get that agin. Best icing ive had yet… Im sure of it this time.
Its also near dangerous dans which just made me all the more happy. Cupcakes and huge burgers… too good to be true.

With the exception of shortbread (my Achilles’ heel) I wouldn’t really call myself a dessert person. Having said that, I can appreciate a delicious sweet and if the situation arises, let’s say having friends over for dinner, I have every reason to want to go to LPK’s. I’ve tried a variety of their sweets such as brownies, cupcakes, nanaimo bars, and cookies and each one has been excellent.
In particular, the coconut lime cupcake is amazing. I’ve had cupcakes from all over this crazy land of bakeries known as Leslieville, but hands down, it’s my fav.
And the shop itself is very cute. Yes, if you like sweets and especially if you have dietary restrictions, I think LPK’s is crucial.

Yum yum yum!
I am gluten– and egg-​free and this, hands down, is my favourite place in Toronto to indulge in sweets. Every time I’ve been there, the ingredients have been fresh and each item has delivered its expected respective texture.
My favourite item in the coconut lime cake. It has such a great texture, but it still makes me think it’s healthy for me. The taste is luscious but not overly sweet. I love it so much, I ordered a 6″ for my wedding (but only my husband and I were allowed to eat it!). Yes, they’re on the pricey side, but each item is worth every penny.

LPK’s Culinary Groove is a cute little bakery.
I really like the fact that it caters to people on strict dietary restrictions! And when one indulged yourself with all these sweetness and knowing they are eating «healthy» sweets!
Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies (v, g, d, n) $ 2.75/Jumbo
— now I know where to get some vegan and gluten free goodies for my friends
— the cookies itself is crisp and light. the cream is rich. for me it just taste like an awesome cookies!
Spicy Chèvre Noir Shortbread™Cookies (so, n, goat dairy only)
$ 12.00/bag
— I wish they have smaller bag… $ 12 is quite pricey…
— personally, I am not crazy about anything goat/​sheep… I didn’t enjoy that… just too goaty for me?
I wish one day LPK’s Culinary Groove will have some products that are calories and fat free too… and taste like the REAL thing?

I recently became a regular at LPKs. The coconut lime cupcakes are amazing — you would never know that they are vegan and gluten free! The prices are a bit steep, but if you’re on a restricted diet and are craving a delicious cupcake, this is the place to go!

LPK’s Culinary Groove popped my vegan cherry. I’m sure LPK would be happy to know this. :-)
LPK’s is a small shop on Queen East near Broadview that specializes in vegan and organic creations. I went specifically to try a cupcake, which was okay, but stumbled upon the Oreo Cookie Sandwich (vegan!) and the best cookie I’ve ever eaten — the Spicy Chevre Noir Shortbread cookies! Holy, are these things fantastic!
The staff, including LPK, was super nice and very interested in getting to know their customers. I’ll definitely be back.

I’ve become a regular at LPK’s since I wrote my review. Dropped back in there the other day (on my way to Swirl) and grabbed up some more of those nasty assed spicy Chevre Noire Shortbreads. Also picked up a small chocolate cake to take home. So from the mouth of the babe in my house…“mmmmmmmmmmmm…mummy…this is absolutely by far and away the best chocolate layer cake I’ve ever eaten!”. There you have it folks, the child has spoken.

LPK’s Culinary Groove is a tiny boutique at Queen & Broadview that specializes in stunningly beautiful organic creations like cakes, tarts, truffles and pastries. There are vegan and gluten-​free options galore and everything is expertly labelled with descriptions.
Owner Lesia is incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming and knows absolutely everything about the intricacies and ingredients in the store’s baked goods.
The neat thing about the beautiful mini cupcakes on display is that they’re made from leftover cake batter, so the flavour combinations vary from day to day depending what’s being baked/​ordered. How economic! The only downside to these cupcakes is the somewhat prohibitive cost — $ 2.50 for a mini cupcake is definitely the most money I’ve ever spent on a mini. However, it had a real uniqueness and beauty to it — vanilla with brown sugar buttercream. The butteriness (a word??) was very evident; I almost felt like I was eating an entire rosette of butter that’s served with a dinner roll. Dieters beware!
While LPK focuses on sweet baked goods, the true knockout of the day was the «Spicy Chèvre Noir Shortbread Cookies», which I had a free sample of. Unbelievably good. The flavour is unlike anything you’ve ever graced your lips with — at once tangy and spicy with a bit of a kick. The cost ($ 12 for a bag of 16) is well worth it for the journey to tastebud nirvana!

This is going to be a pretty simple review. LPK’s CG has the nicest, most knowledgeable staff I have had the pleasure to meet in a very long time.
I’ve been trying hard to find something there that isn’t absolutely delicious. I fail every time. I make up fake birthdays, retirement parties, baby showers, just because it’s a weekday, anything to give myself an excuse to visit them. The best part is you leave feeling awesome because everything is made with fair trade organic local ingredients. Hello! Ok, the real best part is eating the goodies.
To be completely fair I feel I should give you a con with LPK’s. Here it is: make it a habit and take it out on your scale.
Why are you still reading this? Go treat yourself already!

the ladies at lpk’s have been very welcoming each time i have come in. they are excited to answer questions and seem on a mission to make sure that customers see the true culinary merits of well made organic pastries, cakes and chocolates, especially vegan ones. i tried the vegan jelly squares which essentially as pictured above is jam that theyve managed to hold together in a rectangle and covered with some type of sugar. its quite lovely actually and i wouldnt flock to vegan desserts on any day but i would buy this one as a dessert on par with any other. it was not rubbery, or hard to rip apart, or jelloey or gelatinous at all. it was as i said — magically made to stay in a fixed shape as it tasted more like a delicious, not overly sweet jam. the chocolate chip cookies, the brownies and the shortbreads were all made on site and very fresh. my personal favorite was the chevre noir shortbread, which has goat cheese in it and was spicy– perhaps from cayenne pepper maybe, not sure, but a great find and dessert alternative.
their cakes are amazing and death-​defying in their construction and colour. havent tried any of those but likely they are made from high quality organic goods and taste great. they also sell other dessert acoutrements.
all the displays are created with care and are very welcoming. the small cake display was a little sparse when i came in, but im sure thatll fill up in no time at all with good stuff. (i didnt try the white chocolate truffle crème brulees for absolutely no good reason at all as they looked and sounded awesome so i will have to go back for that.)
good luck and thanks for making healthy desserts taste awesome.