The Rolling Pin: Deluxe Donuts Plus!

Nestled among a row of vintage storefronts, at the top of Toronto‘s Avenue Road, sits The Rolling Pin. Step inside this delightful bakery and the retro theme continues. For just beyond the entrance you are greeted by Ruby G – their colourful and sassy logo. Ruby G’s bright red apron sets the tone for both floors of this charming shop, which are highlighted by sparkling red, subway-tile back-splashes, blackboards and vintage prints. She also reflects the personalities of partners and co-owners, Isabel Loiacono and Vanessa Baudanza .

These two passionate bakers first met at the Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionery Arts where Isabel was Vanessa’s instructor. They hit it off so well that they eventually decided to go into business together. Five years on, The Rolling Pin is an award-winning fixture in the Nortown neighbourhood. Their partnership works well as Vanessa comes up with new product ideas and Isabel develops the recipes for them. This includes creating a new ‘Chef’s Special’ doughnut every day. Not only is this a treat for customers, it also creates a bit of healthy competition among the staff as their ideas are also considered. On the day I visited, Vanessa and Isabel treated me to, among other things, their S’mores Chef’s Special. All I can say is that it was as decadent tasting as it looks! But doughnuts aren’t their only creations. The Rolling Pin also gets creative with cookies. They’ve even designed a series of ‘paint-by-number’ cookies, including a paintbrush and a palate of coloured icing ‘paints’ with each treat. And I have it on good authority that kids love them! The Rolling Pin also offers a wide array of sumptuous cakes, pies, cupcakes. I had the pure pleasure of enjoying their ‘Jacked-up Pumpkin Pie’ one Thanksgiving. Having met Vanessa, I now know the secret ingredient to its deliciousness. She loves Thanksgiving – the crispness of the air, the colours of the leaves and pumpkin! So much so that by early July each year she has already announced to her team that it’s time to begin preparing for this autumn holiday. And if that weren’t enough, The Rolling Pin is also a destination for many brides-to-be shopping for a unique and artistic wedding cake. In fact, Isabel was playing with a new look when I visited. As you can see below, she was going for a weathered stone look. I’d say she nailed it.And if you’d like to get in on the action and create some of your own Rolling Pin-inspired goodies, you can do so by taking one of the eight to ten classes they offer each month. But if you’re just in the mood to snack on some of their sweet treats, snuggle up in a cozy corner next to Ruby G. The most difficult part will be choosing your treat. To tempt you even further, a couple of new ideas they have in the hopper are a Cadbury Mini-egg Eclair for Easter and a Nutella Butter Tart for The Great Canadian Butter Tart Festival. See, I told you it would be a challenge!

The Rolling Pin  1970 Avenue Road, North York, ON M5M 4A1