Family-owned bakery The Modern Pantry, whose exceptional delicacies have tantalized diners in North Vancouver for nearly four years, celebrates the grand opening of its new West Vancouver location today.
Co-owned by husband-and-wife duo Kendall and Matthew Parslow, The Modern Pantry was designed as a cozy space for the community to convene over locally sourced, freshly made goods. Each day, Kendall – who oversees recipe development, and has extensive global experience in the culinary arts – crafts flavourful treats ranging from sourdough bread and focaccia to pecan sticky buns and hazelnut cheddar scones, as well as savoury sandwiches like sweet potato and roasted peppers with feta dill spread – and housemade granola, jams, pickles and sauces.
The new space in West Vancouver sprawls 1,800 square feet, and was designed by Kendall and her father, a reputed architect. Visitors can look forward to a mid-century California vibe – beachy and relaxed, with a patio overlooking the ocean and another at street level. Inside, warm and inviting colours play with layers and textures, with plenty of windows inviting a flood of warming light.
Most ingredients for The Modern Pantry’s decadent offerings are sourced from local suppliers, including Salt Spring Sea Salt, BC Buzz Honey and Klippers Organics. The menu encompasses staple items like sticky buns, scones and quiche, as well as a selection of housemade Pop Tarts. For the holidays, the bakery will serve a festive collection of cookies, including white chocolate orange biscotti and malted sugar; caramels in unexpected flavours like apple cider vinegar and miso sesame; and seasonal pies, including bourbon pumpkin, chocolate pecan cranberry and classic apple. Guests can also purchase Santa Sacks – linen bread bags filled with goodies like granola, whose flavours span rosemary sea salt, apple pecan and lemon hazelnut; flavourful jams, such as spicy tomato and plum; caramels; and crackers, including options like sourdough butter and rosemary and black pepper ($70, plus tax).
“I’m thrilled to return to my roots in West Vancouver, where I was born and raised,” said Kendall Parslow. “I have such fond memories of this community – it’s where I developed my appreciation for food, and was my home base when I travelled the world to learn about global flavours and techniques. It’s exciting to come full circle and open a new storefront for The Modern Pantry in my hometown.”
“I’m excited that we’re expanding The Modern Pantry to West Vancouver, and broadening the way we connect with people through food,” said Matthew Parslow. “For us, that includes plans to diversify our provisions, build on our classes and other educational offerings, and develop event spaces. There’s no limit to what we can do, especially in a community as supportive as the North Shore.”
The bakery also serves local House of Funk coffee, paired with housemade syrups spanning vanilla, chocolate and orange cardamom. A dedicated retail selection features items like children’s toys, ceramics and wax canvas lunch bags.
The Modern Pantry in West Vancouver is located at 102-2232 Marine Drive, and officially opens its doors today. The bakery’s regular hours are Tuesday to Saturday (7:30am – 4pm) and Sunday (8am – 4pm). For more information, visit themodernpantry.ca.
