If you’re looking for a winning cannoli in an assortment of mouth-watering flavours, look no further than Italia Bakery. What originally started in Burnaby back in 1981, moved to its current location at 2828 East Hastings (#104) in 1985. Owner Sam bought the place ten years ago, and he explains to us that baking wasn’t his original game plan. “It wasn’t my ideal thing to do, baking,” Sam says. “I never thought that I would end up owning the bakery. I was an automotive mechanic originally. But it changed because I just wanted to keep the family business going, our lives changed, we had kids and we just really wanted to keep the business in the families’ hands.” Liz is Sam’s partner and does the business duties for the bakery. When we ask her what she likes most about her job, she tells us it’s the people and the community. “The people that come in are enjoyable. People have known Sam and the family since opening day. (The area) is changing. A lot of younger people are moving in with kids. It’s always nice to the see the new faces that are coming in.” All baked goods are made in house, and Sam is the considered the Cannoli King. “Cannoli is definitely our trademark,” Sam says proudly. “It’s the original Sicilian cannoli of Vancouver – locally handcrafted for over 30 years.” The pair began street vending about five years ago at Italian Days, and now even have a food truck which serves their famous cannoli (and other treats) during the summer months and for special events, like the upcoming Fair at the PNE. All of the products at Italia Bakery are made from scratch, and by hand. They offer a variety of items, from bread and desserts, to an excellent variety of the finest deli meats and cheeses imported from Italy. “We pride ourselves on quality, nothing has additives or fillers,” Sam says. “You can basically save an airplane ticket and come in here.” Visit their website for more info about the business, and stay social on Facebook.