Last Friday, after a night of camping with family on the Olympic Peninsula and gazing across the Strait of Juan de Fuca towards our friendly neighbor to the north, we decided that we might as well spend a day in Victoria since we were so close and had our passports with us. Bright and early, we boarded the M.V. Coho and were promptly ferried over the Salish Sea into that quaint capital of British Columbia.
Now it's true that Victoria is known as Canada's #1 retirement destination and the overall aura is definitely touristy, but that doesn't scare me away because if there's one thing I know, it's that touristy towns have the BEST candy shops. Hands down. True to form, within minutes of strolling along the main thoroughfare, I spotted this gem:
Exhibiting a feat of self-restraint, I chose Strawberry Maoam, Parma Violets, Barratt Dolly Mix and, out of due diligence, a maple leaf-shaped hard candy. Yes, I am aware that maple syrup is primarily produced in Eastern Canada but what can you do. The Dolly Mix I had had before (though I can't remember where) and was excited to see it again because I haven't been able to find it in the States. It's sort of an assortment of tiny sugar covered gummies and mini pastel allsorts licorice. The Maoam was a delicious chewy candy reminiscent of Laffy Taffy and the Parma Violets were the texture of Smarties with a delicate perfume-y flavor. Needless to say, the maple hard candy was perfect, all buttery and sweet and distinctly Canadian.
According to their website, the English Sweet Shop delivers to the States and will send however little or much you want. This is a dangerous discovery as I'm already planning my first order!
According to their website, the English Sweet Shop delivers to the States and will send however little or much you want. This is a dangerous discovery as I'm already planning my first order!
