In an unexpected twist for a butcher shop, Around the Block Butcher & Market in Ottawa's Centrepointe neighborhood has gained acclaim for selling what many consider the city's finest almond croissants. The exceptional house-made baked goods represent a surprising find amid the store's primary focus on meats, showcasing the culinary talents of baker Cora-Lynn Bartlett-Saragaco.
From Frozen to Fresh: A Baker's Journey
Before joining Around the Block Butcher & Market nearly two years ago, 24-year-old Cora-Lynn Bartlett-Saragaco worked at another Ottawa bakery where almond croissants arrived frozen and pre-made. "We brought them in frozen and pre-made," Bartlett-Saragaco recalls. "They were a huge seller, but I wasn't a huge fan of them."
She describes those previous croissants as lacking in character: "Not a whole lot of filling, nothing interesting. They tasted flat, very one-note. There was nothing special to them." This experience fueled her determination to create something superior when she took over the baking program at Around the Block.
Crafting a Signature Recipe
Given the opportunity to develop the store's baking offerings, Bartlett-Saragaco began experimenting with almond croissants, which can be efficiently made using day-old croissants. After a month of testing different recipes and making careful adjustments, she developed what she proudly calls her own signature creation.
The key innovation lies in her frangipane filling, where she incorporates a distinctive blend of warming spices including cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. "I went with my own mix of warming spices," she explains. The result is a filling that manages to be subtly spiced without overwhelming the palate—a delicate balance that enhances rather than dominates the overall flavor profile.
Quality That Speaks for Itself
Bartlett-Saragaco notes that her frangipane has a richer, more buttery consistency than typical versions. This quality allows the butter and sugar to properly seep into the day-old croissants, improving both their taste and texture during the baking process. The finished product has proven irresistible to customers, though availability remains limited due to the artisanal approach to production.
"At Around the Block, the almond croissants are usually in short supply," Bartlett-Saragaco acknowledges. She may make as few as four of them each day, focusing primarily on the store's popular chocolate chip cookies that customers crave most. Yet for those in the know, the almond croissants have become a sought-after specialty worth seeking out.
A Self-Taught Baker's Passion
Remarkably, Bartlett-Saragaco is entirely self-taught in baking and cooking. While she attended Algonquin College, it was for accounting rather than culinary training. Her baking journey began in childhood, shaped by circumstances that made sweets a rare treat.
"Baking is something that has been a big part of my life," she reflects. "The way I grew up, sweets weren't something I had a lot of. We were subject to whatever the food bank was throwing at us. But my mom has a big sweet tooth... I played around with stuff then, and that developed into a love for baking."
This genuine passion translates directly into the quality of her creations. Bartlett-Saragaco loves what she does, and that enthusiasm manifests in superior almond croissants that have earned their reputation as among Ottawa's best.
Practical Details
Around the Block Butcher & Market operates at 117 Centrepointe Drive, Units 123/124, and can be reached at 613-820-3258. The store opens Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Almond croissants are priced at $5.50 each, offering customers an affordable luxury that represents both culinary craftsmanship and local entrepreneurship.
