For Sonia, the best part of her work is the joy it brings.
Sonia is the Executive Chef of 49th Parallel Café & Lucky’s Doughnuts, where the focus is on doing things with care and intention to create “a space where people can connect over something delicious they can trust.” Whether it’s building relationships with coffee farmers or using local suppliers and fresh ingredients in their doughnuts, the goal goes beyond great food—it’s about creating meaningful connections. As Sonia explains, they “always make everything fresh onsite, from scratch, without any chemical enhancers or stabilizers.”
It was the simple happiness that food can bring that first drew Sonia to the pastry arts, whether it’s “a child’s face light up when they eat a doughnut,” or a grown man in a business suit absolutely devouring a sprinkle ring in seconds. When she was what she likes to call a “baby baker,” Sonia credits her evolution into a chef and leader to the mentors who once took her under their wing. That’s why she now finds deep fulfillment in mentoring her own team and helping them grow.
What truly makes it all worthwhile, she says, “is seeing people grow up with our brand.” 49th Parallel has become a meaningful part of people’s lives—couples who had their first date at the café now order doughnuts for their weddings, and customers who came as children continue to return as adults.
Sonia grew up attending international schools, moving frequently before eventually returning to Vancouver for university. While the constant change initially left her feeling unsettled, she now sees it as a defining part of her identity. Having always been surrounded by people from all over the world, a “theme that has carried throughout her whole life”—it’s no surprise that the vibrant multiculturalism of Vancouver has truly made the city feel like home.
The Thurlow location, which opened in Fall 2017, stands out not only for its pastries and coffee but also for its full breakfast and lunch menu. Sonia loves “being part of a space downtown where laughter, community and a little sweetness come together,” especially since, as she puts it, “downtown is always buzzing!” From great food to lively events, every day offers a new adventure. In fact, one of Sonia’s favourite moments from this past summer was spontaneously stumbling into the free Vancouver Jazz Festival!
You can visit 49th Parallel & Lucky’s Doughnuts at various locations in downtown Vancouver.
