Toronto Patisserie Walking Tour II

See here for the first installment of my Toronto Patisserie Walking Tour.

Stop 5: Patisserie La Cigogne

1626 Bayview Avenue, Toronto

(416) 487-1234

Only steps away from Rahier is the less glamourous but very welcoming La Cigogne. At the entrance of the store, the wall is covered with certificates belonging to chef Thierry Schmitt and pictures of Alsace. On this Saturday afternoon, there were three or four tables of customers enjoying a leisurely snack. Out of all the gateaux in the display case, I was most intrigued by the Imperial. On a pate sucree crust there was a ring of coconut mousse surrounding a light banana filling. The top was a layer of dark chocolate ganache. It was so visually appealing. I particularly liked the flavour of the banana filling because the slight hint of lemon really lifted the richness off the banana into a refreshing taste. The coconut mousse was light and airy and the crust was flaky and tender. However, none of the components adhered to each other. The ganache refused to be seperated by a fork. The mousse was light but it would not stay on the crust. Alas, each component tasted so good individually I think it was a pity that they don't let me see them as a whole. In addition to the gateau, I purchased a kugelhopf to take home. The bread is studded with raisins and slices of toasted almond. Compare to the savory kugelhopf from Thuet Cuisine, this version is less buttery and less dense. I find it very tasty. According to their menu, La Cigogne offers tarte flambee every Saturday and Sunday between 11:00 and 15:00. I will come back next time to try this Alsatian specialty. A tarte flambee is a thin crust pie with bacon, chopped onion, and cream cheese baked in stone oven.

Stop 6: Patachou Patisserie

1095 Yonge Street, Toronto

(416) 927-1105

Established in 1978, Patachou is the grande dame of French-style patisseries in Toronto. Although you can't see it from the photograph, there is a lovely patio beside the store for customers to enjoy a light meal or snack. Compare to the other patisseries I visited, pastry does not appear to be the focus of Patachou. There was a savory take-out counter, many selections of sandwiches, salads, soup, and quiches in addition to pastry and bread. The gateaux did not have the precise appearence as the other patisseries either. I chose a yogurt mousse cake studded with golden raisins and apricots. The mousse was surrounded with a ring of vanilla sponge cake soaked with syrup. The tanginess of the yogurt combined with the macerated fruits and the cake was marvellous, not to mention it was the lightest mousse I had all day. I was pleasantly surprised. Patachou is another shop that sells macarons in Toronto. I purchased one of each flavour for tasting later. Judging by appearence alone, they definitely pass with flying colours. The four flavours were chocolate, caramel, raspberry, and blueberry (I think). How lucky am I that I can finally purchase these delightful cookies in Toronto instead of having to make them myself every time the craving strikes!

Stop 7: Wanda's Pie In The Sky

7-A Yorkville Avenue, Toronto

(416) 925-PIES

http://www.wandaspieinthesky.com/

My last stop of the day was a departure from the classic French-style pastry. The Yorkville cafe location of Wanda's Pie In The Sky is full of kitschy fun. Since I had my first taste of pumpkin pie at Chudleigh's last weekend, I was seriously tempted to order a slice of pumkin pie today. However, I always consider a double-crust apple pie to be a true test of the skill of the pie maker so I had a slice of their rustic apple pie instead. The staff offered to warm up the pie for me and I was glad to see that they warm it up in an oven. Even before my slice arrived, the whole store was filled with the lovely aroma of apple, cinnamon, and butter. This pie isn't a true double-crust pie though...the center is covered with toasted pecans and raisins which both contributed a nice flavour. The top crust was flaky and buttery. The apples were not too sweet with just the right amount of sauce. Unfortunately, the bottom crust was somewhat soggy. [Sigh] My search for unsoggy bottom crust continues.

Summary

Ouf of all the places that I visited today, I will definitely go back to Celestin and la Bamboche next time I crave for some good gateaux or tartes. La Cigogne will be my standby for Alsatian specialties.

If you would like to join me for a crazy day of walking and pastry, give me a shout and we'll make plans! (Note: some of you did give me a shout and another tour was organized later this month.)

Technorati: pastry walking tour, Toronto

Comments

[Keng Ngee]

Wow, never actually knew there were so many patisseries around the city (mostly since I live downtown). I shall take you up on your crazy pastry tour offer, if it's still good. My name's Edmund, leave me an email at gul_dekar@hotmail.com

[Smita]

Have you been to Le Gourmand on Spadina? It has a very tasty banana-chocolate bread pudding.

[bryan-san]

wow, you really like pastry alot :) nice article. Patisserie La Cigogne chef Thierry Schmitt is my current lecture in george brown :P he is really greattt