Over the past 7 years whenever I stayed at my city home I rarely ventured out unless it was for a medical appointment or the rare outing with a city living friend. I'm now at a stage in my healing that I'm having a fabulous time getting out rediscovering old favourites and discovering new ones for: eateries, shopping haunts, activities, social outings, fashion and beauty, fitness and wellness and other amazing things the city of Toronto has to offer. I'll be sharing these adventures in a new series Celia in the City.
Today I'm sharing a recent outing to a chic French bakery Bonjour Brioche, which I often frequented especially during the summer (they have a great patio) with friends for breakfast or brunch. Stepping in after so many years ... the atmosphere was everything I remembered. The staff is super friendly and very attentive; patrons wait patiently for a table to open up - knowing the short wait is worth it!
The smell of fresh baking bread envelopes your senses, - smell, sight and when you are seated taste buds.
Once seated ... Mr. G. chose a Ceylon breakfast tea....
Moi .... a bowl of chocolat chaud...
As I sipped memories of times spent with friends here returned ...
The menu is an orchestra of culinary delights.... so hard to choose ...
I went for an old fav ... Croque Madame accompanied with greens and delicious banquette. Mr. G. went for a sandwich special of bacon, avocado and tomato served with a side of greens.
Another thing that has not changed ... is almost every patron does not leave without purchasing bread or a delicious sweet to enjoy at home later.
The sweets are truly delectable and they call to you visually and by scent. This tray is a small sampling of the goodies offered.
The lemon tart spoke volumes to me and when it reached my table was accompanied with fresh whip cream (exactly how I remember from my trips to Paris).
Mr. G. commented - no chocolate cake? To which the server quickly presented this flourless chocolate cake. Mr. G.'s mouth was still watering later in the day as he recalled this delight.
Of course I too did not leave empty handed ...note the small white bag in my right hand...
If you are looking to experience a little piece of France in Toronto, Bonjour Brioche will not disappoint. I believe the bakery has been around for approximately 17 years. The owner is from France. It is a petite place - so there may be a wait for a table especially on week-ends - but trust me it is worth the wait!
Where it is and what to know:
812 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario M4M 1H7
Phone 416-406-1250
Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday to Sunday 8 am to 4 pm No Reservations & Cash Only
website: /http://bonjourbrioche.com/
Hugs,
Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...
Dearest Celia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat during wintertime! Those big cups without handles made me think of France and also my Province (which is part French culture!) how we would warm our hands and soul.
Your top left photo shows exactly how you went back remembering this treat from years past!
In my hometown we have bakeries with coffee shops too and of course in neighboring Germany. Always full with people and as much goes home inside a shopping bag as inside the tummy... But the fresh baked items work on your mood for eating them with gusto!
So glad to see you having a great time. Enjoy it and stay warm while doing so.
Hugs and love,
Mariette
What a lovely bakery full of delicious treats and how good that you are able to visit there again and rediscover your city. Hurray for your healing.
ReplyDeleteMy kind of bakery Celia. We have an Italian one in our village but I'd love something French, especially homemade macarons.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of a small French bakery I fell in love with in Louisiana. I am now able to order some of my favorite breads to be shipped to me so I am able to enjoy at home now! Yumm. Tell Mr. G I have an easy flourless chocolate cake recipe - easy and major mmmmm.
ReplyDeleteCelia and the City!! I LOVE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteI would kill for a slice of that bread right now. Looks delish!
I just adore these little French bakeries. Your tea .. the bread.. yummy:) The new series will be fun Celia! Looking forward to it! xxleslie
ReplyDeleteSo glad your able to get out and about. Your looking great
ReplyDeleteI would have enjoyed some of those sweets also
Adore the French patisserie! Everything looks delicious... your warm chocolat chaud is perfect on a cold day and glad to hear Mr. G loved his chocolate cake.
ReplyDeleteWe were supposed to go to our favourite local French patisserie yesterday but one thing after another and we didn't make it.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, mon ami!! xoxo, B
That place looks so wonderful and authentic! All of the different bakeries are one of my favorite parts of living in France.
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