Recently, Urbaneer was strolling along Queen St East through Leslieville and took a slight detour to Paris. Well, not Paris per se but easily the most Parisienne space in the city: Bobbette and Belle Artisanal Pastries at 1121 Queen Street East at Bertmount.
A front runner for the most charming bakery in Toronto, Bobbette and Belle specializes in creating truly divine French pastries including macarons, croissants and pain au chocolat as well as cakes and cupcakes. From the perfect mix of French country furniture to the display of antique dessert plates, everything in this bright and airy bakeshop immediately transports visitors to France. The only thing that could possibly make this café more delightfully French would be Jessica Pare shimmying and singing “Zou Bisou” tableside (yes. an Urbaneer can dream). Coffee and espresso are served along with homemade hot chocolate and spiced apple cider. Pastries and confections are available to go but we highly recommend staying for a visit.
Bobbette and Belle is a perfect place to escape from the world and catch up with an old friend. We met on a beautiful sunny day and settled in for a long overdue visit over coffee and pastries. It smells so delicious in Bobbette and Belle that this particular Urbaneer lost all sense and took a big bite of her ham and cheese croissant before she remembered to take a photo. Voila! Here is a look at a sinfully buttery pastry after it has been chomped on by a starving Urbaneer.
Oh before I forget, the latte was perfect and looked even better than it tasted. But of course this was prior to me destroying the pristine foam art in an attempt to get the caffeine into my system immediately. You’re going to have to take my word for it. My lovely companion waxed poetic about the blueberry scone in the midst of some big bites (Mon dieu! What would the Parisiennes say?).
Bobbette & Belle is best known for their spectacularly decorated cakes. Stunning selections of ornate designs line the walls of the bake shop. Speaking from experience, the gilt and glitter of these masterpieces can induce some serious day dreaming and cause your companion to call you back to Earth (potentially multiple times in one visit).
If you are not currently in the market for a multi-tiered cake you can still indulge in one of their immaculate mini-cakes. They practically radiate in the display case. What a great way to add a little opulence to your day! The mini-cakes are truly decadent and could easily serve 2-3 people. However, if you decide not to share your secret is safe with us. Urbaneer is a judgment free space (with perhaps a few exceptions).
Bobbette & Belle Artisanal Pastries
1121 Queen Street East
(416)466-8800
Open Weekdays 9:00am – 6:30pm
Open Saturdays 9:00am – 6:00pm & Sundays 9:00am – 5:00pm
Can you imagine having this gem near your new home? Check out this opportunity filled duplex in neighbouring Riverdale —-> A Terrific Duplex on Tennis Crescent in Riverdale!
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~ Kellye MacMillan, Realtor & Guest Writer
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