kitchenvixen.ca

While patisseries are nothing new on Queen Street West, here in Toronto, there's a new kid on the block, and I gotta say, I'm a little tickled.Pain au chocolat

Giving established places like Clafouti something to talk about Nadege is an unassuming bakery with sleek lines that evoke a "France moderne" but the food is definitely deeply rooted in French tradition (with a few exceptions). Macarons, the French meringue based confection usually sandwiched with ganache entered the scene a few years ago, so Nadege has stepped up to the plate with a variety of offerings from Blackberry and Chocolate (yum!) to Mojito (pass). Of course they also have the regular pastry offerings you would expect, Croissant, Almond Croissant, Pain au Chocolat and the most decadent Chocolate Almond Croissant. I tried a unique pairing of Pistachio and Dried Cherry which was didn't quite have the depth of flavour I was hoping for.

But the one thing that has me truly tickled about Nadege is their introduction of Cannele to the Toronto scene. I have yet to see these little Bordeaux specialties anywhere else in the city.

Baked in copper molds, they are speckled with vanilla and have a soft custardy inside.

CanneleAlthough I didn't try their sandwhiches, they were pretty enough to frame. I'll definitely be going back for one of those soon. So definitely give Nadege a try. Although don't get carried away and ask the staff for a "Café Crème" or a "Café au Lait" because they'll look at you strangely. Just order a latté like the rest of Toronto does.

 Nadege, 780 Queen St. W. 416-368-2009.