Let Them Eat Cake

Whenever a new pastry shop opens, you’re sure my ears will perk up. Between the yummy treats that get my belly excited and the interest in knowing more about the bakery, my curiosity is peaked!

When Christian Faure opened in my hood, I walked in simply to see what it was all about. I had been to other locations, but I just wanted to know if perhaps there was something unique about this Westmount store.

Sure enough, the scent of pastry (both puff and sweet) wafted through the air and catapulted back to my Au Pain Doré days. Everything is just so delicious and beautifully presented—original yet classic—memories just flooded back from when I would go to work before sunrise and set the croissant in the oven before we opened. I remember the smell of butter all around and hustle of non-stop line ups for whatever brunch each customer was setting up for.

It’s in my DNA to love pastry, and in my home growing up, it was all about “Life is too short, eat dessert first!” Well, Christian Faure’s The Snacking Chic counter® captures exactly that for me. However, instead of an endless queue in his shop, the queue is online or on the phone – busy taking holiday orders to bring traditional and innovative cuisine to our homes for the Christmas season.

I have a few favourites (ok, maybe more than a few!), but my most favourite is supporting local artisans and business. So, in the spirit of giving, why not set out to try their Santa cookies, Christmas ornaments, marshmallows in tons of yummy flavours or a box of delectable handmade macaroons. If you have more of a chocolate tooth, I love the Faurrero or Nutcracker Christmas log filled with rolled biscuit, hazelnuts and almond praline.

Around this time of year, any help around the kitchen is welcome and although I love to cook and bake, sometimes an high-end, chef-made savoury dish is more than welcome as an addition at my table. Try it out and tell me which one is your favourite!

Photography by Patricia Brochu