Boulangerie Au Pain DoréReviewed by rob barac |
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Boulangerie Au Pain Doré
1415, rue Peel, Montreal
Quebec, Canada
Every now and then one experiences trepidation, dissatisfaction and then elation. This sums up my brief brush with Boulangerie Au Pain Doré.
Trepidation:
We were looking for a quick pastry and coffee after we left our hotel in Montreal and we happened across this little corner cafe. I entered its bright and cheery interior to be greeted by a bustling little bakery. Danishes, croissants and brioches as far as the eye could see. The girl at the counter asked if I wanted a coffee and I glanced over at the filter machine in the corner and winced. She noticed and mentioned that upstairs they serve “Real Coffee”. Needless to say I was filled with trepidation.
Dissatisfaction:
The burbling and whirring of a coffee machine caught my attention. Needless to say I was excited by the prospect of a “Real Coffee” so I queued up. The upstairs cafe had decor that reminded me of… hmmm… IKEA cool?
30 seconds in and I joined the queue of 2 people.
25 minutes later I actually got served. I asked for a latte to go.
10 minutes later I was given a cappuccino, in a cup… for here. I expressed my dissatisfaction with being given the wrong coffee, and that it was not to take away. The barista apologised profusely and went back to the machine.
3 minutes later I was given a latte in a take away cup. I lifted the lid to inspect the coffee (now in a mood to raise hell).
Elation:
The froth was excellent, no… Almost perfect. Thick and creamy, mixed in with the crema to perfection. The coffee? Wow. Perfect temperature, nice but unchallenging roast and just the right parts coffee and steamed milk.
Summary:
Once outside I tasted my pastry and it was quite good. I sipped my coffee and determined that if I was ever in that particular part of town again I would go in for a second tasting. Only this time I would send someone else to order while I enjoy half a dozen cigarettes.
UPDATE: As noted by Piper in the comment below I originally had the wrong address for this cafe. I have consulted with a friend of mine, a long time resident of Montreal and he is pretty certain that the address that I have updated at the top of this post is the correct one.
June 8th, 2005 at 1:17 pm
What do you mean when you say “She noticed and mentioned that upstairs they serve “Real Coffee” followed by “The upstairs cafe had decor that reminded me of… hmmm… IKEA cool?” If you are speaking about the Bakery Au Pain Dore on 1236 green ave. in westmount there is no upstairs that serves coffee that is part of the bakery? There is a sushi place and a hair salon above the store.. we are the only coffee place on that block? so maybe you have the wrong address? check into it as your story is confusing. thanks
June 8th, 2005 at 1:32 pm
Hmmm… sorry Piper.
There were 13 cafes listed on the business card that I grabbed on the way out and I tried through a process of elimination and a foggy recollection of where I was to choose the correct cafe to review.
I will amend the address details, but maybe you could chip in by letting me know which of your stores is on a corner off Sainte Catherine and has a section upstairs.
BTW: The coffee I had was VERY good.
June 8th, 2005 at 4:06 pm
Piper, I have consulted with amate who was there with me at the time and we’re both pretty sure it was the one on Peel.
Let me know if you think differently.
June 16th, 2005 at 10:21 pm
That sounds better as the one on green is not two levels, I am glad to hear it was good coffee. Come to the one on green some day! Thanks for clearing it up.
June 17th, 2005 at 8:03 am
No Problemo!!
I think as soon as my partner has our baby (2 weeks) another trip to Montreal is definately on the cards. Probably a weekend of cafes and “non-pregnancy” clothes shopping.