I decided to start looking for good French bakeries in Toronto, starting with a small, boutique bakery that has been getting great reviews – Nadège. My friend first showed me their Rosedale location which is set up like a boutique. This is when I first tried their croissant which is really good. This time, I wanted to try their macarons. Having developed a bit of a palate for macarons while in Paris, I hope that I’ll be able to find the same sort of quality in Toronto (and the macarons at Loblaws aren’t even close). I read up on the bakery and the owner – Nadège Nourian who is a fourth generation pastry chef from France! Well, it doesn’t get any more authentic than that!

This time, I visited the original Nadège location by Trinity Bellwoods Park. This one is set up as a coffee shop/bistro so there are places where you can sit down and eat (as well as a great patio facing the park). I really liked the large window at the back of the shop that lets your see the pastry chefs working in the kitchen. It’s very similar to how the chocolate shop – Soma has their stores designed.

Okay, now for the macarons. I tried cassis (blackcurrent), vanilla, salted caramel and pistachio. Oh my goodness! They are as good as Laduree’s! And priced fairly as well ($2.20/each). There wasn’t a lot available in terms of croissants and pain au chocolat when I went (it was about an hour away from closing).  It’s best to get those sorts of things early in the day when they are just baked off. However, the sandwiches looked amazing and the prices are reasonable for the quality that you’re getting. I love it. It’s like a small bit of France in Toronto. I will definitely be going back.