Local Bakeries

I used to move a lot and I usually had very few criteria apart from the decency of the apartment as to what the locale had to offer. In no particular order the neighbourhood had to have a good coffee shop, a green grocer with some ethnic offerings, one good local drinking hole, one decent eating spot, an LCBO in walking distance, access to the TTC, a library within walking distance, and a BAKERY. Where I live now I have all of that and more. I can even walk to and from work if I happen to be wearing sensible shoes that day.

Across the street is a lovely cafe with an old copper ceiling, gleaming stainless steel cappuccino makers, imported from Mississauga baked goods of which my favourite is a croissant sprinkled with icing sugar and lined with a delicate strawberry compote. And you have to love the owner - he's there every morning at 6:00 a.m. sweeping then spraying down the sidewalk where his patio furniture sits and he's still there wiping down his machines and busying around the place even when there's not a soul inside when I'm grocery shopping for dinner at 7:00 p.m. He works 6 days a week and he's never in a bad mood. Around the corner is another bakery. One I go to on Sundays when the first one is closed. It's one of four or so in the city under the Nova Era ownership. It's a Portuguese joint with cakes View this photo and breads and mini tartlets and a pyriamid of croissants to choose from.

Comments

[Geraldine]

This brings back some fond memories of Toronto...Lived there many years ago and yes, these were some of the essentials for where I lived at the time, while attending Ryerson. I can just about taste these croissants, mixed with the flavours of memories past. Thanks for the trip back in time and Cheers from the very snowy Prairies!

[Geraldine]

This brings back some fond memories of Toronto...Lived there many years ago and yes, these were some of the essentials for where I lived at the time, while attending Ryerson. I can just about taste these croissants, mixed with the flavours of memories past. Thanks for the trip back in time and Cheers from the very snowy Prairies!

[Randi]

We're coming to TO this weekend. Where is this located?

[Jane]

Brings back some great memories, thanks.

[Mats Flemstrom]

Where we live now (near Eglington & Mt. Pleasant) we meet all the criteria you spelled out. For a cool bakery, there is the very French "Celestine" on Mt Pleasant for both sweet and savoury goods. Still, it would be nice to be a bit closer for my fave Italian bakery "Tre Mari" on St. Clair. Their cannnoli and ciabatta are worth the drive tho'.