Clafouti
915 Queen Street West/ 416-603-1935
Despite the years of moaning about wanting to live in Europe and the fact I’m leaving next week, sometimes I doubt that there can be a place in the world nicer than Toronto in the summer. I’ve suspected it since my days in high school commuting down to traipse around Queen West (read: Muchmusic and the surrounding stores) but living downtown last summer confirmed it.
Clafouti epitomizes the ideal summer morning that I once had the privilege to call routine existence. This French patisserie is at the heart of the West Queen West, right across from Trinity Bellwoods Park. Every morning last August I would pass through the park, making my way between dogs, their owners and children before turning on Queen Street on my walk to my internship. The late start time allowed for a leisurely walk that took in the best part of the Queen Street–west of commercialization and east of pretension.
On a good morning I would stop at Clafouti for a chocolate almond croissant. On the best mornings I would stop at Clafouti for a chocolate almond croissant and eat it sitting on a bench in the park. When I went early enough to get them fresh from the oven (around 10 a.m. worked for me), the croissant was just enough to create that warm, happy feeling in my stomach. The worst days, however, were Mondays when I forgot that they weren’t open.
There are only three small tables inside the store so orders are almost always to go. It’s a little disappointing when I want to stare at the colourful shelves of imported European confections, enjoy the impeccable music selection and stare at the store’s display cases. These vitrines are the stuff dreams are made of. Inside sit rows of tarts (lychee-caramel, almond-pear), sandwich croissants (shrimp with avocado) each with elegant little signs in front of each one, explaining its contents. Outside the store, a slate sign quietly broadcasts the staff’s daily musings (“War is over.”)
It’s the little details that give this patisserie its chaleur. Clafouti embodies the romantic life that Amélie made us wistful for. It is the seamless melding of urbanity and old-world charm together in one delicious package.
