Another new cupcake shop to open up
Just noticed over the weekend, when I was in The Plateau on Mont-Royal avenue(& St-Hubert), that there will be a new cupcake shop opening up soon. It will be called Petits Gateaux(boutique de cupcakes).
BLM
Apr 30, 2007 06:48PM
Folks, if you have information or opinions to share on where to find great cupcakes (or other sweet treats!) in Quebec, please feel free to post that information here. However, general commentary on how you feel about cupcakes or the "cupcake fad" are off topic for our site. We're not a clearinghouse for venting your feelings about chow or chow trends. We're just here to make sure everyone eats something delicious today.
If you have comments on how our site is organized, please post them on the Site Talk board, so we can keep this board focused just on sharing local chow tips.
Permalink | Reply
so.. cocoa locale has taken the cupcake to a level I haven't yet experienced. THANK YOU for an answer to my simple question.
I do agree that we on the Montreal board can have friendly discussions, but what can you do?
Permalink | Reply
"so.. cocoa locale has taken the cupcake to a level I haven't yet experienced."
I think that's a pretty accurate assessment. Am not usually a fan of cakes and cupcakes but Reema has made a believer out of me.
Permalink | Reply
I want to chime in and second/third/fourth everyone's opinion on Cocoa Locale. I don't like cupcakes. But then came Cocoa Locale - it now gets me up early on the weekends to snag the lemon & choco chai ones before they all go. I wish the people who rave about Magnolia's in New York, which I hated, can try CL.
CL's cakes are magnificent too (I'm also not a fan of flour based cakes). And so is Reema.
Permalink | Reply
After I hit up Gamba, I made my way down to Cocoa Locale and finally snagged a few of their cupcakes. The chocolate chai were worth every hobbling step!
I personally found the lemon coconut too sweet, and felt a bit sick after eating one, but oh my those chocolate chai ones... amazing!
Permalink | Reply
Previous to Cocoa Locale, had anyone else in Montreal tried to open a cupcake shop?
Permalink | Reply
Not sure whether Fuschia predates Cocoa Locale, though it's more than a cake shop. But it was only after Cocoa Locale opened that cupcakes were on everybody's lips.
www.hour.ca/food/food.aspx?iIDArticle...
Permalink | Reply
Maybe it was Reema's cupcakes at Fuschia. Before Reema opened Cocoa Locale, she use to supply bakery products to Fuschia(maybe she still does).
Permalink | Reply
Good point. Don't think she's supplying Fuschia anymore. She does make some of the desserts, including a killer Afghan pudding, on offer at Rumi, however.
Permalink | Reply
Has anyone tried the cupcakes from Le Fournil (364 Victoria in Westmount)? Saw them for the 1st time on Saturday & although they looked great, I thought $2.75 per was a bit steep to pay. Hoping someone can comment on whether I should've paid the piper!
Permalink | Reply
Tried them several weeks ago, when I was on my hot cross-buns search. I found them mediocre. I have always found Le Fournil products to be sub-par & way too expensive.
Permalink | Reply
Thanks for that info.
Permalink | Reply
Yes, Le Fournil is on the pricey side. I've only ever had their pumpkin pie (available only in the Fall and around Thanksgiving) and corn bread. The pumpkin pie had a lovely crust, but alas, the pie filling wasn't nearly sweet enough. The corn bread is good, with jalpeno peppers and corn kernels for zip and texture.
Permalink | Reply
agreed!
Permalink | Reply
So we tried Petit Gateaux last night and were sorely disappointed. They served us muffins disguised as cupcakes with a frosting camouflage!
Though the vanilla frosting is decent in texture (the chocolate was just okay and coconut was all dried out, resulting in a shower of blue coconut flakes blanketing our table-top), it's not really that special and no where near as bountiful as I'd hoped. The cake itself was somewhat dry and far too dense. It was not light, nor airy, and certainly did not evoke memories of clouds or cotton candy or marshmallows or other fluffy things. And they weren't even that cute or appetizing. I mean, isn't that half of the point?
It seems the people at Petit Gateaux don't even know the difference between a cupcake and a muffin (!!!), and I am almost offended by their evident lack of research into the matter (which is surely is a matter of utmost importance). The most insulting part was that we were charged $2.75 for each of these cupcake IMPOSTERS.
Needless to say, we will not be returning any time soon.
Permalink | Reply
I second this review. The chocolate ganache ones were very sloppy looking. We tried the lemon and the vanilla cupcakes and both were a bit dense. The icing on the vanilla cupcake was way too sweet. The shop is extremely cute, but the cupcakes don't live up to the decor.
Permalink | Reply
Tried two cupcakes at Petits Gateaux today to get a better picture of their product. I found their chococate cupcake fairly good, while their carrot cupcake was way too oily(what's the reason for this?). Was there mid to late afternoon, & it was pretty busy with customers.
Permalink | Reply
Suckers, all of them. Muffins with icing ain't cupcakes.
Permalink | Reply
wow i had the SAME exact reaction as you when i tasted Les petits gateau!
My favourite is Magnolia's cupcakes, don't know if you taste before, and in Montreal so far i like the best is Le Glaceurs, i tasted the red velvet cupcake it was really good! can i ask you your favourite place for cupcakes?
I think Coca Local is good, but i prefer fluffy cupcakes, Coca locale is more a cake than a cupcake..
Permalink | Reply
Has anyone tried Itsi-Bitsi (http://www.itsi-bitsi.com/home.html)? I found it linked to in a comment on endless banquet's post on Cocoa Locale and the anonymous commenter claims it's even better than Cocoa Locale. ($2.85/cupcake though...
)From its menu online, it seems they have some interesting flavours for the summer like choco-wasabi and from the limited press on it, the environs are more chichi boutique than the cute-down-homeyness of Cocoa Locale.
Permalink | Reply
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/375398
Permalink | Reply
Also www.chowhound.com/topics/404061 and www.chowhound.com/topics/397451
Permalink | Reply
YUP - I live in that area - we've been hooked since it opened. We think they put crack in the icing. While they are a little expensive, you truly get a perfect blend of gourmet and childhood - the icing....oh the icing.... We have aske if we could go in back in lick the bowls and spoons, but the answer wis no.
And as if the cupcakes weren't good enough, she no serves up her own home-made gelato that I dare say rivals Havre des Glaces.... Try the Chocolate Ginger....mmmmmmmm.
It's just off the Atwater Market on Notre-Dame
Permalink | Reply
Tried Petits Gateaux last weekend, munched on a chocolate one with pleasure, tasted great. But what's with the aesthetics? I hesitated to take the chocolate one because... it looks gross! I do not dare to write what it looks like! But the agressive coloration of the others did not appeal to me. I imagine the bright yellow, pink or blue adds a vintage touch to the stuff, but there must be a way to be more creative than that with natural stuff, no?
Permalink | Reply
it's possible to get those colors naturally (just like with red velvet cake you can use things like red beet sugar to make the cake bright red). maybe they're trying to be.....rustic?? look homestyle?
i'm so excited to see this thread before my trip. cupcakes are my favorite food, by far =)
Permalink | Reply
Here's a blog reviewing 4 of the cupcake shops in Montreal:
http://underthehighchair.blogspot.com...
Permalink | Reply
This food blog was mentioned last Wednesday in the Montreal Gazette feature focusing on the cupcake craze in Montreal.
Permalink | Reply
Do you recall who the author was?
Permalink | Reply
Susan Schwartz.
Permalink | Reply
That review is pretty much on the money, as far as i'm concerned. Of course, I haven't been to Choc'ola, but I really don't think I'll be going any time soon. I do agree with everything she wrote about the other places. Especially about Petits Gateaux. That place is just plain bad. It takes a lot of hubris to open a bakery when you can't bake.
Permalink | Reply
A writeup of Round 2 of the blog's search for the city's best cupcake was posted on Wednesday. The shops visited were Les Glaceurs, Petits Gateaux (the blog explains that they've changed chefs in the intervening year and that the vaguely disgusting purple cupcake I tasted in May was tea-cranberry-violet) and Cocoa Locale. You'll never guess who wins.
http://underthehighchair.blogspot.com...
Permalink | Reply
If not already open, another cupcake shop (whose name escapes me!) was primed to open on Laurier, corner Hutchinson. When I walked in (not realizing they were not yet open for business) I thought the space was really nice ... the shop's interior is well suited for its Laurier St. location.
Permalink | Reply
I was around Laurier, corner Hutchinson today, & couldn't find the cupcake shop(went up & down Laurier, in & around Hutchinson several times and still couldn't find it).
Permalink | Reply
I have been sampling the area cupcakes during the last few weeks. I know it is almost a culinarily incorrect thing to love cupcakes these days, but I love them. In fact I can eat one every day, if I had easy access to them. I am not far away from the store, but I never had the temptation to go in Petits Gateaux. Their frostings somewhat look off putting, especially their chocolate one, which looks like a swirl of fresh caca. I am sure it tastes good, but I cannot get the picture out of my mind.
I also had high expectations of Itsi Bitsy, and made a special trip to get some cupcakes; but I was underwhelmed. Their chocolate was OK, but it left a strange aftertaste in my mouth, akin to canned frosting. I cannot imagine them using canned frosting (if they are, shame on them), so I am wondering what that could be. On the other hand, their lemon poppy one could have been very good if only had some more frosting and less poppy seeds in it (50 percent of the cake was poppy seeds)
Lastly Cocoa Locale. How I love thee. Let me count the ways. Unlike most fans, my favorite is the vanilla one. It is perfectly executed. The chocolate chai is pretty good too, but it is a little bit too dense for the days I am looking for something a little bit lighter. My only complaint is that her cupcakes don't come in other flavors that she incorporated in her larger cakes. I don't want to give in the temptation of getting a whole cake just because I am intrigued by her flavors such as the Valhrona lavender cake.
Permalink | Reply
"My only complaint is that her cupcakes don't come in other flavors that she incorporated in her larger cakes. I don't want to give in the temptation of getting a whole cake just because I am intrigued by her flavors such as the Valhrona lavender cake."
True but the small cakes aren't much bigger or more expensive than two cupcakes and they keep well for a day or two. Look at it as an opportunity to develop your self-restraint. Leftover chocolate-lavender cake is the breakfast of champions!
Permalink | Reply
When there is good cake at home, somebody needs to put a padlock on my fridge. Ergo, cupcakes.
But true, a small cake goes for 8 to 10 bucks and if you are one of those lucky people who can stop after a slice, it is actually much better bang for your buck and there are lots of flavors to chose from.
Permalink | Reply
I bought three of the choco-chai cupcakes. My self-restraint is barely in check. I hadn't considered having one for breakfast though... hrmm... Sunday morning with coffee!
Permalink | Reply
carswell, you are a genius and a lifesaver. If I had not read your suggestion today, our trek to CL would have been fruitless and frustrating, as our dear Reema had already sold out of everything with diameter < 3" when we arrived around 2pm. However, the display case still held about 6 shiny lavender-choc cakes - we snagged one and she expertly sliced off 2 tiny triangles for us to eat on the run.
Truly amazing stuff - can't believe it's already 9:30PM and the thing is still about 3/4 intact. Will be supremely impressed with myself and dh if there is anything besides crumbs remaining 24h from now...
Permalink | Reply
Give into temptation! The valhrona lavendar cake is unbelievably delicious. I picked it up around 6pm after the lady in front of me bought the last cupcake. Although I shelled out a few more bucks than anticipated, I had an unforgettable culinary experience. Just thinking about it makes me want to run out and get one right now... Pity that Cocoa Locale is closed on Mondays.
Permalink | Reply
I gave in, and I totally agree; it was brilliant. It was very chocolately, but still had enough room for the lavender flavor. I also saw a vanilla-lavender cake in the display, but I am off for sweets after a recent cake-bake-cookie-macaron-ice cream tasting spree so it has to wait a while.
Permalink | Reply
I have since had the vanilla lavender cake, and it is also sinfully amazing with a bit more room for the lavender to show itself. I actually think I might like the vanilla over the valhrona. Now I'm going to experiment by adding lavender into my baking. It's really a brilliant flavour that I probably would have never thought of otherwise. Reema is a smart lady.
Permalink | Reply
Well now, I have to go try Cocoa Locale's cakes! I'm not usually much of a cake person, but these raptures are irresistible.
I had a lavender crème brulée while on vacation this summer and it was one of the memorable moments of my trip.
Permalink | Reply
You need to try the spicy chocolate- just perfect
Permalink | Reply
I totally concur. It is now my favorite. There is something in her vanilla frosting that makes it irresistable and addicting. Adding lavender in it made it even perfect. I cannot put my finger on what makes that frosting special, it is almost like crack!
Permalink | Reply
I gave Petits gateaux a try a month ago, while on a huge sweets craving. The experience was a disaster. First, the service was rude and totally unfriendly and the cupcakes were dry and tasteless. Cocoa Locale is the way to go: extremely tasty, very friendly service and absolutely charming. I give Petits Gateaux another 3 months and will close down. Itsi bitsi is also good.
Permalink | Reply
Does anyone know of a Web site for Cocoa Locale? I thought I'd found one once but I can't seem to find it, so it might have been my imagination.
Permalink | Reply
I don't think one exists. Itsi-Bitsi and Petits Gateaux both have websites, so maybe you're misremembering theirs.
But there is a delightful you-tube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXY8MJ...
Permalink | Reply
KP- don't do it. DON'T GOOOOO
I have tried their things twice, discussed them with other NDGers, and everyone agrees that they aren't good. The icing is overly sweet, with only a passing nod to buttercream - a very distant relative if anything, and they are expensive. Again, I don't mind paying if it's good, but these just aren't.
Permalink | Reply
Nice video eoj - I must really go!
Maisonbistro - I bet you're thinking of Cho'Cola on Monkland, right? Yeah, tried one once and not impressed. But have you been to Cocoa Locale on Parc? I've only heard good things....
Permalink | Reply
Oh crap. I'm sorry. You're right. OW (hitting my hand on my forehead).
Yummmmmm Cocoa Locale. Try they spicy chocolate cake. YUM
We ventured out East today to Praline and Caramel, picked up a few pastries and a few chocolates. Haven't had the pastries yet - will report back tomorrow. Did try one of the chocolates, but wasn't impressed.
I'm hoping the cakes will wow me as I am looking for something different to order for my birthday. Did I saw my birthday?? sorry, I meant someone else's birthday. Yeah, that's the ticket, someone else's birthday.
Permalink | Reply
That location has been like the kiss of death for everyone who's tried to run a business there. It was just fine when it was Hercules, and simple, local souvlaki joint, until they got too big for their britches and tried to go upscale, basically offering the same food for three times the price. Was there someone else between them and Garam Masala? Anyway, with any luck, the cupcake shop (ugh! pooey!) will tank soon and maybe the gods will finally smile upon NDG and give us a Thai restaurant.
Permalink | Reply
Strangely enough, I believe that very location is the exact spot where my grandparents ran a "dry goods" general store in the 1950s! I don't think they ever made millions, either. ;-)
> maybe the gods will
> finally smile upon NDG and give us a Thai restaurant.
Bomobob, do you not know about the fabulous Thai place a few blocks west? It's been open for at least a year - excellent food, tell me what you think if you go. Favourite dishes: fish filet with red curry sauce, chicken & eggplant, sticky rice.
Bangkok Express
5645 Monkland Ave. (near Oxford Ave.)
Phone: (514) 223-4552
Permalink | Reply
Uh yes, as I said, "maybe the gods will finally smile upon NDG and give us a Thai restaurant". I'm still waiting.
I got very excited when that place opened, but was sorely disappointed to find yet another watered-down-North-American Thai restaurant. The food is good, I'm not saying it isn't, but it's not even close to the real thing. I'm still waiting for a chef who understands that if he makes pork with chili and basil like they do in Thailand, people WILL eat it, and like it, though many may find it too hot. Instead they habitually use a few leaves of basil, red and green peppers in place of the chilies, and a run of the mill starched broth sauce, where there should be none at all. Ends up looking like some Cantonese pork/veg stir fry.
That said, their curries are good, but that's often the case around town. Good curries, and the rest kind of mock Thai.
Permalink | Reply
Yet another cupcake emporium has just opened it's doors at 453 Rue Saint-Sulpice in Old Montreal. The store is called "Les Glaceurs" and features cakes, cupcakes, and Bilboquet ice cream.
Permalink | Reply
Have you tried it??? Woud love a review of the cupcakes and cakes...
Permalink | Reply