La Niçoise

Bakery: La Niçoise
Address:  769 Rue Beaubien, Montreal QC
Website: n/a 
Style: French 
Price: $$ 

This simple, rather no-frills bakery is an easy one to walk past. At least, even I, knowing exactly where I was heading, barely noticed it; I mean, you have to admit it resembles more a rundown coffee shop than a bakery, especially with the seating taking up most of the unpretentious space. Then, there's the fact that they don't really have a lot of either bread, baked goods or pastries, which make both appellations a bit of a head scratcher.

Still, La Niçoise has a few shelves' worth of traditional French baked goods right when you enter and then a little more on the other side of the cash register, including some cakes and slightly more elaborate pastries. Nothing overly fancy, but the more modest pricing reflects that, though it would be nice to have items priced and labelled; after all, visiting patisseries does add up after awhile....

This trip to Montreal turned into the one for almond croissants; it didn't happen intentionally, but nonetheless, I settled for one almond croissant and an abricotine ($5.25 for both, with tax). The almond croissant was certainly better than the one I had had the previous day (yes, I know... it's a bit embarrassing): wonderfully flaky croissant, rather plump and pretty hearty with good texture, nice baked-on almond top with slivered nuts, then stuffed with delectable cream. This was definitely the highlight of the two.

The abricotine was likewise good, with two apricot slices on either end and simple glaze on top, but I found the middle lacking in the typical cream; actually it was quite empty and you had the sensation of eating just plain dough. In both cases, the dough could have been more buttery and then that feeling of eating plain dough would be a lot more enjoyable. Good, affordable option in the area.

Rating: ***