More Local Pastries To Impress

Ready for more adventures in the Montreal pastry scene? I am, always!

Last month saw cakes and other goodies of the sort. Today, we're talking donuts. The first spot in this list is an old standby. The second, a new-to-me pâtisserie whose treats were calling my name all summer. Both shops are on my side of the mountain, so I apologize for excluding any awesome options in the Sud-Ouest/NDG area. Maybe, once the pandemic is behind us (fingers crossed), I'll venture back to that part of town and stuff my face with all the sweets Léché, Rustique, and the gang have to offer ;)

For now, I'm strolling through Little Italy and Rosemont. On y va! 

TROU DE BEIGNE (156 ST. ZOTIQUE EAST)

Over the years, I've stopped for a Trou de Beigne donut many, many times. In fact, it's my favorite follow-up to a savory brunch at Santa Barbara. Their offerings come in two sizes and usually nine different flavors -- a combination of seasonal confections and perennial crowd-pleasers like maple bacon, cookie dough, and s'mores.

Personally, I'm an oreo gal, but occasionally dabble in the "limited time only" options. (I'm looking at you, mind-blowing peach jelly donut from last summer.)

Okay, fine, the treats at Trou de Beigne are kiiind of greasy -- avoid looking at your napkin when your donut is done. However, their texture is surprisingly light, and the largest size isn't exactly enormous, so I figure everything balances out nicely ;)

CREMY PATISSERIE (2202 MONT ROYAL EAST)

Last week, I schlepped myself to the corner of Mont Royal and Parthenais to finally test drive Crémy. I specifically set out to try their pistachio/cherry jelly creation, which I'd had my eye on for months (literally), and I'm pumped to report that it lived up to the hype!

Unlike TdB, these donuts are quite hefty. Like, difficult-to-take-a-bite big (not that I'm complaining lol). There's also an impressive choice of inventive options on the menu -- tons of cool flavor combos and fun reinterpretations of classic treats. Plus, on top of the donuts, Crémy makes their version of nostalgic snacks like Joe Louis and Ah Caramel. It took A LOT of self-control to keep myself from ordering one of everything. Which means I have to go back for more, I guess. What a struggle :)

Have you been to either of these shops? I'd love to get your input!

Image credit (top): Happy Shappy

Image credit (donuts): Trou de Beigne, Crémy