Description: Olive et Gourmando is a fantastic bakery and cafe set in the heart of Old Montreal, at 351 Saint-Paul Ouest.
The best time of the day is, I think, mid-morning before the lunch time crowds descends on the place. The atmosphere is really warm and welcoming. The bakery counter, where you place your order, is full of irresistible goodies; you’ll have a hard time making up your mind. The staff is really helpful and will give you good recommendations. You order at the counter, they give you a table number and you pay on your way out. A bottle of water will be waiting for you on your table.
Their cafe au lait is served in a glass and is excellent (I should think Montreal has the best coffee in North America.) I had a chocolate and banana brioche. It was dense and moist, sweet and satisfying. The puff pastry of the apple turnover was crispy and delicious, as was the filling, although I could have done with less sugar sprinkled on top. The caramelized onion and cheese focaccia had a crispy base and the sweetness and freshness of the onion was a nice surprise.
We also bought sandwiches to go: Cuban and goat’s cheese. They were delicious even after a few hours (we bought them to eat on our drive back to Toronto.) We didn’t eat their salads but they sure looked yummy and fresh.
I was thrilled to be seated mere feet away from the great English actor John Hurt. Apparently he’s shooting a film in the area and comes in every day. And so does Jake Gyllenhall. A star for every age.
Scrumptious food and star gazing in one place. What more can one ask for.
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