La Belle Baguette

Located not far from St. Mary’s Cathedral, an area affectionately known as Winnipeg’s French Quarter, it was after touring the Church that the walk was made to La Belle Baguette, a time between Breakfast and Lunch finding the small Bakery quiet as staff brought forth new items from the kitchen to replenish shelves and racks. Serving St. Boniface since 2015 and now with a second location in St. James, the Bakery’s goods also offered at a variety of local retailers, it was with a friendly smile that guests were greeted on entry, a bevy of choices creating tough decisions but the tiny female clerk happy to offer suggestions. A place for both sweets and savories, one patron stopping by to collect Sandwiches for the office, it was opting for only the former that five items were plated and bagged, first bites of an Almond Croissant immediately causing pause as a result of cloying and excessively applied Almond Paste while a follow-up Apple Strudel Danish fared far better, though given its texture one might better label it a Sticky Bun. Trusting next in Pate a Choux, a Cream Puff shaped like an Apple just put on display, those looking for La Belle Baguette’s best bite should not miss out on airy cream centered by stewed Fruit in dainty Pastry, though both the no-bake Bar with Date Preserves and a sticky Butter Tart enhanced by Raisins were also quite delicious.

Discovered this by accident and what a plus that turned out to be. They have some very ‘creative’ croissants to say the least. If nothing else, try the jalapeno one. It is awesome. Light, flakey, rich rich rich and with the right amount of zing!

Bakeries make me happy and this one certainly falls into that category! La Belle Baguette has taken over the former original location of Chez Sophie. The interior for suits a bakery so much better since it’s a small shop to start with. There’s a bakery counter that serves up baguettes, various breads with daily specials, macarons, croissants (almond, chocolate and plain), cinnamon buns, butter tarts, danishes, cookies, muffins, half baguette sandwiches, quiche, meat pies, croissant sandwiches, cafe mocha, and hot chocolate etc. Are you drooling yet? The young pastry chef who owns this place has opened up a delicious and quaint bakery in the heart of St. Boniface. And how can you go wrong when his resume includes working for Daniel Boulud at the Ritz Carlton in Montreal? Service is very and friendly by the staff and the chef himself. There’s 4 small tables to dine in but otherwise it’s mainly a take out place. I had a great lunch – half baguette with apple and brie ($6.95) (reminded me of the quick and casual Paris lunches) and paired with a oh so yummy berry ice tea ($2) that was perfectly balanced and just the right level of sweetness. Croissants were all flaky and oh so buttery. Pain au chocolat ($2.95) was a hit with the perfect amount of chocolate inside, the plain croissant ($2.75) was very buttery and the almond croissant ($3.25) was too sweet for me. Cinnamon buns ($3.25) are big and generous and doughy. The macarons on my hit list for my next visit. Monday: Closed Tuesday – Thursday: 7 AM – 6 PM Friday: 7 AM – 6 PM Saturday: 8 AM – 6 PM Sunday: 8 AM – 2 PM

I was very disappointed with my order today, and thus will not return. I ordered a tray of 6 cinnamon buns and 1 croissant for pick up at 1:00. I picked up my order and immediately dived into the croissant. The croissant was incredibly dry and stale. Was not happy. I then got home and opened up the bag to see that there was 2 boxes. Turns out the cinnamon buns were not on a tray – but were individually put into a box. This then made each cinnamon bun dry and crusty all around since they weren’t all together on a tray. I had been looking forward to these all day to share with my family and turns out each roll was very dry. I am sure they were made that day (at least I hope so) but there was nothing fresh about them. Each roll was dry, and disappointing. This is very unfortunate, but I when I spend 21.00 for 6 cinnamon buns I at least expect them to be fresh. I will be finding a new bakery.