DF+EF; we’ve done our homework here!

Welcome to the world of?áDe Farine et D’Eau Fra?«che!

DF+EF is a dreamy new p?ótisserie on Amherst that has the perfect combination of creativity and expertise. They have just opened and they are sure to be a huge success. ?áDF+EF is near Robin, right across the street from the community centre Ste-Catherine d’Alexandre which is also boasting a beautiful new mosaic trim and a new green roof.

Here is a baker’s dozen of the finest features?áthat set DF+EF apart from Montreal’s p?ótisseries.

• A cordial proprietor and convivial staff. ?áThe owner, Marilu, along with Cathy and the other staff always smile and ask how we are doing. ?áIt’s so nice to chat a bit, and suddenly feel at home.

• Sweet imagination. No need to head to Paris for a treat. It is all right here ranging from a small guilt-free bite to a larger indulgence; boule au chocolat et cr?¿me p?ótisserie, tea cakes (?á la rose is my favourite so far!), cookies in a multitude of shapes and flavours, homemade Pocky, caramels, muffins wrapped in charming brown paper, scrumptious cakes and pastries.

The?áearl grey cr?¿me br??l?®e was everything you want in a cr?¿me br??l?®e. ?áA nice crunch of caramelized sugar on top and incredibly creamy, nicely chilled down below. ?áI love the creative flavour combinations; earl grey, milk chocolate with earl grey and lavender, or vanilla.

Miniature wedding cakes are a specialty. Each one is a work of art; modern, sophisticated and unique. ?áI can see them being featured at many types of special occasions like graduations, showers, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. ?áI recently ordered a chocolate tart with caramelized bananas and Irish creme and it was perfect for my chocolate-loving friend.

• Composting coffee cups for take out coffee. ?áMarilu rightly states that most people will not recycle a paper coffee cup, this is why she has made special efforts to import composting coffee cups all the way from Australia.

• Fun. Over the last several weeks, we have done our homework in researching the place. ?á We have developed a rapport with the staff and they have occasionally brought a small taste of something to try. ?áWhile we have been in, we have tried to do our part in taste testing new caramel flavours, such as one with coriander and apricots (yum!), a little carrot cake, a new type of cookie, and bite of caramel popcorn. ?áWe love it here!

  

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  Something savoury. ?áIf sweet treats do not suit you, then there is always a little something savoury. ?áI have a friend from New Zealand who has lamented for years that there are no savoury muffins in all of Montreal. ?áShe is in for a treat when she returns to the city in April!

• An enticing breakfast sandwich made with their own english muffin, 1 year old cheddar from l’Ile-aux-Grues, farm fresh bacon, an organic egg, little bits of green sprouts, red pepper and Kewpie japanese mayonnaise. ?áIt is the best breakfast sandwich I have ever tasted.

• Filling, healthy lunch features. The lunch specials are perfect for the type of weather we are experiencing at the moment. ?áThey are hearty, real food, with home-made flavour, made by someone who loves to cook. ?áThe lunch special pictured above is a curried chicken in a cashew sauce, served with jasmine rice. ?áThis is my kind of lunch! ?áThe paninis are unique, deluxe and satisfying. ?áThe tuna panini is nicely accented with feta, artichokes and black olive tapenade. And if you like, it can be served with a small portion of potato chips and a soup or salad.

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  Many people come just for the fantastic speciality coffees, teas and hot chocolates served all day long.

• It speaks volumes that DF+EF uses organic sugar and eggs in all of the baking. ?áThey also use organic milk, cocoa, tea, fair trade organic coffee and some organic spices. ?áFlavour is key, so they also use local meats from Nordest and local cheeses.

  

• Fair-trade, organic Coco Camino sugar served with coffee and tea.

• Beautiful tea service.

• You can take it with you, too. Everything can be made to go and there is a plethora of?álittle treats lining the counter, ready for quick pick-up.

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  And I have not even mentioned the d?®cor! Large elegant windows, fascinating wall treatments that remind us of icing as well as beautiful and comfortable furnishings with the adorable DF+ EF logo stamped on the tables.

So, take a little time and spend it in De Farine et D’Eau Fra?«che. ?áYou are in for a treat!

1701 rue Amherst

Open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am until 6:00 pm; Saturdays between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm; and Sundays from 11:00 am ’til 5:00 pm.

Find out more on?áfacebook!

Tammy Schmidt and Natasha Henderson, Montreal.