Introducing: Nadège Patisserie. Queen West’s prettiest pastry shop joins the five thieves in Rosedale
Nadège Patisserie’s new 700-square-foot Rosedale space
Fourth-generation confectioner Nadège Nourian won over many Toronto palates when she opened her eponymous Queen West bakery and café almost two years ago—it’s become a destination for high-end pastries. This week, Nourian, along with her front-of-house manager and partner Morgan McHugh , opened a second store in Rosedale, bringing a little bit of Paris to the gourmet strip.
Nourian credits the recently deceased Paul Oberman , who was chief executor of the Woodcliffe Corporation and owner of the restored heritage Scrivener Square properties, with making the second Nadège location possible. A fan of their products, Oberman approached the couple last December and made a compelling offer. “The location on Yonge—being between downtown and uptown—is perfect traffic,” Nourian explains. “To be with the ‘five thieves’ in this heritage building and to work with [Oberman], we knew it was an opportunity that can’t be missed.”
Nourian and McHugh designed the boutique with assistance from Toronto firm nkA , the same group responsible for the Queen location. The 700-square-foot store and matching basement confection workshop will have neither a café nor seating and will be closer to the retail concept that Nourian had envisioned for the original store.
Unlike their stark modern showroom in the west end, the new Rosedale space is warmer, with exposed brick and polished concrete flooring. Long walnut shelves embedded with LED lights are stocked full of hand-crafted products that resemble, as Nourian puts it, those of a “high-end boutique in Paris.” Below the shelves, pullout drawers reveal expandable counter space that staff use to assist customers building customized gift baskets.
A custom-designed refrigeration case dominates the north wall, with tempered glass covers appearing to float over a veined marble counter. Each of the four sections showcases Nourian’s impressive repertoire of viennoiseries ($2.20–$3.20), macarons ($2.20 each), pastries ($4.75–$7.50) and cakes ($8–$8.50). But the focal point is a new line of chocolate bonbons featured on raised glass pedestals on the centre case. At the front, a standalone refrigerated showcase holds large cakes and elaborate displays and will eventually contain chocolate sculptures.
The two Nadèges will offer identical products, and shelves will be restocked twice a day to ensure freshness and availability. A new line of pâtes de fruits, orangettes, nougat, individually wrapped toffees and other candies is launching with the store’s opening, and a greater variety of cookies ($6–$8), chocolate spreads ($12.50 for 180 grams), milk chocolate praline crackles ($7.50) and chocolate-coated nuts will be showing up on shelves over the next month.
68587 (Image: Renée Suen) The new 700-square-foot Rosedale retail space Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Retail-1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Retail-1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Retail-1.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/retail-1/ retail-1 0 0
The new 700-square-foot Rosedale retail space
68574 (Image: Renée Suen) Walnut and glass units along the north wall display prepackaged gift baskets Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Counter-Shelf.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Counter-Shelf.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Counter-Shelf.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/counter-shelf/ counter-shelf 0 0
Walnut and glass units along the north wall display prepackaged gift baskets
68582 (Image: Renée Suen) Marshmallows with or without chocolate ($5–$8). Flavours include lemon, strawberry and basil, lychee and rose, gin and tonic, coconut and banana dipped in chocolate Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Marshmallows.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Marshmallows.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Marshmallows.jpg 624 413 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/marshmallows/ marshmallows 0 0
Marshmallows with or without chocolate ($5–$8). Flavours include lemon, strawberry and basil, lychee and rose, gin and tonic, coconut and banana dipped in chocolate
68589 (Image: Renée Suen) Prepackaged products are stocked on walnut shelves. The bottom drawers pull out to form extra counter space Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Shelves.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Shelves.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Shelves.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/shelves/ shelves 0 0
Prepackaged products are stocked on walnut shelves. The bottom drawers pull out to form extra counter space
68575 (Image: Renée Suen) Crackle ($7.50)—milk chocolate and hazelnuts or pecans Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Crackle.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Crackle.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Crackle.jpg 389 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/crackle/ crackle 0 0
Crackle ($7.50)—milk chocolate and hazelnuts or pecans
68590 (Image: Renée Suen) The viennoiseries ($2.20–$3.20) include croissants, pain au chocolate and almond croissants. Savoury options include croissant sandwiches ($7-$8) that feature Ontario bacon and vegetables from 100-Kilometre Farms Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Viennoiseries.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Viennoiseries.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Viennoiseries.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/viennoiseries/ viennoiseries 0 0
The viennoiseries ($2.20–$3.20) include croissants, pain au chocolate and almond croissants. Savoury options include croissant sandwiches ($7-$8) that feature Ontario bacon and vegetables from 100-Kilometre Farms
68586 (Image: Renée Suen) Pur Noir ($8.50)—72 per cent Venezuelan dark chocolate mousse, flourless chocolate biscuit base, with bits of chocolate throughout Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Pur-Noir.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Pur-Noir.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Pur-Noir.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/pur-noir/ pur-noir 0 0
Pur Noir ($8.50)—72 per cent Venezuelan dark chocolate mousse, flourless chocolate biscuit base, with bits of chocolate throughout
68585 (Image: Renée Suen) Pomme Calva ($8)—apple calvados mousse over a crunchy almond streusel base Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Pomme-Calva.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Pomme-Calva.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Pomme-Calva.jpg 624 419 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/pomme-calva/ pomme-calva 0 0
Pomme Calva ($8)—apple calvados mousse over a crunchy almond streusel base
68583 (Image: Renée Suen) Fresh mint macaron tart ($7.50)—mint chocolate ganache with mint chocolate macarons Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Mint-Macaron-Tart.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Mint-Macaron-Tart.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Mint-Macaron-Tart.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/mint-macaron-tart/ mint-macaron-tart 0 0
Fresh mint macaron tart ($7.50)—mint chocolate ganache with mint chocolate macarons
68581 (Image: Renée Suen) Marie Antoinette ($8.50)—maple syrup mousse and French vanilla panacotta, with an almond biscuit base Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Marie-Antoinette-2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Marie-Antoinette-2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Marie-Antoinette-2.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/marie-antoinette-2/ marie-antoinette-2 0 0
Marie Antoinette ($8.50)—maple syrup mousse and French vanilla panacotta, with an almond biscuit base
68580 (Image: Renée Suen) Macarons ($2.20 each; $24 for a dozen)—12 flavours available, including chocolate orange, salted caramel, pistachio, mojito, vanilla, chestnut, cappuccino, pure chocolate, cassis, blackberry chocolate, rose and hazelnut cranberry Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Macarons.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Macarons.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Macarons.jpg 624 198 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/macarons/ macarons 0 0
Macarons ($2.20 each; $24 for a dozen)—12 flavours available, including chocolate orange, salted caramel, pistachio, mojito, vanilla, chestnut, cappuccino, pure chocolate, cassis, blackberry chocolate, rose and hazelnut cranberry
68579 (Image: Renée Suen) Macaron gift box Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Macaron-Gift-Box.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Macaron-Gift-Box.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Macaron-Gift-Box.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/macaron-gift-box/ macaron-gift-box 0 0
Macaron gift box
68578 (Image: Renée Suen) Lemon ginger honey ($8)—ginger biscuit, lemon and honey mousse, decorated with white chocolate and candied lemon Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lemon-Ginger.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lemon-Ginger.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lemon-Ginger.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/lemon-ginger/ lemon-ginger 0 0
Lemon ginger honey ($8)—ginger biscuit, lemon and honey mousse, decorated with white chocolate and candied lemon
68577 (Image: Renée Suen) Large cake Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Large-cake.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Large-cake.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Large-cake.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/large-cake/ large-cake 0 0
Large cake
68576 (Image: Renée Suen) Grapefruit and Earl Grey ($5.50)—Kusmi Anastasia tea–infused almond cream topped with fresh grapefruit and a candied grapefruit peel Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Grapefruit-Earl-Gray.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Grapefruit-Earl-Gray.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Grapefruit-Earl-Gray.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/grapefruit-earl-gray/ grapefruit-earl-gray 0 0
Grapefruit and Earl Grey ($5.50)—Kusmi Anastasia tea–infused almond cream topped with fresh grapefruit and a candied grapefruit peel
68571 (Image: Renée Suen) Individually wrapped toffees ($8) are among a new line of confectionary introduced at the grand opening Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Caramel.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Caramel.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Caramel.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/caramel-2/ caramel-2 0 0
Individually wrapped toffees ($8) are among a new line of confectionary introduced at the grand opening
68584 (Image: Renée Suen) Three of Nadège’s new products: French bonbons ($8.50), chocolate truffles and chocolate spread ($12.50 for 100 grams) Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/New-Products.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/New-Products.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/New-Products.jpg 301 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/new-products/ new-products 0 0
Three of Nadège’s new products: French bonbons ($8.50), chocolate truffles and chocolate spread ($12.50 for 100 grams)
68573 (Image: Renée Suen) Chocolate spread Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Chocolate-Spread.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Chocolate-Spread.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Chocolate-Spread.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/chocolate-spread/ chocolate-spread 0 0
Chocolate spread
68572 (Image: Renée Suen) Chocolate truffles Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Chocoalte-truffles.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Chocoalte-truffles.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Chocoalte-truffles.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/chocoalte-truffles/ chocoalte-truffles 0 0
Chocolate truffles
68569 (Image: Renée Suen) French bonbons ($8.50) Introducing: Nadège Patisserie https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Candy.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Candy.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Candy.jpg 624 415 [] https://torontolife.com/food/introducing-nadege-patisserie-queen-wests-prettiest-pastry-shop-joins-the-five-thieves-in-rosedale/slide/candy/ candy 0 0
French bonbons ($8.50)
To expedite the experience for time-pressed commuters, an online ordering service is being set up for year’s end. Beyond direct delivery, it doesn’t get any sweeter than this.
Nadège Patisserie , 1099 Yonge St., 416-968-2011, nadege-patisserie.com .
Just went there… Sum it up in one word, AWESOME !!
Dazzling array of pastries! Can’t wait to visit.
Give yourself this gift. You only think you know how good treats can be. You will not find a better croissant in Toronto – or possibly anywhere. Also, I must rave about the earl grey tea tart with fresh ruby red grapefruit on top. It was perfection. Oh God. You will see. Congrats Nadge on your second location. This kind of goodness needs to be shared.
It’s a great place and undeniably, the pasteries are to die for. However, a major drawback is that this location has no seating — and the Queen Street location does…