Their bread was heavenly and delightful. While the smell was fresh, and delicious. Montreal does have many amazing bakeries, which they impress most of us who are foodies with a strong focus on buying local and from small stores. I'm one of them! For me it will always be a mix of quality over quantity with a good value. La Bête à Pain hit the spot beautifully! This is why... Due to the fact that I visit the bakery at 4:00pm on a Saturday, I've missed the chance to sample their lunch menu, which included sandwiches, and salads, etc made fresh to order! I will certainly be coming back! As I sit down, I observe the ambiance. Casual, nicely, and uniquely decorated with comfortable space, and high ceilings. Glass windows throughout, therefore you have a great amount of sunlight. Great while you sip your coffee or tea. Although do take a break from your typical cup of tea or coffee and try their hot chocolate. It's prepared to a perfect temperature, not at all overly sweet, great hints of dark chocolate with a generous size of their homemade marshmallow. You won't regret it! I promise. One of the highlights for me was being able to see everything upfront. From the variety of bread, to step by step of how the bread is made. Views of their large ovens, and their talented staff working hard, and fast. When glancing at their large variety of breads, I simply couldn't decide. Luckily I stumbled upon a wonderful, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable chef named Russel. Who took his time to show me around and explain in details everything about their breads, desserts(Eclairs,Beignets) Their bread is baked to perfection. Golden and crusty on the outside, while being tender, moist with good structure on the inside. Indeed their primary focus is bread. Which it shows. Having said that, do take the time to focus on their desserts. Which includes a good variety of Eclairs or hot and freshly made Beignets. Sadly, I've missed my chance since I was there close to their closing time. Coming back to their eclairs. These are not your lightweight, fluffy tasteless filling inside with touches of food coloring. When you try La Bête à Pain eclairs, you will taste a bite of sweet perfection. They are filled with silky smooth custard, as they should be. A delicate glaze on top that ranges from chocolate, to maple and the list goes on. No food coloring. Simply, and naturally delicious. Last but not least. Some of you may not be familiar with a Canelé. Which is is a small French pastry with a soft and tender custard center texture and a dark, thick caramelized crust. A typical pastry from France. I highly recommend it! It's not overly sweet, it has a wonderful hint of vanilla from their vanilla bean(Lovely amount of specks!) and a crunchy caramel tone exterior. Overall my stomach was very pleased, and I left with a smile. Job well done! read more