Duo Patisserie & Cafe - Citrus Brioche

A while back I went to Duo Patisserie in Markham.  I don't get too many chances to go to patisseries on a weekday so when I had the chance, I went (cause I've heard weekends are quite busy!).  People have been raving about it and on a weekday it still had a steady stream of customers, dine-in and take out.

Duo Patisserie & Cafe
230 Commerce Valley Dr. E. Unit 4
Markham, ON L3T 7Y3
Tel: 905-763-2232

1st Impression:  Modern and Sleek
2nd Impression:  Light and tasty, the word "precision" comes to mind

In Markham and Richmond Hill, there aren't many options for really good french pastries.  Ruelo at Times Square was the one of the few French patisseries in the area so Duo is a welcome addition for those craving french pastries and viennoiseries like croissants. 

Citrus Brioche

Even though the desserts looked very well made and pretty, I opted for the citrus brioche as I was looking for something light and I love brioche bread.  Buttery goodness!  This one was very light, lighter than any I've had and had a crispy crust to it like a croissant.  The lightness made me feel like a light wool sweater was draped around me - warming and delicate.  But I think what surprisingly wowed me was the citrus glaze on top.  It had a very nice, light yet pronounced citrus flavour with just the right sweetness.  The glaze didn't look like much but it definitely made a difference.

I really must say that although I only had one item, I felt like the pastry chef's precision showed through. 

I ordered a chai latte to go with the brioche and it was not bad. I know I should have ordered some sort of coffee/espresso drink since they are supposed to specialize in coffee but at the last minute I stuck with something tea based.  It didn't really stand out, but it was creamy.  Maybe next time I'll try a latte.  I don't recall any iced drinks though. 

They don't have too large of a selection but it is a varied enough menu that people should find something they would like. Most desserts offerred are individual serving sizes, they currently don't have that many large cakes available.  Heard there was an oolong macaron which I'd love to try but they were sold out of this flavour that day. 

One of the larger sized cakes available, it's very pretty!

Atmosphere
Quiet and modern.  Along the opposite wall to the display area there are small tables.  Service was also very nice and curteous. 

In terms of cafe "feel", this is where I didn't get much of that feeling.  It doesn't feel like a place you linger at with your drink but it could just be me and my personal preference for cafe ambience.  A definite return date is in order though!

Display counter

A view into the kitchen

My little corner

Scribbles in Hong Kong - Tiny tea shop with amazing iced masala chai

As you can probably tell, I'm trying to post about my vacation to Hong Kong before too much time has passed.  Especially about trekking up hills just to get to a tiny tea shop that had the best iced masala chai I've ever had!  Really small but cozy place, serving up some flavourful teas!  (The menu might have changed since I was there but I think this place deserved a write-up.)

Teakha tea shop (and zakka store) was our destination, located in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.  Be prepared, getting there from the MTR required walking up some steep streets!  The owner, from reading her blog has put a lot of thought and effort into designing and promoting her tea shop.  Some of her inspiration comes from her travels and she has created a really nice little shop that embodies a slower pace to life set in the fast paced world of Hong Kong.

Shop B, 18 Tai Ping Shan Street, 
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong 

http://teakha.com/

Outside

Inside

Baked goods counter

Tea cannisters

The menu is small but with a nice variety of teas.  Some breakfast and lunch options are also available.

Tea menu

Small seating area - I was sitting at the other seating area which was a communal table.

The best iced masala chai I've tasted so far!  It was really flavourful and well spiced, not the bland cups you often get in most places.  It also had the right balance of milk nor was it watered down.  I don't proclaim to be an expert in masala chai but I think this was quite stellar.

Iced masala chai

Lemon iced tea

Since we came all this way, I tried a scone, the strawberry basil one sounded interesting.  It was different than other scones in texture as it was similar to a muffin scone hybrid.  The strawberry flavour wasn't as strong as I expected but there was some basil you can detect.  Overall, not bad and you get a discount when ordered with a drink - definitely a sweet deal.

Strawberry basil scone

Interior decor - retro and clean

The back or side - seems like there are folding chairs

So, if your in the area check it out.  This was my first time to this area in Hong Kong and it was definitely an area with less tourists and more of a local feel.  Here are some pics of the area.