Baked Goods: Finding Frangipane

By Sarah Lazarovic

Torontoist’s newest house of baked and buttered is Frangipane, on the SE corner of Dupont and Madison. It’s a small place, with seating for two – an afterthought at best. But they pack an amazing array of delectables onto the premises. Despite the staffers gently kidding each other that Sunday was ‘run out of everything day,’ TOist was happy to be recipient to the last gruyere tart, and an almond croissant was a welcome enough substitute for their lack of chocolatines.
Frangipane deals in the dainty, and these pastries are nothing if not aesthetically pleasing. But they were also pretty tasty. TOist wouldn’t have minded the gruyere tart heated up a bit, but the croissant was a-ok, buttered and baked to just the right amount. Mostly though, TOist spent its scarfing time eyeing the fig tart, a ridiculously indulgent beauty that can be your next birthday cake for a mere $38. Based on our eyeing appraisal, this would be money well spent. Frangipane also sells gorgeous chocolates, and all sorts of mini-treats. Best was a Mum trying to convince her toddler that he didn’t want the Kahlua/Grand Marnier chocolate he pointed at demandingly. ‘Let’s get you one of those bunny rabbits instead,’ she said.
What stops Frangipane from being flat-out fantastic is the aforementioned lack-o-seating. If the croissant is hot and fresh, much like when KrispyKreme’s red light illumines, you want to eat your delicacy on the spot. A few chairs turn an otherwise Ikea-chic bakery into a much friendlier cafe. Still, a welcome addition to the nabe.