Duo was my first introduction to the canelé, which has skyrocketed to the top of my favourite desserts list. But let's talk about the place first.
It's located in a pretty busy plaza in Thornhill, just a few minutes from my office. I discovered it one day when I was looking for a cafe instead of a Tim Horton's. The modern, white interior was already a surprise (I haven't seen much of this kind of place around the area), and the pretty little cakes and pastries are even more impressive. I tried a flat white and a ham and cheese croissant and was blown away. Super buttery and flakey! The flat white was among the better ones I've had in the city. I've been back several times and those croissants (available in plain as well) are flakey every single time.
So what about those canelés? They are tiny cakes of fluffy and moist baked custard, with a crunchy-cinnamony shell. The cinnamon is just a touch really so it doesn't overpower, and the baked custard is just sweet enough. I even tried a canelé on my recent trip to Paris and it didn't compare (though it is a specialty of the Bordeaux region). The trip to Thornhill is totally worth it, but they run out quick so go early!