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| - As a pastry lover and always seeking a new place to try pastries, I was informed by a friend about Libertine. That it's a must try!
Lubertine is walking distance from Lionel-Groulx metro. I do strongly recommend you go by walking or bike. Parking in that area is an absolute nightmare to almost impossible. Already a turn off just to go for pastries and/or a cup of coffee.
On a Friday afternoon at 3:00pm as I stepped into their store I was surprised on how empty it was. It felt very cold, gloomy and lacked a great deal of a warmth ambiance.
When arriving to their counter, I see their variety of pastries. I said to myself.."That's it?!" They only had three pastries to choose from. None of which were appealing to the eye. It lacked a great of colour, and a lovely presentation.
As I looked around, I noticed the place was a bit on the dusty side. Hmmm! Boxes piled in the back but visible to the clients? A very strange green coloured skeleton as their one, and only decoration?? Tables, and chairs were cute and nicely arranged. Lamps were bright and far from warm. They were quite bright and unpleasing to the eyes.
When I was asking a few questions to the salesperson, he kept multitasking from a distance. Which made it difficult to hear him, and understand him. It clearly showed little enthusiasm to serve the clients. Finally he approached me face to face. Still, never bothered to explain what anything was. I had to ask each and every time.
Simply to give it a try, I took home two pastries. A pink peppercorn macaron, filled with a chocolate ganache. It tasted just "OK" Nothing to brag about or go out of my way to purchase a few more.
I also purchased a croissant dough style pastry filled with a lovely, and creamy chocolate ganache filling. Sounds amazing, pastry and chocolate. What more can you ask for? How about freshness so it wouldn't taste hard, and stale?! Clearly not freshly made or not properly stored to keep it's freshness.
Within the surrounding of Lionel-Groul metro, there are many outstanding pastry stores. To which I have tried and been to many times. Sadly, I will continue to go to those that know what they are doing, and taste fresh as well. Libertine, I will take a pass on you. Sorry!
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