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| - Friends First.
That is the English translation of the name of the Boulangerie (after the Georges Brassens song). I'm fine with that. Not only will any expectation beyond that be presumptuous, but it also spares one the guilt of cheating on them with other patisseries ;)
Having visited the bakery at different times of the day, I can understand the dichotomy in the popularity of this place between the locals and the tourists (22 reviews in 4 years? Seriously?). The latter more often than not just don't get it and rate it poorly as a Patisserie. So, yes: you'll see a few pastries here (e.g. chocolate and pear tart, tarte citron...) but their strengths lie as a Viennoiserie and Boulangerie as croissants and breads (e.g. fougasse aux olives) are what they do really well.
Should you come here early morning, you'll likely be waiting in a long line behind locals to get your butter or chocolate croissants (or Chausson aux Pommes: very popular) as the case may be. While they do bake on premises almost all day, the likelihood of getting a great croissant declines should you ask for one in the afternoon. I thought the butter croissant was fantastic, probably the 2nd best I'd had in Montreal, but the croissant I liked best here was the Choco Grand Cru filled with a thick paste of 70% Valrhona chocolate (also brushed on the exterior). Also done very well are the brioches, though I regret not being here for the Pumpkin brioche, available in autumn.
Lunch is also extremely busy, with a number of customers here for quiche or a sandwich (particularly panini, though I'd recommend their (bakery) pizza instead - also very popular with the kids. The problem with coming here at lunch is not just the limited seating inside but that the line is long and should you not understand French, it will take you quite a while to be able to communicate and order - testing the patience of those behind you. But, don't feel intimidated for there is always someone on the staff who understands English and will step up to guide you. Service is polite, discerning, and helpful.
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