Standing in front of the beautifully varied assortment of tarts on display at Clafouti can cause some serious anxiety. I was sweet-toothing big time and soaked through from a rainy bike ride. Basically, I knew that my immediate future happiness depended on my choice of tart.
I finally decided on a tarte aux figues ($3.15) and a cuppa fragrant jasmine blossom green tea ($1.50) and parked myself at one of only three teesny round two-tops by the window. The tart was heavenly from the very first bite with a delicate buttery crust, not-too-sweet-or-custardy custard, and a crown of perfectly ripe fresh figs.
The painstakingly French countryside themed decor complete with vintage sugar cannisters and posters makes the space as cozy and comforting as the real thing (or so I imagine, rather). All the imported foods for sale on the side are a nice touch too. Now, if only the friendly lass behind the counter hadn't decided to blast Hot Chip's Over and Over (I love the song, mind you, but wouldn't have chosen it in this setting). Her unabashed singing along to the dance track loosened my imaginary girdle though. There was really nothing left for a girl to do but surrender to tapping her foot to the beat and enjoying the view of the distinctly West Queen West passerbys from this lovely slice of the French countryside.