Hot tip: you can find a perfect cheddar and chive scone, and the most amazing flaky butter tart in Chinatown. Don’t get distracted by the multiple varieties of dried mushrooms, bok choy, and persimmons on your way. Your mission is: Pastries.
Andrea’s Gerrard St. Bakery is a seven-month-old bakery tucked away in east Chinatown at Gerrard and Broadview. Its selection of traditional, homey baked goods are perfect for those craving something sweet after a meal of dumplings or seafood at a neighbouring restaurant.
Owner Andrea Mut has over 20 years of industry experience cooking and baking. Andrea became almost instantly famous for her butter tarts ($3.00) that are a cross between a sugar tart and butter tart, and her outstanding scones ($2.75) that can be found in sweet and savoury flavours. I had every intention of saving half my cheddar and chive scone for the next day, but inhaled the entire thing on the streetcar within two stops. Gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies ($1.75) are also on the best sellers list.
Andrea also makes her cakes in smaller sizes perfect for two to four people. More bakeries should do this to accommodate small dinner parties where you might want to have more than one dessert option. Under her “wee cakes” menu, Andrea offers mini versions of classics like carrot cake with cream cheese icing, a coconut cream pie, and a sweet and tart Monforte chevre cheesecake. All her cheesecakes are gluten-free. As much as possible, Andrea uses organic ingredients and supports local businesses, such as sourcing her chocolate and coffee from Chocosol and the chevre cheese from Monforte Dairy.
Lunch is covered, too. “Streetcar Sandwiches” ($6.00) are neatly rolled up and easy to eat on the go without everything falling apart. Tasty options include pulled pork and provolone, and roasted chicken with pesto, asparagus, and Brie.
Coffee and espresso are on the menu, and there are a few stools in store if you want to sit and savour a salted caramel brownie and empanada in the middle of Chinatown.
Follow Andrea’s Gerrard St. Bakery on Twitter: @andreasbakery
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