Posted by Erin Letson in bakeries, pastries, shops on July 15, 2007 at 1:58 pm

Madeleines, Cherry Pie and Ice Cream
1087 Bathurst Street
416-537-3131

When the weather turns hot, it’s inevitable that all my sweet-tooth cravings get satisfied by ice cream and I forget about other forms of dessert. But a trip to Madeleines, Cherry Pie and Ice Cream has changed my mind - after all, why not have your pie and ice cream, too!

With exposed brick walls, high ceilings, long white drapes and a fireplace, Madeleines, Cherry Pie and Ice Cream creates a French-country sanctuary for pastry lovers (not to mention a romantic place for dates). Freshly-baked pecan pies are being carried out minutes after we walk in the door, and it’s fun to linger over the jars of cookies and baskets of croissants that lead up to the counter.

We’re initially a bit confused about which pies are available as there is no obvious sign, only a stack of pies by the window (a fair distance from the cash register). I inquire about what we can order by the slice, and find out there are three selections at the front, as well as a key lime pie in the fridge. There are also coconut cream pies, but since they are freshly baked and we’re there two hours to closing, the cashier kindly tells us we can only order the whole pie (which seems like a not-so-wise idea). We order a slice of cherry, raspberry sour cream and a key lime for later ($3.50 each), as well as some Illy coffee to wash it down. I (surprisingly!) pass on the ice cream, but am hugely tempted by the large variety of Kawartha Dairy flavours - as an ice-cream lover, it’s a brand I’m a huge fan of. As for beverages, Madeleine’s also offers sodas, milkshakes and ice cream floats, as well as having a full espresso bar and selection of teas.

Although there’s a fair amount of seating in the gorgeous front room and even more tables up the stairs behind the counter, we choose to sit on the surprisingly large back patio. It offers up a peacefulness that’s only slightly marred by the hum of an air conditioner. We dig into our pies and are pleased with their not overly sweet or tart flavour. The raspberry sour cream is perfectly moist with a soft graham-cracker-like crumble on top and a sprinkling of coarse sugar. The cherry (which is available regardless of season) has a deserving spot in the shop’s name, with juicy fruit filling packed by a lovely buttery crust. The pies are not an overwhelming thickness, although some people may want more filling. The crust is firm and is only slightly flaky, which makes the concoctions stay together more easily. The freshly brewed coffee is a great complement.

I try the key lime pie the next day and am again impressed by the pie’s texture and balance of flavours. While key lime has never been one of my first choices because of its often gelatinous filling, Madeleines' variety is far superior to other versions I’ve tried. The pieces of shredded coconut in the crust add excellent flavour to the already-delicious crust.

Madeleines, Cherry Pie and Ice Cream is an excellent spot to go for a dessert date, or for a tempting treat to bring to a summer barbeque. The selection of pies changes weekly and is largely based on seasonal ingredients (which means I’ll definitely be back for peaches and blackberries). There are also cakes (made to order) and savoury vegetable pies available. With a beautiful space, pleasant service and quality pie and ice cream at reasonable places, I happily discovered that Madeleine’s offers the just the right amount of sweet in this hot hot summer heat.