Desserts/Sweets in The Annex

[microbeast]

Hello! New user... thought I'd come here for some help!

Sooo, I'm helping throw an event and we need some catering where desserts are concerned. We'd like to stick to places within the Annex - they don't have to specifically advertise that they do catering, as we will inquire and try to work out some sort of deal.

I'm not 100% familiar with Toronto yet, so if you guys could throw out some of your favourite places within this area to grab desserts and treats that would be an awesome help. Oh, and I use "the Annex" somewhat loosely, we are willing to go slightly out of that neighbourhood if there is something particularly intriguing or very close by.

Thanks! Looking forward to hearing all suggestions.

[Ediblethoughts]

After trying one of the amaretto torts (chocolate almond cake soaked in amaretto and filled with white chocolate ganache, covered in dark chocolate ganache) recently, I am reminded of how good some of these cakes are. Intense flavours of white chocolate and nice amaretto and almond backdrop. Very satisfying.

[b.craftie]

I see that you're looking for a catering / event recommendation, but if you want a more interactive experience, how about choosing your own ingredients and enjoying a warm freshly baked cookie, right out of the oven, in about 5 minutes. Sweet Flour - 2352 Bloor St West, just a few blocks east of Jane [www.sweetflour.ca] is more than slightly out of the neighbourhood, but easily reached by TTC, and it's lots of fun. Three different kinds of basic dough, loads of choices of mix-ins - potato chips! or pistachios or skor bits for example - and a couple of spreads to top it off, and you have "something particularly intriguing". To be fair, not every combination is a winner, but there are so many choices you're bound to find a few you'll really like. They have ready-made cookies and bagged treats too, if you really just want to grab and go.

[b.craftie]

Update: I actually just went to the Sweet Flour website and I see they offer to do their "fresh baked cookies" on site, at your venue too.

[microbeast]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions! I've done a little research on your picks and added them to our list of places to check out. Super helpful. :)

[Splendid Wine Snob]

You may also want to consider Harbord Bakery's double chocolate chunk cookies, rugelach or babka.

[justsayn]

Harbord Bakery's double chocolate chunk cookies - expensive but crazy good!

[Arcadiaseeker]

Dessert Trends on Harbord west of Spadina - it's fabulous.

[estufarian]

I was just about to mention the same place (although now called DT Bistro).

HOWEVER they are currently closed for renovations (genuine I think) which is a two-edged sword. That COULD mean they have plenty of time to serve you - or they could be taking a complete break!

But do make an effort to contact them ([e-mail]).

EDIT - just checked their website - BAKERY (on Weston Road) is still operating for 'pastry and cake orders'.

[AzulH]

Santaguida
966 Bathurst Street
http://www.santaguidafinefoods.com/sa...

Rapido , just south of Dupont , on the East side, ( and I think it may be connected to Santaguida in some way), 416 535 3500

Next door to Rapido is a pastry/ pie making shop whose name escapes me just at the moment, Estufarian will correct me, I think it is called something like the Cherry Pie. They make excellent, if somewhat expensive, pies.

[AzulH]

Actually, I can correct myself, I wasn't even close. it is called Madeleines:-
http://www.madeleines.ca. And they do make Cherry Pie.

Another excellent alternative is Frangipane, 215 Madison Ave. on Dupont opposite the LCBO. :- http://www.frangipane.ca/

Finally Stubbe makes good cakes ( and astounding truffles), on Dupont opposite Lloblaws.
:- http://www.stubbechocolates.com/

[emeats]

I second all of those.

One place people often recommend but should be avoided is Future Bakery. It's all made with cheap ingredients - shortening and cool whip and the like.

[estufarian]

I used to go to a breakfast place on the WEST side of Bathurst just below Dupont (recently changed hands so not sure of the name; used to be Ko's - not worth a trip anyway) - don't recall anything on EAST side (although AmuseGirl likes a jewelry store on the east side - which may explain why we've never got as far as food on that side!). Just checked Googlemaps Streetview - indeed there IS Rapido (but I've never been - yet!).

And it's Madeleines Cherry Pie. Also never been.