Before even attending their grand opening in one of the trendiest areas of Montreal — I had a feeling something special was brewing (and baking) in the Mile End. Owners Zeina and Soufiane, originally from the Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Oujda respectively; are a memorable pair who welcome you to Maison Sauvage Café with family-style hospitality. You’ll get proof of this as they serve up influencer-worthy sweets and beverages in a modern yet comfortable setting. It doesn’t take the most seasoned foodie to notice their selection of home baked cookies. It’s not a stretch to say they look ‘scrumptious’ — but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We gotta taste ’em, right?
Just like the the fairy-tale bowl of porridge in the story of Goldilocks, the space is not too big and not too small. The room is noteworthy for its full wooden wall on one side, and half brick one on the other, plus it has a long L-shaped couch which offers plenty of enjoyable seating. There is also front window counter seating and a bench out front which allows for great neighborhood people watching.
As hinted at earlier, their service is also just right; friendly but not over the top or in your face. In other words, it’s home-style and they don’t rush you — taking time to answer questions and explain what makes their place special. This doesn’t stop them from keeping the place ultra clean and polished between the waves of customers. Notably their solid concrete and epoxy covered counter is both unique and shiny. The vibe is just chill with flowing music and not-too-bright lighting.
Speaking of home-style and different, they bake all their cookies in house, and all the recipes are their creations. The golden balanced part about them is they aren’t too hard, too soft, nor too sweet; but they are gooey to a crave-worthy degree. If I said they’d suffice as a meal you might laugh at first, but once you’ve had one… Hmm.
I’ll admit to being a one lump of sugar in my coffee person, but their locally-roasted blend made me rethink that. The almond milk infused latte was even served in a Goldilocks-sized ceramic cup. As it happens, before I could add a crystal, Soufiane suggested I try without. Bravo, he was right! It had a wonderful nuttiness from the almond, but I also got nutty notes from the coffee itself. Reverting back-and-forth between bites of cookie and sips of coffee, both were finished off to the last moist crumble and lickable drip.
I’ve yet to try their cold drinks (see their menus below including blue matcha and lavender syrup) and still have to try about ten of their other cookie flavors (from PB & pretzels, to pecans and salted caramel, to shortbread with coconut and apricot), but even to this point I believe they’ll be giving Goldilocks a run for her porridge.
By Jeff Shoer
Author’s Note: These days cafés may seem a dime a dozen, so when one stands out, we take notice and give them the love they deserve. They recently introduced gourmet cookies (or cookie bowls) with cream and a variety of toppings. Thank you Soufiane for the unexpected Moroccan tea (sweet mint) while I was in writer’s mode. Interesting fun fact, I’ve been to Tangier, Morocco which is between both of their hometowns. It seems entrepreneurship runs in their veins as Zeina also has a beauty and fashion company (hayaa.ca). Merci encore à Zeina et Soufiane pour leur hospitalité, et pour le partage notre ‘content’ sur @maisonsauvage.mtl
Food in Travel 
YUM and a Half once again…
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I might have to plan a special trip to Montreal to check this out. Oh, and visit you, Jeff.
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