Toronto now has 36 Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants. So, when one of them announces a new opening, it’s a big deal.
Bib Gourmand restaurant White Lily Diner’s pastry chef Rachelle Cornish is gearing up to debut Alice Marie Bakery & Coffee this summer. The bakery will occupy the space once held by Suzanne Barr’s now-closed Saturday Dinette.
Located at 807 Gerrard East, the bakery promises a nostalgic culinary journey with quality, scratch-made baked goods evoking childhood memories. Guests can indulge in sweet and savoury treats, including seasonal fruit cakes, cookies and scones, alongside espresso-based drinks and premium teas. The menu also features sandwiches and salads crafted with fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers, served on house-made bread.
A look at Alice Marie’s Instagram account, sees a plethora of delicious concoctions from lime rhubarb tarts and lemon poppyseed cake to decadent lemon shortbread chiffon wrapped up in earl grey ermine frosting and Deep’n Nostalgic homemade chocolate cake.
According to the website, Cornish’s inspiration for opening the bakery stems for cherished memories of baking with with her grandmother Alice Marie. The bakery will offer nostalgic, from-scratch treats inspired by their favourite recipes, with a modern twist.
Alice and Marie is not a new venture for Cornish. In addition to crafting pastries at White Lily Diner, including their famous doughnuts, she has also been operating Alice Marie, which was previously a home-based bakery.
Alongside Cornish, Aaron Hubley will oversee operations, front of house and wholesale. AÂ certified VPN Pizzaiolo, Â he honed his Neapolitan wood-fired pizza skills at Cotto Enoteca in Vancouver. He then advanced to roles as head chef and general manager at Prima Strada in Victoria, BC.
Follow along with Alice Marie’s Instagram page to stay in the loop.