I recently learned about hidden gem, Sweet Lee’s Rustic Bakery through the Real Food Market, a local event supporting Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day. The event focussed on the gathering of various Montreal restaurants and food emporiums that support the British chef’s mission of promoting real, homemade and all-natural food. Sweet Lee’s baking fit the bill and satisfied my sweet tooth!

Nestled on a quiet street in Saint-Henri, Sweet Lee’s definitely does its name proud as a rustic bakery. Upon entering the space I felt like I was whisked away to my grandmother’s country kitchen where piles of homemade cookies were just waiting to be sampled. While the baked goods tasted as good as (and maybe even better than) Grandma’s, the masterminds behind this sweet business are anything but old-fashioned. Siblings Liana and Greg Lessard were raised in a family of restaurateurs and they turned their passion for cooking into a creative bakery featuring unique and gourmet products – all homemade, with fresh, local ingredients.

Sweet Lee’s is open six days a week and catering is available for special events, meetings or a gourmet sweet table. This young duo definitely learned a thing or two from grandma as they’ve made social responsibility, environmental friendliness and giving back to the community part of their mission statement.

While I had already sampled their delectable savoury scones ($3.50) in flavours like Mediterranean, Greek and Mexican at the Real Food Market, my visit to the bakery had my head spinning in front of the cases of baked goods. I didn’t know which to try next. There were gourmet cookies ($1.50-$2) featuring unique combinations like blueberry, white chocolate and lemon or dark chocolate and mint. Oh, but what about the signature muffins ($2.50) with such tantalizing combinations as dark chocolate and strawberry or apple, maple and oatmeal? The blondies and brownies ($3) also looked irresistible.

Needless to say I came home with a goodie bag filled with treats to share. Real treats that would make any grandma (kid, mom, dad or foodie) proud.

Lauren, guest zurbaine

Sweet Lee’s Rustic Bakery
291 Beaudoin Rd., Saint-Henri
514-885-3504
Open Tues-Sun: 8am to 6pm

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All photos © Lauren Cracower