Brunch + Bakery….Brunchery?

If you’re into brunch, pastries, bread, or coffee, then I highly suggest you read on. Hof Kelsten has been on my “must try” list for a while now, and I finally made it there this weekend for brunch and some baked goods to-go of course. Two of my favourite things under the same roof!

When you walk into the small, but hip space, you’re immediately drawn-in by the scent (and sight) of freshly baked breads, pastries, and COFFEE.

Short & Sweet Brunch Menu

The concept is simple: order your brunch at the counter and then grab a seat and wait (impatiently) for your name to be called. The menu is equally straightforward- only a couple of options, but they’re done right. I ordered the shakshouka, and my friends tried the smoked salmon sandwich on homemade rye bread (accompanied by some freshly squeezed OJ and some coffees). The smoked salmon was thickly cut atop a spread of dill cream cheese and onions. They thoroughly enjoyed their sandwiches til’ the last bite. My shakshouka was just as delicious- poached eggs in a cumin-spiced tomato salsa with merguez and grilled toast.

OJ and Coffee

Smoked Salmon Sandwich

Shakshouka

Iced Coffee

I filled a box with mixed pastries to-go- which lasted less than 10 minutes on my kitchen counter (next time I’ll get a bigger box). I advise you try the babka- somewhere between a cake and a chocolate danish. I could get in a lot of trouble for saying this, but in my opinion, theirs rivals Cheskie’s, and that’s saying a lot.

Pastries To-Go!

Apparently their challah is worth a try, but order in advance, or go early on a Friday to pick it up.

Overall, Hof’s has already successfully built a name for themselves in the Montreal bakery/brunch world. If you’re smart, your next cheat day will be spent here. After all, they do provide some of Montreal’s BEST restaurants with their homemade bread. And if it’s good enough for Joe Beef, it’s good enough for me!

Reservations: Nope- order at the counter and hope a seat opens up!
Date night: ——
Attire: Plateau-chic