I first tried Jeff de Bruges on the Champs-Élysées one sunny afternoon in January and have not forgotten them since. When I heard the French company was opening their first North American location in Montreal, I was filled with a mix of nostalgia and elation at their arrival.
Jeff de Bruges' Belgian chocolate shops (as its name indicates, the brand is Belgian-inspired but was founded in France) have been a European staple for over 25 years. With locations all over the world, they are all about crafting high quality delicacies made to please devout chocolate lovers.
Image courtesy of Jeff de Bruges Canada
Situated in Place Montreal Trust shopping centre in the heart of downtown, the choice is perfect for the first location that newly opened its doors in mid-November. The signature brown and turquoise blue colour palette (which I've dubbed the "Tiffany Blue" of chocolate) can be found in the shop's design while adorning packaged and ribboned decadent truffles.
The little boutique is reminiscent of a
chocolaterie you would find in Paris – staff included. Knowledgeable on both products and the brand, they won't hesitate to let you try a little something as they package your confections.
Gourmet goods include the "Scrumptious" (crispy), "Creamy," "Intense" (bold), and "Fruity" collections, chocolate bark and tablets, along with their standard Truffes de Bruxelles selection. My current obsession? The Gianduja and speculoos biscuit truffle, as well as their distinct ice cream flavours, like Canadian maple syrup, served on a French waffle cone.
Other types of sweets range from hot chocolate, to fruit pastes, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. Meticulously packaged, virtually everything from Jeff de Bruges makes an ideal gift, whether it's for the holidays, a hostess gift, or simply to show a loved one you care.
Look out for additional locations opening in the Greater Montreal area in the coming months, two being Carrefour Laval and Champlain Mall in Brossard.
