Someone at Madeleines Cherry Pie and Ice Cream has written on a blackboard in careful cursive. "She sent for one of those squat, plump little cakes called Petites Madeleines ."

The Proust quote explains the name, and a literary significance that exemplifies that atmosphere at Madeleines. Pretty and elevated details are in every corner; the delicate looking chocolates, the wicker furniture and gumball machines, tiny jars of marmalade and glass canisters of pastry treats like philo pastry cigars, brownies and mini cupcakes for ninety-five cents.

The quiches come in rich, indulgent varieties like leak and goat cheese, warmed and garnished with basil leaves. This small thing will keep me full until dinner. The buttermilk scones are not crumbly like most, but extra dense and moist (proportionate to the addition of the word "buttermilk"). My first inkling of Madeleines was the chocolate coffee cakes they would bake in illy coffee containers and display by the window. Though I see no sign of this industrious creation now, they still serve this brand with knowledge and affection and the quality brew goes nice with their sweets in the morning.

The actual cherry pies are baked daily and come also in miniature sizes in lieu of a slice. They are abundant alongside other sugary flavours like bourbon chocolate pecan, with light and flakey crusts that come apart clinging to portions of rich, sticky filling.

Madeleines is the perfect summer spot, opening onto a back garden with clusters of old tables under shady trees. In the winter, the garden is closed up and the bakery is decorated with gingerbread houses and glasses of old fashioned Christmas candies.

Photos by Alyssa Bistonath