Ambience and Service
Steph: I adore anything Parisian, so Duchess is my kind of place! The once tiny store doubled in size a few years ago, and now has a large L-shaped display case filled with tempting treats, as well as tables of all sizes and a few cozy couches by the large windows. To order, you line up along the case and are served by one person from selection to the cash register. I have always found the staff to be personable, patient and knowledgeable about the offerings (and they make a mean soy chai latte!).
Rating 4.5/5
Jackie: This little slice of Paris in Edmonton has elegant furniture and pleasant decor. The service is difficult to rate, as there is no table service, but I will say that the young man who served us was both friendly and knowledgeable. Though, he was a touch on the casual side for a classy atmosphere.
Rating 4.5/5
Taste and Presentation
Jackie: Duchess is dessert Nirvana. The case is filled with decadent treats that are sure to make it difficult to decide. On this occasion, we decided to have lunch and I chose the Croque Monsieur ($7.00) and the Roasted Pear with Pain D'epices Verrine ($7) for dessert. The Croque Monsier left a bit to be desired; it was an open face grilled cheese loaded with Gueyere, Ham, and Dijon mustard. It was good but not great.
The dessert at any other eatery would have been out of this world, but it fell short of the Duchess standard. The pears needed to caramelized and they failed to attain the balance between sweet and savory that is so necessary to a dessert such as this.
Overall, it was pretty good, but I have high expectations for this place!
Rating 3.5/5
Steph: The lunch offerings are quite simple: two quiche options, four types of sandwiches and a daily soup and salad. These change frequently, so there are always new flavors to try, and half of the options are vegetarian. However it is the desserts that shine at Duchess, from assorted macarons in unique flavors such as salted caramel, rose and Mexican hot chocolate, to cakes, cookies, tarts, eclairs, and anything your sweet tooth may desire!
On our visit I ordered the Vegetarian Batard ($7), which consisted of curry roasted cauliflower, hummus, and cabbage slaw with pomegranate molasses. Served on a huge, crusty baguette, this sandwich was packed with flavor and an enormous portion for the price.
For dessert I had the Mont Blanc Macaron Gateau ($7), which they describe as "Cognac chestnut vermicelli paired with almond buttercream and chantilly". I would describe it as "superbly delicious". Essentially an oversized macaron, this delicate, complex dessert was the highlight of the whole meal. However, this particular flavor is only available in January, but I'm quite sure next month's flavor will be just as spectacular!
Rating 4.5/5
Overall Value
Jackie: Though I appreciate the quality of the ingredients and the overall taste of the desserts at Duchess, I wish that it was a touch less expensive. Desserts range in price, from $1.50 to $7+ allowing anyone to be able to afford a dessert, but for 7.00 I deserved two pieces of bread for my Croque Monsieur.
Rating 3.5/5
Steph: Duchess is not the place you go for a bargain, but the atmosphere, selection, and quality are so wonderful I think the prices are appropriate. We didn't choose the cheapest options for dessert, but in my opinion they were worth it. If you're looking for a special treat, this is the place.
Rating 3.5/5
The Verdict Duchess is a beloved Edmonton bakery for good reason, and the desserts and pastries are always amazing. This is the perfect place for a casual yet classy lunch or coffee date, just make sure to get there early as many things sell out quickly!
Final Rating 24/30
And the winner is...Veg! Veg is the clear standout from our visit, as Jackie was jealous of Steph's sandwich and almost ordered it herself.
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