Tony Medeiros is a Montreal-based blogger with over 20 years of experience covering pop culture and the culinary scene. Known for his engaging reviews and unique insights, he has built a trusted voice for readers seeking informed and entertaining perspectives on food and entertainment. @sandboxworld @tonymedeiros
A good morning starts with coffee, a pastry, and a quiet place to think. Throw in a stack of newspapers and a comfortable seat, and I’m happy. That’s what I found at Maya’s Pâtisserie, Boulangerie, Café, tucked inside the L’Octogone Library in LaSalle.
I’m a creature of habit when it comes to breakfast: a regular coffee and either a raspberry or raisin Danish. Nothing fancy, but it works for me. I settle in, catch up on the news, and let my mind wander. With free Wi-Fi and newspapers and magazines close at hand, it’s an ideal spot to read, think, and occasionally figure out how to turn something I’ve just read into a story for one of my blogs.
Today, though, I broke with tradition and ordered a pistachio croissant. Wow! It was rich, decadent, and seriously sweet. I’m pretty sure I got my full day’s sugar allowance in one sitting, but sometimes a little indulgence is just what you need to kick-start the creative juices.
Being inside a library is part of the appeal. You can grab a bite before browsing the shelves, meet a friend, or take a break from your day. I like being able to enjoy my coffee without watching the clock. It’s a welcome change from places where you feel you should finish your drink and move along.
Maya’s has a mix of sweet and savoury choices, including sandwiches, savoury croissants, muffins, cookies, and traditional Danishes. The drinks menu offers coffee and other refreshments, with options for a quick stop or a longer break.
I tend to stick with my raspberry or raisin Danish. They might not be the most adventurous choices on the counter, but when you know what you like, why complicate matters?
Behind the business is Mekhrangez Mirzoshoeva, whose pastry-making experience spans more than a decade. She previously operated a bakery-pâtisserie in Laval, and the LaSalle location gave her an opportunity to introduce her baking to another neighbourhood.
One specialty worth knowing about is Medovik cake, a multi-layered honey cake that is a classic of Tajikistan, Mekhrangez’s country of origin. It’s not something you typically expect to find at a café inside a public library. I like seeing something beyond the usual lineup of muffins and cookies. It gives the pastry selection a little personality and reflects the baker’s background.
Maya’s doesn’t need a fancy concept or an elaborate interior to make it worth a visit. Its location, food, and relaxed setting do the job. It fits naturally into the library and offers another reason to stop by, even when borrowing books isn’t on your agenda.
And then there’s my coffee habit. I start with my regular coffee and Danish, but once I’m finished, I grab a cold matcha coffee with no sugar. Apparently, one caffeine fix isn’t enough for me. What can I say? Got to have my java fix!
That got me thinking about how coffee has stirred controversy for centuries. In 1511, coffeehouses in Mecca were briefly closed following religious objections to the drink and the activities taking place there. The ban didn’t last long. Coffee has always been about more than what’s in the cup, and apparently, a trip to the café can turn into a history lesson, too. See what you can learn in a library besides food!
For me, Maya’s is about a simple routine I enjoy: my usual breakfast, a little time with the news, and room to let my thoughts wander. Add that matcha to the equation, and that’s a pretty good start to the day in my books.