Perfect for escaping the cubicle life in the Financial District, Maman offers a convenient rustic French getaway conveniently located at the newly renovated mezzanine in First Canadian Place taking over a Szechuan Szechuan restaurant.
Maman Toronto follows after opening just nine months ago in New York City with a bunch of accolades including the honour of “An Indulgent Cookie for Any Season” by the New York Times.
In attendance at the launch on Tuesday, July 14th, 2015 was one of the founders of Maman, Armand Arnal (pictured above). He’s a Michelin star chef with La Chassagnette, a restaurant in the south of France.
Armand Arnal launched Maman in partnership with a group of friends. Benjamin Sormonte, a former partner at Experimental Group and Elisa Marshall, a baker, event planner, designer. The group joined a couple of longtime friends who recently relocated from Montreal for this venture, Laure de la Moussaye, a marketing strategist, and Othman Kacimi, a financier with a background in investment banking and capital markets. I find it brave of those who leave their steady jobs to invest and pursue their passions.
“Having been born and raised in Toronto myself, and living here for many years with Ben,” says Marshall. “Toronto is a city close to our hearts, and we are excited to introduce Maman to my hometown.”
Inspired by favourite recipes from their mothers in a Southern France and North American context, Maman specializes in pastries and desserts but they also have fine French savoury options for breakfast and lunch with soups, salads and quiche made fresh daily.
But as mentioned above, Maman Toronto is most renowned for their chocolate chunk cookie, a warm, ooey-gooey creation, dubbed “The Most Impressive New Chocolate-Chip Cookie” by New York Magazine’s Grubstreet. I don’t like to say “must try” a lot but I think it’s safe to say you won’t be disappointed. What have you got to lose?
They are also open for cinq-á-sept, with a curated selection of wine and cocktail served après midi. And even better news is they they will be licensed on the scenic terrace area with gorgeous green views to be licensed as well in the next couple weeks, as Kacimi told me.
Indoor seating features communal harvest tables accommodating an intimate and cozy 20 seats.
Definitely be sure to check out Maman Toronto soon especially on the terrace.
Maman Toronto is located in 100 King West, First Canadian Place (York and Bay) on the Mezzanine Level, open Monday to Wednesday from 7am to 7pm, and Thursday and Friday from 7am to 9pm for breakfast, lunch and cinq-á-sept.
For more information visit www.mamantoronto.com
Lead photo by James Shay. Photos by James Shay and Nick Lee