Le Temps des Tartines
Almond Croissant
Chocolate Croissant
Raisin Cream Pastry from Flanders
Custard Éclair with Coffee frosting
Pear Frangipane Tart
Speculoos Cheesecake
A small storefront with table, patio and takeout options at Zuidstraat 73 in Brussels, Le Temps des Tartines falls somewhere in the middle of the city’s Boulangeries and Patisseries, a locals sort of place where the staff seems quick to become impatient with questions phrased in English while also charging extra on each item selected for indoor dining.
No doubt an impassioned concept, over a dozen breads joining a wide range of pastries, tarts, choux and viennoiserie, it was to a small queue that diners were greeted early Monday morning as rain continued falling, the majority of patrons seemingly known by name to the two women behind the counter with quickfire service limiting time for decision making, an eventual order of a half dozen items boxed or bagged and taken to the patio where the small awning provided shelter from the storm and a privileged vantage to dine while the city streets came to life with those headed to the start of their workweek.
Having already mentioned the substantial variety available at Le Temps des Tartines, any attempt to sample a wide breadth of the goods better suited for a group of four or more, first tastes of the Almond Croissant as well as the Pain au Chocolate showed each to be far lighter than average, the general lack of sugar welcomed as it allowed for subtlety to be noted though the lack of a crisp exterior was at the same time disappointing.
Moving onward to heavier selections, the folded pastry from Flanders definitely worthwhile as soft lamination found itself wrapped around cream and raisins, those desiring a traditional Éclair will likely be disappointed as these frosted versions are sliced lengthwise with custard filling as opposed to light pastry cream, a Speculoos dusted Cheesecake equally unexpected as the base was so sour that it was actually displeasing while the Pear and Frangipane Tart was a far more satisfying experience with soft fruit well balanced by a base both smooth and sweet.