La Maison Des Desserts Aux Gougeres

La Maison des Desserts aux Gougères is a pastry shop that has perfected its art in the finest Belgian tradition. Its owner, Jean-François Istasse, has developed his skills as a pastry cook, a chocolatier and a baker over the course of a busy career. “This is a pastry and Belgian chocolate shop where as much of the production as possible is done on site. We work in a way that respects Belgian artisan traditions. I have always refused offers to open more shops so that I can keep control and make the pastries myself,” explains Jean-François.

Jean-François, born in Namur, Belgium, started crafting his talent from a very young age, assisting his father, who is also a baker. He completed his training and was working for the official supplier to the royal court of Belgium before moving to Canada in 2005. Once he settled in Quebec, he immediately launched his business. “I have always been a lover of Quebec, and my wife and I chose Montreal. We quickly differentiated ourselves with our specialties since traditional pastry shops like ours are rare,” says Jean-François.