Hof Kelsten Montreal

You’ve already heard the hype. You don’t need me to tell you that Jeffrey Finkelstein has an impressive resumé of work experience at world famous restaurants Noma, El Bulli and French Laundry and that he’s set up shop here in Montreal. You know that the bread from his Hof Kelsten has fed diners at likes of Le Filet, Club Chasse et Peche, Toqué, Dominion Square Tavern, Nora Gray, Joe Beef, Toqué and Les 400 Coups because you’ve already tasted it. Yes, you can breath a sigh of relief. We’re finally in on secret source of good bread in this city.

Hof Kelsten offers a wide array of breads to choose from: sunflower, sourdough, rye with caraway seeds, crumb, ciabatta, baguettes, raisin and 9 grain, always freshly baked. Pastries like strudels, danishes and cookies are also available. Needless to say, it smells really, really good in there.

Homemade Iced Tea

Cortado

The vibe inside Hof Kelsten is super laid back with good music and a lot of beautiful natural light streaming in through the expansive window panes across the clear glass storefront. It’s a perfect spot to grab a quick bite to eat and a little coffee or iced tea during the day or a faster paced brunch over the weekend.

Challah French Toast, Fried Egg & Veal Pancetta

Beef Brisket Sandwich

Both the challah french toast the brisket sandwich were pretty phenomenal. Did you expect any less? Thickly cut, heavenly slices of challah bread (a friend once jokingly told me challah was the only reason he was still Jewish) laid with a fried egg and hearty slices of veal pancetta made my morning. The brisket sandwich was surprisingly girthy, with juicy pieces of beef coming undone as we had our way with it.

Rugelach

The rugelach was crazy sweet, sticky and delightfully flaky. It has you licking your fingers and reminiscing about being a kid again.

I’ll take it. With pleasure.