I was in Montreal, Quebec recently. It was so hot and humid! Temperatures were in the mid 30's celsius, but feeling like the mid 40's! Now thats unbelievably hot for a girl from the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. I was also hungry and as you know I'm a Celiac, so gluten-free is a must. I was at the train station downtown waiting for The Ocean. A VIA rail train that runs from Montreal, Quebec to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is a beautiful station without much for a celiac to eat. What to do? I went upstairs to the Fairmont Hotel (The Queen Elizabeth), as I was told that I may be able to get some gluten-free items at their small store (Marche Artisans). Not much to choose from really. I found some delicious gluten-free dried sausages and while paying for them I asked the cashier about any gluten-free options close by. She was fantastic, she took me to the Fairmont's conceirge who directed me to Cookie Stefanie 100 % gluten-free cafe and bakery!!!

I wish it had been a bit cooler in Montreal that day, so that I would have been able to enjoy the walk from the station to the cafe. It was so humid! But then the gorgeous storefront came into view and when I went inside the lovely air conditioning along with the beautiful treats on display was worth it. Don't be confused by the name, you can get more than cookies here! Sitting in the small elegant cafe at the window seating area, I tried the open egg sandwich (oeufs tartines) for $4.25. Oh my goodness it was so good. Their bread is fantastic. It is soft and chewy and not at all like any gluten-free bread I have eaten before. I'm really sorry I did take photos of the inside of the place and of the loaf of bread I bought, but they disappeared. I can't find them anywhere! But trust me it is a beautiful cafe and the bread looks just like any bread you'd see in a regular top market fancy bakery/cafe.

My favorite sweet treat was the Ginger Lemon Mini Cookie. I bought it to eat later. How I wish I'd bought the regular size and more of them. Delicate lemon and ginger with a sprinkling of sugar on top. This cookie was perfect. The texture was a bit crunchy with a slight chew. This cookie could easily pass the non-celiac husband taste test!

I also picked up some other items for on my train trip. I wish I could have taken the place with me and as always afterward I wished I had bought more but having no fridge and needing to watch my expanding waist line this was not possible. One of the items I bought for later was the pizza. Fantastic soft and thick chewy crust with a delicious tomato sauce and toppings.

I tried the Queen Elizabeth Cake too. It was tasty and moist. I loved the icing.

There is a good selection of soups, salads and delicous coffees and teas. I purchased a yummy salad bowl for later in the day. Sorry, I ate it before taking a photo. It was so nice to find this place. If you are in Montreal do take the time to visit. I will most definitly be heading back there next time I find myself anywhere nearby.

Do check out Cookie Stefanie's website for more information.

I only had a few hours in Montreal, so I was unable to check out any other gluten-free places. I would love to hear where I should try on my next visit. What are your favourite celiac friendly go to restaurants, cafes, bakeries or stores?