About Rahier

 

Right in the heart of Leaside, Rahier Patisserie has been a mainstay on Bayview since 1996. South Bayview’s pedestrian-friendly, intimate atmosphere is the perfect platform for Francois Rahier’s artisanal European fare. Rahier espouses quality and tradition, exemplified with handmade production techniques and a firm commitment to using all natural ingredients.

 

As a child in Belgium, Francois learned a love of food working alongside his Mother in her kitchen, developing an early appreciation for beautiful desserts. After University, Francois chose to pursue his passion, and returned to school to study pastry. He was selected for a two-year apprenticeship at Debailleul, one of the best pastry shops in Brussels. From there, he worked as a Pastry Chef in different shops, first in Brussels and then in the US, notably eighteen months under Gilles Renusson. Determined to learn from the best, Francois sought opportunities that satisfied his dedication to artisanal production methods.

 

While working and travelling in North America, Francois discovered a new place to call home. After taking a couple of years to establish himself here in Toronto, he struck out on his own. His business soon took hold, and he invited his esteemed colleague, Souvannaraj Keopraseuth (known as To, to us), to join him.

 

Originally from Laos, To studied pastry in Belgium and also apprenticed at Debailleul, where he met Francois. As his skills and reputation grew, To had the opportunity to work in several of the top pastry shops in Brussels, and after a time, was training new bakers in the craft. Over his career, he has dedicated himself to mastering hand techniques in chocolate, pastry, cakes, bread, and ice cream.

 

Over the years, Francois and To have observed a rising appreciation of fine European pastry in and around Toronto. Many of the individuals Francois and To have trained and worked with at Rahier have gone on to open their own shops, helping to expand the quality food movement that Toronto continues to enjoy.

 

Welcome to Rahier, a neighbourhood bakery that is so much more!