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"On Bernard Street just west of St-Laurent, a brand-new, old-school doughnut shop began serving jumbo glazed rings to snaking queues over Mother’s Day weekend, and I saw two sold-out days that signalled Mile End denizens are charmed. Run by father-son duo John and Dean Giannarakis with friend George Giannopoulos (the son of one of the founders of Au Vieux Duluth), the team draws inspiration from the large size and low price of classic Jewish and Greek purveyors so anyone—even children—can come with $5 for a coffee and a doughnut. The classic glazed is $1.50 (a dozen for $16) while deluxe toppings go to $3, keeping them competitive with chains like Tim Hortons. Through the front window you can watch a doughnut maker glaze jumbo confections and see fresh ones bobbing in vats of oil; the menu includes light, pillowy yeast doughnuts and heavier, moist cake doughnuts, just over 20 flavours (including Boston cream, maple-glazed, peanut butter and jelly, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Froot Loops, and rainbow sprinkles) as well as cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, and braided rolls. Bernie Beigne officially opens at 23 Bernard Street West on May 14 and will operate Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or until supplies last." - Valerie Silva