‘Cédric Grolet – a revolutionary pâtissier’

Luckily for me, Cédric Grolet opened his first patisserie ‘Le Meurice – Cédric Grolet’, just in time for my most recent visit to Paris.  In case you’ve been living under a rock, Cédric is not only an internet sensation with over 1 million followers on Instagram but has worked under Alain Ducasse at Le Meurice since 2013.  He was recently named as World’s Best Pastry Chef in October, 2017 and can be described as an artist and culinary genius, specialising in troupe-l’oeil pastries –  an optical illusion if you like.  Cédric’s pastries are perfectly sculptured replicas of fresh fruit that have to be seen to be believed.  Each piece is strictly limited and the menu changes monthly with the possibility of daily changes.

There is no official closing time, once the last cake is sold that’s it.  My advice is to get there at opening time to avoid the long queues and to guarantee your chance to experience one of these masterpieces.  A charming doorman  allows approximately six clients in at a time which only adds to the prestigious feeling of the whole experience.  The decor inside is white, minimalist and has an exclusive feel to it.  Cédric describes it as being halfway between a laboratory and a boutique and it is exactly that.  While you await your turn, a pastry chef puts on a show as he goes about constructing delicious chocolate tarts topped with blueberries and dehydrated strawberries, mesmerising you with his skill and attention to detail.

It’s finally my turn, after waiting months for this opportunity.  I order the Cerise (cherry) which looks more like a piece of art than a cake.  It is stunning!  Everything I had expected and more!  The glossy red reminds me of a toffee apple.  It is carefully placed into a box that looks remarkably like marble and then popped into its own bag.  There is no provision for dining in which isn’t a problem seeing as it is located basically across the road from the Jardin de Tuileries.  I am lucky enough to be staying around the corner so I take it back there to enjoy it privately and savour the experience.

Delicate.  That is what it is.  Physically and in taste.  The flavours of cherry, chocolate and chilli are delicately balanced to create a feast for the taste buds as well as for the eyes.  Not overly sweet, just perfect.  Not overpowering, just perfect.  It’s so light and delicate that it melts in your mouth and is like nothing I have ever tasted before.  It’s…just perfect.

It truly is an experience to enjoy from start to finish.  Such a high-end product comes with an expected high end price tag – €17 to be exact.  Not an everyday treat but one of life’s little pleasures that I highly recommend you partake and indulge in at least once.

Situated at 6 rue de Castiglione, 75001 it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 until the last cake is sold.

Enjoy.

Bisous de Paris 💋