Thursday, July 15, 2010

The best brest in Paris

They say here in France that a patisserier’s skills can be judged by just one dessert: the Paris-Brest. Which puts Philippe Conticini at the top of the choux-filled heap.

Six months ago, Conticini—who opened La Patisserie de Reves last year—was awarded the best Paris-Brest in the city. Two months ago, he opened a gorgeous salon de thé in the 16eme (Bon Marché shoppers arent’ the only ladies who lunch). The man is on a roll.

Of course it’s not all about the Paris-Brest (even if it is a little ring of heaven, with liquid praliné piped inside the hazelnut cream).

Beneath each individual glass-domed frigo is a mouth-watering, stomach-rumbling visual masterpiece.

Raspberry and lemon meringue tartes…


…chocolate and coffee éclairs….

…strawberries and cream.

His daring Saint-Honoré and dazzling Alliance.


Even his wee cookies are arresting.

Some of the delights dare not even be covered by casings.

Like this—the biggest brioche ever.

Rivaled only by the enormous madeleines.

And if you’re worried that you will put away an entire tarte or cake yourself, don’t worry. Individuels!


And a lovely tearoom and terrace in which to indulge.


Best of Paris? You bet.

10 comments:

Pampered Sweet Tooth said...

The raspberry and lemon meringue tartes look amazing. I love your blog and chronicles of your travels. Keep great post coming.

cocoa and coconut said...

This is such an exciting post, I love seeing shops and streets of Paris. I love the set up of this shop, the big glass domes and the colours! If I lived there I think I'd visit every day

Sweet Freak said...

Glad you like it, guys! Needless to say, I loved going and am already dreaming of going back for more. I just have to find a partner in crime - there are too many incredible edibles for one girl to sample.

Parisbreakfasts said...

Arrest me!
I did not taste a thing when I visited :(
Overcome with remorse and shame...
At least I should have tried a citron tarte.
Please send me one!
Address to follow :)
merci for les tentations..

Unknown said...

This is definitely going on my to visit list, looks heavenly x

A Tale of Two Cities said...

Just found your blog on Paris Breakfast. Swoon...the photos are so enticing, that my sweet tooth just kicked in.

Lovely blog,
Debi

nycstylelittlecannoli said...

looks so wonderful...I really need to visit Paris sooner than later

Tomato in Tribeca said...

oh wow! didn't know conticini opened up a new place. love the shots!

toast2capefear said...

I just found your blog a week or so ago, and I love it! I've always wanted to visit Paris, and I absolutely LOVE all things sweet and yummy. Keep the posts coming!

Mitchell said...

WOW. Gorge!