Paris Pastry: Éclair Week at Fauchon

Macaron, quoi? In recent years, the humble éclair has had a fashionable makeover in Paris with pastry chefs like Christophe Adam devoting entire boutiques to a reinvented pastry. What used to be a sweet, simple finger food sold at a boulangerie has been reinvented as a decadent pâtisserie that holds its own next to heavyweights like Jacques Genin’s millefeuille, Pierre Hermé’s chocolates and Claire Damon’s fruit tarts. We credit Fauchon, the gourmet emporium on Place de la Madeleine, for sparking the éclair’s creative renaissance. After all, it’s the kitchens of Fauchon which turn out such momentous pâtisserie talent (Christophe Adam is a Fauchon veteran, as is New York-based Dominique Ansel, creator of the cronut). Now is the perfect time to make a foodie pilgrimage to Fauchon, as the venerable store is hosting its famous Éclair Week. In fact, this is the 10th annual Éclair Week! Running from September 14th-23rd, this special edition will showcase the grand classics of French pastry— reinvented as éclairs! Think Paris-Brest, Rum Baba, Saint-Honoré, Religieuse, and– new for the year, created by Patrick Pailler, the House’s Head Pastry Chef– the Opéra Éclair. Looking to splurge? To fete the occasion, Fauchon will be offering a special coffret with 10 limited edition éclairs. Visit www.fauchon.com for more details. Bon appétit! In other news, did you know that Fauchon will be opening a hotel on Place de la Madeleine? Stay tuned for the exact timing…