Have you ever had the chance to meet one of your idols?
I am absolutely ecstatic because I did earlier today!
This morning, I hopped on a train to Paris to meet Chef Aurélien Cohen at a popup shop.
Aurélien Cohen is a Chef Pâtissier, or pastry chef, based in France. He not only creates absolutely delicious looking desserts — he also teaches baking classes as well!
I first discovered his creations on Instagram and was immediately hooked. Everything looked so delicious and I love how his recipes are readily available for adventurous bakers; I actually tried making a couple myself and they were delicious.
The popup took place at Confiture Parisienne, Paris’ only traditional jam factory. Located under the arches of the Viaduc des Arts on Avenue Daumesnil (12th arrondissement), visitors can watch jams being crafted in large copper containers as they peruse the artisanal white jars lining the walls of the shop or while enjoying a coffee and pastry at the cafe.
Chef Cohen’s popup was located near the entrance. Even though I had arrived only 20 minutes after opening, there was already a lineup and people were ordering boxes of desserts!
I was lucky enough to snag my top two choices: Miss Pistache and Choco Caramel tartelettes.
I also asked if I could have a quick photo with the Chef. He agreed right away and was incredibly friendly and charming and humble. It was such an honour to meet him!
I also decided to bring home a confiture box set containing a L’unique framboise jam and an Earl Grey tea jelly.
Instead of sitting a the cafe or on the patio (it was quite busy), I climbed some nearby steps to the Coulée verte René-Dumont which lies on top of the store. This used to be an elevated train track, but the area was converted into a beautiful urban garden with a great view of the city. There are plenty of benches and little alcoves that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying desserts. I actually passed by a few other patrons who had a similar idea to me.
The first tartelette that I tried was the Choco Caramel. Its ultra glossy glacage miroir chocolat exterior housed a thick layer of chocolate mousse on top of chocolate tonka ganache, and caramel fleur de sel inside of a chocolate biscuit. On top is a delicately placed chocolate palet.
I’m not usually a fan of caramel, but this was absolutely decadent and not too sweet. I would highly recommend this to any chocolate and caramel lovers out there!
I was a little full from that tartelette so I had to move around a bit before moving onto the second one. I was particularly excited about trying the next one because I LOOOOVE pistachios!
Miss Pistache features a mouth-watering ganache montée pistache encasing a dollop of pistachio praline. This was top of a layer of pistachio namelaka (delicate white chocolate ganache cream), more pistachio praline, and a final layer of crème de pistache inside of a biscuit. And all of this was topped with a sprinkling of crushed pistachio. Sweet with a touch of salt, this was addictive and incredibly delicious. I think this one was my favourite of the two.
Overall, this was such an amazing experience. I was able to meet one of my culinary idols — who was super nice — and I was actually able to try his sensational desserts. Plus, I discovered a great shop and a beautiful park in an area of Paris I haven’t visited before! Highly recommend everything if you can!