Pierre Hermé: Noël en Fête

 

Readers of this blog know by now that I am a great fan of star chef pâtissier-chocolatier Pierre Hermé from Alsace, sometimes called "The Picasso of Pastry." His eye-popping pastries, cakes, chocolates, ice creams, sorbets and macarons are works of art, and this year, once again, and for the holidays, he's managed to re-invent classics and create even more extraordinary surprises.

The first time I sampled his most-buzzed-about macaron, caramel au beurre salé (caramel with salted butter a.k.a. CBS), I became an instant devotee. Despite much competition it was wickedly delicious, and I walked away with a bulging coffret. Since then I've added many more flavors from his macaron repertoire, and this season's holiday collection won't disappoint. - BPJ

Above: magical tasting reception; pink champagne and macarons (exciting new flavors - see website); rich chocolate yule logs (bûches de Noël)

Pierre Hermé Paris

(press preview)

* Upcoming Collection Noël 2020 *

 

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Merci M. Hermé

Unexpected garden

 

Light penetrates trees in this small enclosed garden in Montmartre, a perfect place to bring a book.

Self isolated

 

A woman at a café table in the Louvre courtyard.

Sans culottes

Montmartre's sans-culottes march to their own beat at a joyful celebration on the butte.

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  Be in-the-know for upcoming don't-miss events in Paris' hilltop village this fall

September newsletter

View from a cup

 

Paris' cafés continue to be part of daily life, and everyone has their favorites.

Above: view from my café crème

Monumental

With Notre Dame Cathedral under repair, the Basilica of Sacré Coeur has become the most visited monument in Paris after the Eiffel Tower.

Apéro evenings

  Small private at-home gatherings have become the default setting for many a Paris apéritif.

 

Above: apéro set out on upstairs deck; on ground floor, living room of beautiful home opens onto a spacious garden