Le Meurice - Galette des Reines

Sunday January 6, 2013 Le Meurice Le Dali Salon de The

I was giving my 1st English lesson to C. when Raids-Patisserie-Louise announces we're going later to Hotel Meurice. We must try this very unusual galette des reines. It's a must-do - no questions asked.

Around 5pm we show up. The saIon is quite grand.But tragedy strikes. The galette des reines is finished!  Louise looks like she's lost a new puppy. We explain we've gathered from various points on the planet (Paris-New York-Lyon) to taste this galette.

Enfin the maitre'd arrives with the famous green galette and Louise recovers instantly.



Louise believes dessert should be eaten with the hands like a child...



This is a very good thing, since the hidden surprise favor or feve is lurking inside my slice of galatte

What I assume is an oversized almond is in fact a beautiful porceleine almond-shaped feve. The crown is brought out.

Traditional Epiphanie galette is filled with frangipane - almond paste and almond cream, while roasted almonds add even more crispness and flavour. The unusal burnished green coating on top is made of roasted almonds and mint. Altogether a both light yet intense experience. The almond brings the promise of prosperity for all who bite into it.

The assistant pastry chef comes out and fills in Louise on the details of the galette created by Head pâtissier Cédric Grolet

Guillaume and I drink up our chocolat chaud nature



Suddenly another galette arrives care of the pastry chef still warm from the oven. Amazing!

 

The gold flects reflect the fabulous ceiling mural painted by Philippe Stark's daughter..



There are Dali-esque details everywhere. Plus the Meurice's signature green (also covering the top of the galette).
And the dog of the day? Why the Meurice's grayhounds of course! Don't miss Louise's post on our experience. You have until January 20th to taste this unusal gateaux.