I’ve made no secret that my love for Paris knows no bounds, and I take great pleasure in finding a little piece of Paris in my adopted hometown. At the moment, I’m losing my mind for Lèclair de Genie. When I was food and travel editor for Dolce&Gabbana’s now dearly departed e-zine Swide, one of my favorite stories was about ‘èclairs in Paris and the “research” it entailed. One of the places where I feasted on these pâte à choux delights, and I remember with great fondness those at L’èclair de Genie in Paris. Needless to say, visiting the the new L’èclair de Genie outpost in Milan tickles me pink.
Pastry chef Christophe Adam opened L’Éclair de Génie in Paris in 2012 which quickly rose to prominence as one of the city’s most inventive pastry shops. He had already made a name for himself as an innovative éclair maestro during his 15-year tenure at the fine foods market Fauchon, and he puts forth some thoughtful, crave-worthy flavor combinations, like vanilla with pecan; cassis with chestnut; butter and salted caramel; pistachio and raspberry; lemon and yuzu; passion fruit; and cappuccino. I’m living the Limited edition “I ❤ Milano” with the salted caramel interior and a mascarpone on top. and had the almond top. However, last time the interior was lemon hush. I’m so excited to try the Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) and panettone flavors.
Located on the lively and mostly pedestrian Corso Garibaldi, the shop resembles the Paris Marais location (it’s the only one I’ve been to, I know there are others) with an eye catching yellow interior Just like in Paris, the eclairs are displayed neatly under the glass, preciously beckoning everyone who passes by. These colorful works of art look like they belong on display instead of on the palate…until you taste one, then you have no problem “ruining” it with your teeth. They’re that good!
The èclairs average about 5 euro each (some coast more, some cost less). However, the eclairs aren’t everything Adam’s offering! He has also created a delightful little confection known as chouglacé, pâte à choux cup filled with one of six artisan gelato flavors: passion fruit and raspberry; chocolate brownie; pistachio and chocolate, lemon yuzu and vanilla pecan. You have to see them to believe them! When I have one, I’ll update this post with pic.
L’èclair de Genie Milan (Corso Garibaldi, 55; + 39 02 4953 2580; website)
L’èclair de Genie Milan hours:
Tuesday – Wednesday: 11am – 8pm
Thursday and Friday: 11am – 9pm
Saturday: 11.am – 9.30pm
Sunday: 11.30 – 8pm
