The best pastry chef in 2015: this is it! The talented creator and founder of “l’Éclair de Génie” (The Flash of Genius) is still not done surprising us with his creations and his good advice on the show « Qui sera le plus grand pâtissier ? » (“Who will be the best pastry chef? “). Combine that with a down to earth and accessible personality that loves baking and his adopted city : Paris.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : How do you become the best pastry chef of the year?
Christopher Adam : With hard work, passion, determination,imagination and daring! I try to put all my energy into the creation of my éclairs. There’s a big creative work upstream with my teams. Each of my éclairs has a history. I also attach great importance to the visual. I am mindful of the times, I regularly offer new products, with flavors that vary depending on the season and try to surprise with new flavor combinations. Basically, I stave off boredom and routine.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : What is that “The Flash of Genius”? Why “éclair” rather than another type of cake?
Christopher Adam : The éclair itself is a classic pastry but we can revisit it in a very contemporary way. For over 15 years I’ve created éclairs and it’s always a pleasure. For me the éclair is a true source of inspiration, I love mixing flavors to create an explosive cocktail, play with textures, it explodes in the mouth, a pastry that makes your eyes light up. I love pastries with “pep”.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : What is your favoriteéclair?
Christopher Adam : caramel salted butter, which is our best seller.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : What is the pastry that represents France to you?
Christopher Adam : The éclair of course!
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : How do you explain the success of cooking shows on TV right now?
Christopher Adam : It’s true that cooking shows have been on the rise for some years, it reflects the love of French gastronomy in general. I am delighted to see that today there are more and more programs dedicated to pastry cooking, it shows that more and more fans are interested in this discipline which may seem complex to some, but also allows people to escape both visually and gastronomically.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : Why is it that Paris is renowned worldwide for it’s pastries and not some other city?
Christopher Adam : The pastry is one of the symbols of French gastronomy and Paris is a good example of that, as all the major bakeries with renowned pastry chefs are in Paris.
Paris, S’il vous Plait! : What are your next projects? How do you see the evolution of “l’Eclair de Genie”
Christopher Adam : Continue to open new shops! We are present in Asia (a continent that I love) with 6 stores in Japan, two in Hong Kong and one in Korea. I would love to expand in the US, but it takes time. We will open new stores in Paris in 2016, perhaps in new European capitals and why not a new concept store!
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : Let’s talk about Paris and your tastes. How would you define Paris in 3 words?
Christopher Adam : Gastronomy. Refinement. Enjoyment of life.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : What’s your favorite neighborhood?
Christopher Adam : I do not really have favorite district, each district has its own atmosphere but I have a soft spot for the 18th district.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : Your favorite restaurant?
Christopher Adam : Restaurant David Toutain : the place is really beautiful, calm, with beautiful raw materials and its cuisine is a real surprise! 29, rue Surcouf, 75007 Paris.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : Your last shopping discovery?
Christopher Adam : The concept store Chez Moi, Paris , Paris in the 1st district.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : Your dream hotel in Paris?
Christopher Adam : The imminent opening of the Ritz.
Paris, S’il vous Plait ! : Your favorite hobbies in Paris?
Christopher Adam : Taking the time to go golfing.
© Éclair de Génie
