Cafe Pouchkine is sumptuous pastry bar imported from Moscow in Printemps department store. One side has a counter that serves hot and cold beverages and the other has a showcase with an array of the most dazzling pastries.
Perusing the case with the eye of pastry detective, I had a hard time picking my suspect from the lineup. The pastries were all so lavishly decorated and I was taken more by their looks than what I was in the mood to taste. Did I want to choose the pastry because of its looks or its content? Kind of like choosing a supermodel I always wanted to take home with me. What would they be like when I got them home and would they ruin it once they opened their mouths. After much pining and my usual strife in making sure I picked the right one, I chose Charlotka. Interesting that she would have just a single name like most supermodels.They packed her into a square black box that looked more like jewelry box you would put a Cartier watch in than a pastry and the shopping bag was worthy of a much heftier purchase than the 6.50 euro price tag. Such decadent luxury for a mere pittance.
When I got it home I carefully removed Charlotka from her box and placed her on my table to photograph, all the while imagining her taste. A few hours later after dinner, I cut her in half (I am trying to be good and not gain any more weight, so half was for me and the other half for Vincent.) and stared at her beauty for a few moments before I dove in.
Now as we all know, looks can be deceiving, even with pastry. I was dreaming of a wildly, gushing, cream-filled, messy, pastry. Outside she was all glamour and gold, but inside she was a simple, uncomplicated pastry, with delicate layers of sponge cake and subtly spiced slices of apple with a wisp of cinnamon.
I may not have experienced my supermodel fantasy, but Charlotka sure took my taste buds for a delicious ride.
Charlotka at Cafe Pouchkine
Printemps on the main floor
64 Blvd. Haussmann, 75009
Metro: Havre-Caumartin
Please click here to comment
In addition to my Eye Prefer Paris Tours, we now offer Eye Prefer New York Tours, 3-hour walking tours of New York's best neighborhoods including Soho, Meatpacking/West Village & Tribeca. Tours cost $195 for up to 3 people and $65 for each additional person.Come take a bit of the Big Apple on an Eye Prefer New York Tour!
Come experience my blog ìliveî with my Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I lead. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris. www.eyepreferparistours.com
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotteís professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
That looks delicious! I'm so happy I had your advice on the best desserts in Paris. Made my trip that much more enjoyable xxxx
Posted by: Taylor Jackson Templeton Horowitz | March 22, 2012 at 01:32 PM