Although my addiction to Ladurée macarons is thoroughly documented, when I first came to Paris well over a decade ago I was totally obsessed with the pastry known as the Religieuses (preferably chocolate). It's a bit like a round, double-decker eclair (or a Boston-cream donut with a donut hole on top). I'd eat the top part first and save the rest for as long as I could hold out (usually an hour). The taste is not really any different than the traditional French eclair (which, like all French pastries, tastes ten times better than the American knock-off), but I liked the shape and the fact that the bakery clerk would always wrap it in a little pyramid of paper tied with a ribbon. Quelle classe!
Of course, I would never turn down an eclair if one was offered to me (hint hint), especially if it was as cool looking as the ones from
Fauchon (26 Place de la Madeleine, 8th), who always go out of their way to introduce new flavors and designs. Some people pooh pooh any bakery that dares stray from the traditional chocolate or coffee flavor, but hey, you only live once. And if you happen to be in Paris on September 5-6, you can even celebrate their "Weekend Eclair." Perfect timing for all of the Parisians who have that miserable "back to the grind" look on their faces after their five week vacation. ;-)
For the occaision, Fauchon is introducing 34 different flavors that they have created over the past four years, including both sweet and savory ones (salmon and peas, anyone?), for €5 each.
Friday, November 2, 2012 
Over the next few days your addiction will not only become socially acceptable, but wholeheartedly encouraged as the 18th edition of the Salon du Chocolat melts the hardest of hearts at the Porte de Versailles.
