Pâtisserie Tourbillon, a name synonymous with delicate artistry and tantalizing taste, recently opened its doors on the enchanting Île-Saint-Louis in Paris. The mastermind behind this pastry paradise is Yann Brys, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the highest culinary accolade in France, a testament to his exceptional skills. This is the second location for Pâtisserie Tourbillon, following its successful debut in Saulx-les-Chartreux.
A Pastry Paradise:
Pâtisserie Tourbillon is a haven for pastry lovers, offering a tempting array of pastries, chocolates, confections, ice creams, and sorbets, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The shop’s name itself is a tribute to Yann Brys’s innovative “tourbillon” technique, which uses a turntable to create graceful swirls of cream, transforming his creations into edible masterpieces.
Before conquering the Parisian scene, Yann Brys honed his craft at renowned establishments such as Fauchon, Concorde Lafayette, Bristol, and Dalloyau, ultimately becoming the head pastry chef at the prestigious Brach Hotel.
Freshly Baked Delights:
Pâtisserie Tourbillon welcomes guests Tuesday through Sunday, showcasing a delectable selection of pastries. Six exquisite creations are available daily, while a few additional delights grace the shelves later in the week. All pastries are delivered fresh each morning from the original location in Saulx-les-Chartreux. For those seeking a grander indulgence, larger entremets are also available upon special order.
My Parisian Indulgence:
During my recent visit to Paris, I couldn’t resist sampling the Tourbillon Abricot Citron Basilic (6,90 €), a symphony of textures and flavors. This masterpiece features a crunchy almond cereal base, a delicate almond biscuit, a sweet apricot compote, a zesty lemon basil crémeux, and a captivating whipped ganache, adorned with the signature tourbillon technique. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors: the crispness of the cereal base provides delightful contrast to the smooth cream, while the apricot adds a refreshing burst of sweetness. The Tourbillon Abricot Citron Basilic is gluten-free, making it a delightful choice for those with dietary restrictions.
My Parisian culinary journey also included the Mille Feuilles Vanille (6,90 €), a classic pastry elevated to new heights. Layers of vanilla crème légère, caramelized puff pastry, and light vanilla chantilly combine to create a delicate and flavorful treat. The airy chantilly melts on the palate, the crème légère boasts a rich vanilla flavor, and the puff pastry remains crisp and light. This mille feuille is a testament to Yann Brys’s ability to capture the essence of classic flavors while showcasing his masterful technique.
Exceptional Service:
The service at Pâtisserie Tourbillon is as delightful as the pastries. The kind gentleman who assisted me was incredibly helpful, even going the extra mile to retrieve macarons from the freezer and provide a thermal bag for my journey home. While I was unable to savor these macarons, which were purchased as gifts for friends, I was impressed by their reasonable price of 10,00 € for a box of 8 in assorted flavors (including chocolate, pistachio, raspberry, vanilla, caramel, and citrus).
A Pastry Paradise Awaits:
I left Pâtisserie Tourbillon with a contented heart and a longing to return. The pastries were a testament to Yann Brys’s artistry and passion, showcasing a blend of classic French pastry techniques with his own innovative creations. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, I highly recommend visiting Pâtisserie Tourbillon and savoring the delights that await. Pair a pastry with a leisurely stroll along the Seine, and let the enchanting flavors of Paris transport you to a world of pure indulgence.
