A true tradition dating back to the 14th century, the Epiphany brings together young and old around the essential and delicious King Cake. This Christian feast, which celebrates the arrival of the incarnate Messiah in the world and the visit paid to him by the Three Wise Men, falls this year on a Wednesday, January 6, 2016.
However, since the biblical date is not a public holiday, it is customary to celebrate it on the first Sunday after January 1st; this year, that’s Sunday, January 3.
At the start of 2016, I’m offering you my small selection of cakes for this first celebration of the year, and I also hope you finish this festive moment with a crown on your head if possible…
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My King Cakes
The Poilâne buckwheat cake, featuring a preparation of apple compote and 50% dark-milk chocolate
Price: starting at €14.90 from January 1st to 31st, 2016 in the three Poilâne boutiques in Paris, 38 rue Debelleyme, 75003 – 8 rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 – 49 boulevard de Grenelle, 75015
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Table of Contents
The melting Pear-Chocolate cake from La Croissanterie
Slice: from €2.40, Whole 22 cm cake: €12.50
available in 230 La Croissanterie restaurants, from December 7, 2015 to January 25, 2016
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The King’s Éclair by Christophe Adam
Frangipane Éclair: vanilla frangipane cream, almond paste, crushed almonds and hazelnuts
price: €5.50
As a bonus, a lovely collection of 6 “éclair” fèves for fabophiles (fève collectors)
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The chocolate cake from La Maison du Chocolat (with a pure origin Peru dark chocolate ganache)
price: €31.40 for the 4-person cake / €44.50 for 6 / €58.40 for 8 / €6.80 individual cake / €7.70 individual fèves
Available in stores from January 2nd to 24th, 2016
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The almond cake by Sébastien Gaudard
price: €23.20 for 4 people / €33.60 for 6 / €44 for 8
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The 2016 King Cake from Jean-Paul Hévin
Chocolate frangipane with chestnut cream, speckled with Brazilian Grand Cru cocoa chips, powerful with a hint of vanilla
Price for 5 people €28.80 / 8 people €47.60
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The Holly cake made by Fauchon
4/6 servings: €35 / Available from January 2, 2016
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Epiphany is celebrated with Mauboussin at the Marriott Champs Elysées
To celebrate Epiphany, the Marriott Champs Elysées is partnering with the jewelry house, Mauboussin. In January, pastry chef Ludovic Miguel and his brigade will create three cakes (the classic almond cake, the gourmet Gianduja chocolate ganache, and the unexpected Piña colada one).
Every day starting at 12 PM, hotel guests will have the choice between three atmospheres to enjoy the three King Cakes: the Marriott Square terrace to be in the heart of the Champs Elysées buzz, the L’Atrium Bar to sit near the Christmas tree under the magnificent dome, or at the hotel’s restaurant in a more intimate setting.
As an accompaniment, I also suggest you try the detox cocktails (priced between €16 and €20) with “Miel des Champs” honey (on the menu until March 15, 2016), which are made with honey from the bees of the “Ruche des Champs,” installed on the hotel roof.
The pro tip: for the lucky ones who discover the Mauboussin fève, a surprise will await them in the nearby jewelry boutique.
Price: €12 per slice of cake.
From January 3 to 10, 2016
Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel
70 avenue des Champs Elysees 75008 Paris
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If you have any good addresses, a preference, or tips for finding the best King Cake, don’t hesitate to leave a little comment to share your pro tip! And happy Epiphany to everyone!
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan, Fauchon, Marriott, Jean-Paul Hévin, Sébastien Gaudard, Poilâne and Cyril Lignac
