The Making of a Pastry Chef: The Journey from Childhood Passion to Apprenticeship to the Heights of the Profession

The Making of a Pastry Chef: The Journey from Childhood Passion to Apprenticeship to the Heights of the Profession

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“The British used to fuss for hours over fancy designs, but when it came to the flavor, they’d say, ‘Oh, sponge will do.’ That’s all changing now.” – Eric Lanlard

Master Pâtissier and cake maestro Eric Lanlard is the owner of the chic London cake emporium Cake Boy and has changed the face of British baking.

He began his fruitful career in his birthplace of Brittany, where he was voted Best Apprentice Pâttisier at Le Grand Pâtisserie. Eric went on to study the craft of Chocolatier with Arens-Scheer in Luxembourg and then served world dignitaries on board the French flagship Jeanne D’Arc as part of his national service. He moved to the UK in 1989 to work with Albert and Michel Roux. He opened Cake Boy in 2007 and has a 10-part series—Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard—currently on British TV. He is author of Glamour Cakes, Master Cakes, Home Bake, Cox Cookies & Cake, and Cake Boy. Tart It Up! is his latest book and is his first book addressing savory baking. He is also poised to be one of the first chefs in space through Virgin’s Intergalactic program.  

Pleasant House Bakery of Chicago will make two pies according to Eric Lanlard’s recipes from Tart It Up: Sweet & Savory Tarts & Pies: Pork and cider pie (page 77); and Butternut squash and mushroom pie (page 67). These must be ordered in advance at $10 each via BrownPaperTickets.com by October 26.

This program is hosted by the Chicago Foodways Roundtable. To reserve seats, please email  chicago.foodways.roundtable@gmail.com or call 847-432-8255, leaving your name, telephone number, and the number of people in your party.