To me (who can barely fry an egg), turning flour, butter, sugar, eggs and other unassuming ingredients into gastronomic decadence is nothing short of modern-day alchemy. Do not mistake a patisserie with a bakery; whereas a bakery focuses on churning out mass-produced carbs, a patisserie aims to create confectionery masterpieces that are often intricately designed and delicately flavoured. As such, a premium is payable for these treats, but once the first hint of smooth dark chocolate ganache enveloped in buttery pastry touches your lips, you’ll be hooked.
For those with sugar cravings a supermarket doughnut just won’t satisfy, here are my top three patisseries in Johannebsurg.
The Patisserie
Established in 2003, this French coffee shop and tea lounge is a delight to the senses, which is surprising considering its arguably dreary location (on the upper level of the Illovo Post Office Centre). The pink- and white-striped walls, contrasted by black and white floor tiles make you feel as though you’re in a chic Parisian cafe. In addition to their indulgent cakes, The Patisserie also does breakfasts (think homemade muesli with think, greek yoghurt) and lunches (they pride themselves on their salmon fishcakes covered with special rocket mayonnaise sauce).
Hours: Mon – Fri: 07h30-17h30, Sat 07h30-16h30, Sun 08h00-13h30
Address: Post Office Centre, Cnr Rudd Rd & Otto Streets, Illovo
Tel: +27 (11) 268-0022
Chateau Gateaux
Hailing from Durban, Chateau Gateaux specialise in handmade desserts and pastries alongside 100% Arabica coffee. A range of breads, croissants, Danishes and Turkish breads are baked daily on site. Try the chocolate volcano, oozing half a slab of pure Belgian chocolate, or the Walnut Truffle Gateaux- a torte layered with chocolate sponge, marzipan, mocha cream and coated with a rich dark chocolate ganache. The draw card here is that you can select your favourite desserts to take home. All products are supplied frozen and have a 1 year shelf life. Simply thaw overnight and no one will even know the difference!
Hours: Mon – Sat 07:30 – 19:00, Sun and holidays 07:30-17:00
Address: Thrupps Illovo Centre, Shop 20a, 204 Oxford Road, Illovo.
Tel: +27 (11) 268-2211
Belle’s Patisserie
Belle’s Patisserie was founded in January 2010 and initially started with executive catering for large corporate functions and events. The patisserie opened a few months ago and has enjoyed great success since- they’ve become famous for their delicious cupcakes. Quality is the key focus; they import their butter from France and make their own bread and croissants. Serving an all-day breakfast as well as scrumptious lunches, Belle’s is a must try.
Hours: Mon 07:00-17:00, Sat 08:00-17:00, Sun 08:30-17:00
Address: Blubird Shopping Centre, Shop 16, Athol Oaklands Road, Birnam.
Tel: +27 (11) 440-4474
For more restaurant ideas in and around JHB, visit my personal blog: www.joziliciousblog.co.za
