It's not uncommon to see gourmet concepts making their debut in Paris, before moving on to other parts of the country. The reverse is rarer. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule, such as The Delambre Bakery, first established in Lille, before moving to the capital. Since last autumn, another gourmet spot has wanted to try its hand. Called Donatien Maître Éclair, this address is already well known to the people of Strasbourg.
Behind this boutique is above all a story of family and enthusiasts. At the forefront is Donatien Fehr, the man behind the brand and its many creations, of which the " Caramel Beurre salé " proves to be his"darling". Originally from the Bas-Rhin region of France, Donatien has gained a wealth of experience in Paris (including two years with Ladurée), as well as abroad, notably in London and Australia. Back in Strasbourg after a trip to Japan, Donatien decided to launch his own business. He gave birth to Donatien Maître Éclair, his first boutique dedicated to sweet and savory éclairs, which opened in February 2021 in Strasbourg. Since then, a second boutique has opened in the same city.
At his side? We find his sister Eloïse, who collaborated with his older brother to set up the patisserie outlet, Harold, the eldest of the siblings and a true entrepreneur, not forgetting Corinne, the mother and pillar of the project from the outset.
Having seduced the taste buds of the people of Strasbourg with its mouthfuls of deliciousness, the family team has chosen to continue the adventure in Paris. A city that has already succumbed to the éclairs craze through another well-known brand. But as Eloïse, whom we met that day in the Parisian store, tells us, Donatien Maître Éclair stands out not only for its atypical flavors, such as " Fleur de Geisha ", but also for its savory creations. All are made on site, in the basement laboratory.
The well-stocked shop window is a real eye-catcher from Rue Rambuteau. Here, three savory variations are on offer. These include the " Scandinavian " with smoked salmon, lemon whipped cream, fresh cucumber, lettuce and sesame, and the excellent " Winter Truffle ", which we warmly recommend. With its truffle, cheese chips, slices of truffle and cream of fresh cheese, we can't resist this refined, gourmet creation.
To seduce the palates of Parisians, Donatien has also played the humor card by proposing a savory éclair, new to its Strasbourg boutiques: " Le Parisien ". It's made with hazelnut butter, crusty bread on top, Comté AOP cheese and gherkin!
For those with a sweet tooth, there are 8 creations in the shop window this lunchtime. There are, of course, the musts, like " Caramel Beurre Salé " (salted butter caramel and mascarpone cream, roasted peanuts and 40% milk chocolate) or the tangy " Citron Yuzu " (yuzu lemon cream, white chocolate icing, caramelized Italian meringue and lime zest). But there are also more atypical creations like " Fleur de Geisha " (lime cream, green tea and cherry blossom, ganache with lime and zest decoration). Prices: 6.20 euros per éclair, except for the truffle éclair, which costs 6.90 euros.
For our part, we love the " Noisette Praliné ", with its delicious choux pastry, crispy praline, hazelnut ganache, roasted hazelnuts and homemade praline. We also love the " Pistache d'Iran " , a delicacy to be savored without moderation, with pistachio crunch, an incredible pistachio cream, pistachio ganache and pure pistachio paste. A real delight! You'll also find a Grand Cru dark chocolate éclair, a vanilla and pecan éclair and, of course, the Pure Café.
All these different flavors have already won over a number of regular customers, and will evolve with the seasons! And to help you multiply your gourmet pleasures, Donatien Maître Éclair is currently offering a tempting, limited-time deal, with one éclair offered for every three éclairs purchased. So, why not take advantage? If you're the gourmet type, don't miss Donatien Maître Éclair, located rue Rambuteau, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris!
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.
Location
Donatien Lightning Master
72 Rue Rambuteau
75001 Paris 1
Official website
donatien-maitre-eclair.fr