Fruitcake is out, Bûche is in.
Here at Frenchly, we feel strongly about Bûche de Noël, also known as a Yule Log. Thankfully, there are quite a few places in New York to procure the traditional French dessert this winter. Here are some of Frenchly’s favorites–and as always, we welcome your suggestions and comments!
Manhattan
Every Christmas Maison Kayser spoils New Yorkers with mouth-watering new bûche flavors. This year’s options are Kayser (the signature chocolate), Fruits Rouges (a mixture of berries and chocolate), Châtaignes (traditional chestnut), and Noisettes & Yuzu (hazelnut biscuit and mousseline with a yuzu citrus center). Bûches serve 6 ($39), or come in individual sizes ($6.50) for those who don’t like to share!
Various locations, including 1294 3rd Avenue; 1800 Broadway; 8 W.40th Street; 921 Broadway.
New York institution Payard, usually sticks with the classics – the unbeatable Louvre (chocolate and hazelnut) and Coffee and Chocolate. This year, they’re also offering a fun alternative to tradition in the form of the Mandarin Coconut. Bûches are available for purchase Monday, Dec 19th through Saturday, December 24th, and there are three sizes available: $28 for 4 people, $42 for 6, and $56 for 8.
Various Locations, including 1293 3rd Ave; 1 West 58th Street; 3 Columbus Circle; 116 West Houston Street; 210 Murray Street (Battery Park)
Silvermoon Bakery believes in bûches for all, with more affordable prices (for equally delicious logs) and gluten-free options! The offer a dark chocolate and chestnut buche, along with a new one, mascarpone! They come in sizes that serve 4-6 ($32), 6-9 ($38). They’re also offering a new, larger bûche size of 12″! The Vanilla bûche (gluten free) serves 4-6 ($36), or 6-9 ($42).
2740 Broadway.
Financier is going all out in 2016 with five recipes: Chocolate, Coffee, Grand Marnier, Praline, and L’Etoile Des Neiges 2016 (dark chocolate glaze and chocolate dacquoise topped with silver almond and cocoa nibs). Out of respect for French traditions, these ornately decorated logs are available in metric sizes: 22cm ($28) or 30cm ($35).
Available for order at all locations throughout Manhattan, by telephone at 718-290-1011, or via email at [email protected], or online.
*Order by 12/19 for 10% off!*
Simplicity and chic are the keywords at Balthazar Bakery, where they’re offering traditional Mocha and Chocolate Mousse bûches de Noël. Both are blanketed in dark chocolate, because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
80 Spring Street (212-965-1785)
Chef Olivier Dessyn of Mille-Feuille offers three classic bûches, each with a unique twist: Tiramisu, Vanilla Almond, and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel. Each 7″ bûche serves 6 people ($34.90).
Various locations, including 552 Laguardia Pl (212-533-4698); 2175 Broadway (212- 362-6261).
*Order before 12/17 with the code NOEL16 for 15% off!*
L’Epicerie Boulud is bringing back their 5 traditional bûches de Noel: Cassis, Hazelnut, Vanilla, Bavarian Cream, and Passion Fruit-Banana. Each bûche serves 6-8 ($42).
1900 Broadway (212-595-0303)
Laurent Dupal’s patisserie Ceci Cela offers two flavors, the Strawberry, and the Vendôme (filled with mousse au chocolat, piled with strawberries and topped with heavenly chocolate glaze). Bûches can serve 6-8, or 10-12. Creative types can also order uniquely customized logs in individual or larger sizes.
55 Spring Street (212-274-9179)
*Call for pricing, or to custom-order bûches de Noël*
At the infamous Dominique Ansel, the bûches are both delicious, and delightful as dessert-table centerpieces. This year, choose between Dark chocolate (gluten free), Chestnut, and the Polar Bear (coffee caramel with orange zest). Each bûche serves 6-8 ($42), but Scrooges and Grinches can gobble mini versions all to themselves ($5.75).
*Order online, available for pick-up at any location 12/16 – 12/24*
There’s nothing like shopping for bûche de Noel at the foot of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Foodies will love the Chocolate-Caramel and Coffee-Hazelnut bûches at NYC stalwart Bouchon Bakery, available to serve 6 ($38) or 10 ($48).
1 Rockefeller Plaza, Columbus Circle/Time Warner Center (212-823-9357), or order via email: [email protected]
*Orders must be placed before 12/21 at 5pm, and picked up on 12/23 – 12/24.*
Brooklyn
La Provence en Boite is covering all bases with 5 bûche flavors: Traditional (chocolate, coffee, vanilla, praline, Grand Marnier), the Trio (three chocolates), the Princess (raspberry, calamansi, white chocolate mousse), the Santa (dark chocolate mousse), and of course Chocolate Mousse. Available in individual sizes ($5.50), 4-6 ($29), or 10-12 ($65)
263 Smith Street (718-797-0707)
Caprices by Sophie takes the cake with 6 delicious bûches offerings. Each is made up of four layers of soft meringue and whipped cream, coated with chocolate or meringue shavings, so all (shhh…) are gluten free. Frenchly favorites are the Speculoos and White Chocolate, and the Mont-Blanc Vanilla with Chestnut. Available to serve 6 ($29), 10 ($55), or as individual eclairs.
138 N 6th St. Williamsburg (347-689-4532)
Bien Cuit offers two bûches, but in this case less is definitely more. The Tres Leches (coconut mousse, guava gelée) is a rich tropical getaway from New York winter weather. The Chestnut, with rum ganache, is a unique spin on the classic. Available in sizes individual ($7) or 6-8 ($35) 120 Smith Street, Downtown Brooklyn (718-576-3760)
No need to line up for Pistache NYC’s decadent showstopper bûche, the Chestnut, Dark Chocolate and Blackcurrant, when you can get it delivered. One size serves 6-8 ($42).
220 36th Street, Sunset Park (646-207-9390, or email [email protected])
*Be sure to order at least 48 hours in advance!*
Queens
Cannelle has three types of bûches de Noel: Mocha, Chocolate-Hazelnut, and Cherry-Pistachio. Available to serve 6 ($20), or 8 ($30)
75-59 31st Ave (718-565-6200)
Staten Island
The hidden gem of Staten Island, French Tart (Chez Laurent) offers original, well-priced bûches. The Bonaparte has chocolate mousse and a vanilla crème brulée center, while the Josephine has chocolate mousse and home-made raspberry jam. Chocoholics, however, will melt over the self-explanatory Death by Chocolate. Classic Chocolate and Coffee flavors are also available.
1141 North Railroad S.I. N.Y. 10306 (718-442-0007)
