Loved, cherished, and almost sacred to French expats and Francophiles alike, galette des rois can only be found at a handful of select bakeries in Los Angeles. To avoid choosing the wrong one, here is where to rush for your Epiphany pastry this year.
Sweet Lily Bakery
Near Universal Studios, the most beloved French bakery in Studio City, Sweet Lily Bakery, is offering four galettes this year. The creative minds behind the desserts, Marine Le Faucheur and Thibaut Leymarie, of course present the classic frangipane version, perfectly golden, with hand-scored puff pastry patterns shaped like rosettes, wheat sheaves, or diamonds. Also available are a dangerously indulgent Nutella version, plus two fruit filled options with raspberry and a vegan apple filling. A signature touch of the bakery is that galettes come in two sizes, for four or eight people. The classic is priced at $28 and $48, while the others are $32 or $52.
A word of warning for the less experienced sweet tooths: the ceramic charm is baked directly inside the galette, just like in France. Sweet Lily Bakery galettes are available in store and by pre order until the end of January by phone at (323) 499 1888.
Good to know: an alternative to galette is the couronne des rois brioche cake, another French tradition made with candied fruit or chocolate chips, priced at $28.
Sweet Lily Bakery, 3315 Cahuenga Blvd W.
Pitchoun Bakery
In Downtown LA, Fabienne and Frédéric Souliès, the owners of Pitchoun Bakery, keep things focused with just two galettes. The best seller is the classic frangipane, beautifully decorated with hand scored rosettes, made for eight people and priced at 44 dollars. Next comes an all-chocolate version, for four dollars more, designed to win over any Californian. The traditional charm, whether baked inside or added later, is available in adorable porcelain shapes such as éclairs, religieuses, and chouquettes. Adding it yourself may be safer if you want to avoid dental drama at the table.
Pitchoun Bakery galettes are available in store until January 31, but pre-ordering through the online shop guarantees availability. The bakery also offers free delivery to several locations around the city on Saturday, January 10.
Good to know: if you are already on your seventh galette, Pitchoun Bakery suggests switching things up with a Provençal brioche filled with candied fruit from Nice, priced at 46 dollars.
Pitchoun Bakery, 545 S Olive St.
Ludivine Paris
On the West side of Los Angeles, everyone heads to Ludivine Paris and its sky blue bakery adorned with an Eiffel Tower mural. Owners Ludivine and Samuel Bellahsen present a sun inspired galette, generously golden, with meticulously drawn rosettes and a rich frangipane filling. Designed for eight people, it sells for 49 dollars.
The galette from Ludivine Paris is available in store until January 31. Pre ordering through the online shop ensures your galette is ready upon arrival.
Ludivine Paris, 10509 Pico Boulevard.
Michelina
In Central LA, Michelina brings French culture to the iconic Original Farmers Market. Led by Vincent Benoliel, also behind neighboring restaurants The French Crepes and Pasta Corner, the shop celebrates Epiphany this year with a truly special galette. This generous version features ultra flaky, crisp pastry all around, and replaces the traditional charm with a pink evil eye talisman jewel, created by designer Laura Sayan. The galette is priced at 59 dollars.
Available in store for a limited time. Pre-orders can be made by phone at (323) 329 4000.
Michelina, The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W 3rd Street.
This article was originally published in French on French Morning. It has been translated into English by Valentine Marchou.
