The culinary marathon continues. After the bûche de Noeël and New Year’s munchies, the time has come for galette des Rois (or King Cake, as Americans call it). Served for l’épiphanie (Epiphany), cake will be served on Saturday, January 6 this year. Here is a (non-exhaustive yet excellent) list of places that sell galette in Los Angeles.
7. Authentic taste at Sweet Temptations
3514 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles
There’s no need for introduction. The pastry and chocolate maker Yvan Valentin has become a true rockstar of galette des Rois. The cake’s almond frangipane and Tahitian vanilla attracts crowds. Valentin’s secret? He worked with great chefs such as Michel Troisgros and Alain Chapel with whom he learned the basics of a delicious puff pastry. To serve 10-12 people, a galette costs $30. And if you still feel like it after January, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find it under the name “pithiviers.” You won’t be able to resist the sweetness of Sweet Temptations for long.
6. Flipping traditions at La Chouquette
7350C Melrose avenue, Los Angeles
In January, Dan Darmon’s galettes share the spotlight with his famous éclairs. In La Chouquette, on Melrose avenue, you can find a galette with “feuilletage inversé” as tradition dictates it should have. Respecting American morals of not putting choking hazards in food, la fève won’t be inside, but you can hide it wherever you want. You’ll pay $8 for an individual-size cake, $30 for a frangipane galette for 6 people, and $35 for the chocolate or praline flavors. Available for order throughout January.
5. Diverse options at Mademoiselle M
8010 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
To make her clients salivate, that is the creed of Mathilde Mazet of Mademoiselle M. For épiphanie, she prepares three types of King Cake: frangipane for 6-8 people ($25), the a king’s crown of brioche dusted with pearls of sugar ($15), and a very original brioche shaped like a fir tree ($15). Each galette is sold with a crown and fève. Available for ordering after January 2nd. The owner recommends that you place an order one or two days in advance.
4. Respected tradition at Ladurée
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles
With the season of bûche over, Ladurée‘s windows are taken over by galettes des rois. The master of the macaron do things according to the rules: the frangipane galette, made with puff pastry and a tasty almond cream by pastry chef Claire Heitzler, is accompanied by a macaron-shaped fève and crown. It costs $7 for an individual share, $28 for a galette for 4 people, $39 for 6, and $52 for groups of 8 people. Available for purchase since January 1st.
3. The simplicity of taste at Michelina
The Original Farmer’s Market, 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles
At Michelina in the Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles, they pride themselves on making a traditional frangipane. It’s available starting Wednesday, January 3rd in a one-size-fits-all option (6-8 people) for $49. To wear the king’s crown (and then have to buy the next galette), you’ll have to find the macaron-shaped fève, a nod to the origins of Vincent Benoliel’s bakery. Orders should be made in advance.
2. All kinds of colors at Pitchoun
545 South Olive Street, Downtown Los Angeles
Pitchoun Bakery‘s galette for this year’s épiphanie could well be called ingenious. In the Downtown store, you’ll find four types of galette (all for 6-8 people): la Parisienne (traditional, $30), la Provençale (a brioche crown with candied fruits and pearls of sugar on top, $28), la Noisette (frangipane with a hazelnut cream, shaped like a hazelnut, $32) and la Chocolat (frangipane with a chocolate cream, $33). Served with a porcelain fève “made in France” and a crown, the galettes are accompanied by a card to explain how to pick the king and respect the tradition. Available until February 2nd, it’s advised to order in advance (one to two days).
1. Frenchifornia, the classic play
247 E Colorado Street, Pasadena
It’s not just their macarons that attract crowds. Starting January 7th, Frenchifornia will be making galette. In keeping with tradition, chef Guillaume Delcourt will concoct a frangipane for 6-8 people ($48), as well as individual shares ($8). To enjoy it like in France, Frenchifornia offers a paper crown and a fève to hide.
