From unforgettable Olympic scenes to a new season of Emily in Paris, it’s safe to say our French love affair has hit full bloom during 2024. And for life’s most romantic rendezvous (aka ‘I do’), bringing that forever-chic French flavour into your Queensland wedding is easier than you might think — starting with a French-inspired wedding dessert!
FEATURE IMAGE: Gowns: Helena Couture Designs // Photo: Ben & Hope Photography // High Tea: The French Patisserie
Meet the expert
To learn how to indulge your wedding guests the French way, we turned to Craige Gravestein, owner of The French Patisserie. Their flagship store in Toowong is Brisbane’s original patisserie, known for everything from croissants to croquembouche, and will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. Founded by three French brothers, all pastry chefs, in May 1984, the Toowong French Patisserie was a founding tenant of the Cat & Fiddle Centre and became Brisbane’s first French patisserie. It continues to enchant food lovers and Francophiles with its délicieux selection of baguettes, breads, high-tea delights, and stunning wedding desserts.
frenchpatisserie.com.au
QB: First up, congratulations on 40 fabulous years! Why do you think we’re obsessed with all things French?
CG: To start with, I think there is a sense of romance with all things French. Secondly, there is a well-known reputation for French pastry making excellently. And thirdly, the French made it respectable to have sweets for breakfast!
QB: What have been your most popular patisserie treats over the years?
CG: Croissants and danishes, baguettes, croquembouche, tarts and the petit four tarts range, and our gluten-free Chocolate Almond Fudge Gateau. There have also been phases with eclairs, friands and, more recently, sourdoughs.
QB: Can you explain the spectacular croquembouche?
GC: Meaning ‘crunch in the mouth’, a croquembouche is a traditional French dessert consisting of profiterole choux pastry filled with your choice of custard flavour and smothered in shiny sugar toffee — all assembled into a cone shape and bound by toffee. This classic celebration ‘cake’ is often served at christenings and weddings.
QB: What are modern couples looking for in French wedding treats?
CG: For many brides, the wedding cake is second to the wedding dress — it has often occupied their dream space for many years. There is an ‘experience’ expectation to meet, more than just providing a fantastic cake. Many want a statement that says: “this is me!” Whether that is showy, elegant, classic, stylistic or pragmatic. Brides who find their way to Toowong French Patisserie are also often looking for value for money, as most of our croquembouche and wedding cakes for up to 80 guests are under $1,000.
QB: How can couples infuse French flavour into their Queensland wedding?
CG:
Colour palette: red, white and blue
Music: Parisian classics (think Édith Piaf)
Croquembouche: traditionally served with a sword to cut/smash the tower
Menu: escargot profiterole, baguette & truffle butter, and a petit four dessert selection
QB: For couples considering a croquembouche, do you have any tips?
CG: When we consult with our bride and their entourage, season is a key topic — and certainly summer in Queensland can limit your choice. Spun toffee makes a wonderful wow factor, but it is not possible between October and February unless it can be created onsite. Our temperature-controlled delivery van transports it perfectly, but over 26 degrees, the toffee can go from croquembouche to Leaning Tower of Pisa in 3-5 minutes. Air-conditioned venues make it easier to achieve your vision.
Find more delicious French inspiration at frenchpatisserie.com.au
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