Among the stars of French patisserie, theOpéra has a special place. This gourmet creation has conquered the hearts of sweet tooths, whether in its original chocolate version or in a revisited version. But do you really know everything about this essential cake? Let's find out.
First of all, what isOpéra? In its best-known form,Opéra is a rectangular pastry. It's made up of Joconde cookie soaked in coffee syrup, chocolate ganache and coffee buttercream in layers. The whole is covered with a dark chocolate glaze and decorated with a few gold leaves.
But who invented theOpéra? Two major pastry houses have long disputed the claim to this discovery. On one side is Gaston Lenôtre, founder of Maison Lenôtre, who claimed in the 60s to have created this iconic cake. On the other, Maison Dalloyau claims that the pastry was actually created by Cyriaque Gavillon in 1955. Gavillon's wife, Andrée Gavillon, is said to have named the cakeOpéra, in homage to theOpéra Garnier.
But what's the link between theOpéra, the patisserie and theOpéra Garnier? According to Dalloyau's version, the cake's design reminded Andrée Gavillon of the stage set at the famous Parisian landmark. Another version suggests that it was a nod to theParis Opera dancers who were regulars at the store.
