By now, you know how seriously P'Niche takes chocolates, treats, and sugary goodness of all sorts. That's why we're shocked it too us so long to head over to Paris' oldest Patisserie - Stohrer. It's truly a gastronomic institution, located on the bustling rue Montorgueil in the second arrondissement. We simply had to see what all the fuss was about. Let's take a P'Niche peek to learn more...
It was in 1725 that Stanislaw Leszczyñski (the King of Poland & Grand Duke of Lithuania) and his daughter, Marie Leczinska set off to France for her marriage to Louis XV.
They decided to bring along their trusted baker and patissier, Nicolas Stohrer (as one does).
Now, Monsieur Stohrer was the official pastry supplier to the King and Queen of France.
Five years after his arrival, with word spreading of how delicious his baked goods were, he opened up shop at 51, rue Montorgueil (75002). The shop keeps her doors open at this same address, to this day. The rest, as they say, is sweet history!
In or around 1835, Nicolas Stohrer himself began experimenting soaking his yeasty cakes in various liqueurs, arriving at what we call today the baba au rhum (cake soaked in rum).
Babas are traditionally about 5 centimeters tall and often served with whipped cream (chantilly) or pastry cream. Very often dried fruits are added to sweeten up the confection.
His Baba au rhum added him "to the map" as a must see/taste.
As a fun fact, Baba, means "old woman" or even "granny" in Slavic languages, so it makes sense that Stohrer decided to name his sweet treat as such, as it is often thought that he dedicated the recipe in memory of his own grandma. How charming is that?
As we edge forward to 1860, Stohrer was quite popular and decided to indulge in a bit of an artistic "glow up."
Stohrer engaged the painter Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry (say that ten time fast) to create and install these stunning frescoes, which you can see to this day.
Fun Fact - Baudry's works can be seen elsewhere in Paris at the Opéra Garnier, as well as the Musée d'Orsay.
If you are on an artistic pilgrimage of sorts, Baudry's resting place is within the Père Lachaise Cemetery, should you find yourself in that part of town.
Let's get back to the sweet stuff!
Stohrer is also wildly famous for their éclairs - with people lining up - hoping to get one (or two) of the limitedly numbered puffs made daily!
For reference an éclair is a pastry made of the same dough, or chou, that you would find in a profiterole. These pastries differ as they are piped into a (about 6 inch) oblong puff and baked until light, fluffy, and oh so golden. They are then filled with various creams, topped with fondant, etc. It's no shock that éclair literally means "lightning." That's how quickly you eat them - in a flash!
And Stohrer is rather famous for their decadent Saint Honoré as well..
As you recall from posts (and crumbs) past, when prepared correctly, a Saint Honoré pastry should resemble a ring (divine halo?) of choux pastry (and/or caramel-topped choux) atop a puff pastry base that is chock full of heavenly Chantilly, or whipped cream.
Stohrer's vanilla laden pastry is wonderful treat to celebrate the patron saint of baker's, Saint Honoré each May 15th!
Of course, Stohrer offers a wide (and scrumptious) assortment of candy colored macarons. If P'Niche keeps this decadent dessert adventure up, we might be able to host our own "Unofficial Official Macaron Taste Test" - who's in?!
Head over to Stohrer during the lunch hours and you will find delicious sammies, lunch tarts, and a quiche to swoon over.
No wonder Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 2004 went from 15 minutes to 45 full minutes. She kept President Jacques Chirac waiting - but truly, the quiche is worth it!
And let us not forget our "daily bread," the humble baguette.
You can see these golden beauties in full salute behind the counter as you enter the patisserie.
Let me tell you, with perfect amount of crunch outside and soft airy pockets inside, there is a reason there is a line outside Stohrer every day!
Stohrer was acquired in 2017 by the Dolfi Family. If foodies out there feel like they might know this name, it's because the family also owns La Mère de Famille - the most ancient chocolatier in Paris. (You guessed it, we'll be learning more about them and sharing the yumminess soon!)
Father Étienne with family Jane, Steve and Jonathan Dolfi have a passion for all pleasurable to taste and it shows in how they maintain the original dignity of Stohrer. They ensure that all operations are set to the highest of standard with only top of the line ingredients and savoir faire. If those daily queues are any indication, their dedication to the Stohrer name and legacy is paying off!
Ready to join the others in line to get your yum on at Stohrer? Hooray!
Stohrer
51, rue Montorgueil (75002)
Métro: Étienne Marcel (Line 4)
Sentier (Line 3)
Open Daily from 8:00am - 8:00pm
We will be discovering and sharing the history of rue Montorgueil next post, so we hope you will subscribe to join us back in the Parisian Niche...
So - are you ready to try some of Stohrer's historically delicious offerings, P'Nicher? Already an expert and want to share your favorites? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
