France is renowned worldwide for its exceptional gastronomy, especially the art of pastry. In 2017, French chefs clinched the Pastry World Cup for the eighth time with an intricate chocolate sculpture of a drummer and guitarist in action. This year, Christelle Brua, 41, earned the title of world's best restaurant pastry chef—the first woman to do so. The honor comes from Les Grandes Tables du Monde, which unites 174 premier establishments globally. At Le Pré Catelan, the three-Michelin-starred gem in Paris's Bois de Boulogne, Brua continues to captivate diners with her masterful desserts.
One of her signature creations is the apple dessert featuring puffed sugar, caramel ice cream, sparkling sugar, and cider. A single glance is enough to spark cravings (see below). “Christelle Brua has forged a distinctive identity, instantly recognizable and inspiring an entire generation of chefs,” noted David Sinapian, president of Les Grandes Tables du Monde, at the association's 64th congress on October 9, 2018, in Marrakech. Her accolades include Pastry Chef of the Year 2008 by the Champérard Guide, 2009 by Le Chef magazine, and Best Pastry Chef by Gault&Millau in 2015. Her success story is just beginning—bravo to this extraordinary talent!
