PARIS - Famous Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab created his very first pastry for the Café de la Paix in Paris. Entitled Podium, this pastry is, after Dentelle (“Lace is More”) by Olivier Lapidus, the second of the three Fashion Pastries “Designed by Men” proposed by the Café de la Paix for the 2007-2008 season, under the aegis of Paris, Capital of Creation, which hosts 21 Fashions and Home shows that prove, more than ever, “that it all happens in Paris, the world capital of fashion trends”.

Why “Podium” ? Because Elie Saab decided to pay tribute to one of his favourite spots, which more than anything else, is the ultimate symbol of the world of fashion. The dessert that he has created for the Café de la Paix has an elongated shape and the sober elegance of fashion parades. “All my creations are ‘updated’ and discovered on the catwalk … and start from the catwalk”, explained the fashion designer of stars. “What is more, a catwalk is like an itinerary, which can be that of an entire life … or the pursuit of a goal, with the determination, intelligence and emotions required to accomplish it. The choice of this theme was therefore an obvious one for me to make.

With his keen interest in architecture, Elie Saab methodically constructed his catwalk like a superimposition of five independent layers. Starting from top to bottom, it consists of a slab of dark chocolate, a cream of red fruit, a caramelised puff pastry, a milk chocolate chantilly and a soft chocolate biscuit, a combination that creates an unusual experience for the taste buds.

This culinary achievement is bound to please the designer who is considered to be a master in the art of combining the most diverse influences. “I love life and the good things it offers”, he admitted. “I am a gourmet but – alas – I don’t have enough time to devote to gastronomy. This is unfortunate because cuisine, like fashion, is a powerful reflection of culture, and it is closely linked to aesthetics. Gastronomy is based on two factors; taste and presentation.”

Prepared by Laurent Delarbre, the Chef of the Café de la Paix and winner of the title “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”, and his Pastry Chef Guillaume Caron, Podium will be served in a limited number from May 15th to September 15th 2008 at the Café de la Paix.

Podium by Elis Saab, Paris
Prepared by Laurent Delarbre, Meilleur Ouvrier de France
Served in a limited number from May 15th to September 15th, 2008
(15 Euros each) at the Café de la Paix, Place de l’Opéra, Paris 75009
Reservations: 01 40 07 36 36 – fax: 01 40 07 36 13
reservation@cafedelapaix.fr