I remember when L'opera opened here, I had an invite for the opening and I thought to myself, do we need a Parisian patisserie here? Wouldn't it be over priced and how would they understand our palate? These questions were valid at the time because the market was still expanding and palate's were slowly changing. At the venue, I was definitely impressed by the spread and the elusive Macaron, which by the way was never a thing of joy for me, yet I was amazed at the grandeur, albeit concerned about the pricing. Then I got to know that the founders were a French family who wanted to create a market for their patisserie and viennoiserie and that was lovely to hear. That was then and today, L'Opera is symbolic of fine pastries, bakes, breads and desserts. With their Salon de The they have expanded into light meals with a side of excellent teas and coffees, making the cafe a truly Parisian experience. The beauty is that they are Indian at the heart of it, the products are all conceptualized here, made here and yet they are so French, it's delightful.
I was thrilled with my loot from the new menu at L'Opera, especially gourmet pastries and sandwiches in baguettes that I can safely say are the best in the city. Crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, just tuck in a slice of two of good ham and quality cheese, perhaps a lick of Dijon and that for me, is the perfect sandwich. For pastries, if you enjoy chocolate, then blindly choose the Opera pastry, thin layers of the finest chocolate nestled between cake, it is one of the best pastries here at L'Opera. However, for a real French culinary experience I suggest trying the Tropezienne, a pastry that hails from St. Tropez and is basically brioche filled with pastry cream, and the Saint Honore, named after the Patron Saint of bakers, this is puff pastry, choux pastry, creme chiboust and whipped cream all in one, what a stellar tribute. Then there is the classic Paris Brest of course, the beauty of the pastry at L'Opera is how fine the ingredients are, that's another aspect which sets them apart and you can taste it in every bite.
I always pair the desserts with savouries and I love their baguettes, so the sandwiches are a must, their pesto is incredible so the mozzarella tomato pesto sandwich is always a favourite, though I personally love the ham and emmental in the baguette, doesn't get better than that! Add a Caesar salad on the side, the dressing is perfect and finish your meal with a cup of tea and macaron. Though I suggest you pack a few croissants and a boule of sourdough when you leave, these staples should always be in your home pantry. L'Opera has recently introduced a Brunch menu, out of which I am hooked to their quiches, they have an eggless mushroom quiche that is absolutely revelatory. That, the Tomato Tarte (made with puff pastry) and a Croque Monsieur spells - Sunday for me! Bakeries will come and go, yet some will stay because they're borne out of love and passion and they understand how the market works, in hindsight and with the knowledge of so many new places, I now feel, this is where I find value for money and finesse in food, every time.
I was thrilled with my loot from the new menu at L'Opera, especially gourmet pastries and sandwiches in baguettes that I can safely say are the best in the city. Crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, just tuck in a slice of two of good ham and quality cheese, perhaps a lick of Dijon and that for me, is the perfect sandwich. For pastries, if you enjoy chocolate, then blindly choose the Opera pastry, thin layers of the finest chocolate nestled between cake, it is one of the best pastries here at L'Opera. However, for a real French culinary experience I suggest trying the Tropezienne, a pastry that hails from St. Tropez and is basically brioche filled with pastry cream, and the Saint Honore, named after the Patron Saint of bakers, this is puff pastry, choux pastry, creme chiboust and whipped cream all in one, what a stellar tribute. Then there is the classic Paris Brest of course, the beauty of the pastry at L'Opera is how fine the ingredients are, that's another aspect which sets them apart and you can taste it in every bite.
I always pair the desserts with savouries and I love their baguettes, so the sandwiches are a must, their pesto is incredible so the mozzarella tomato pesto sandwich is always a favourite, though I personally love the ham and emmental in the baguette, doesn't get better than that! Add a Caesar salad on the side, the dressing is perfect and finish your meal with a cup of tea and macaron. Though I suggest you pack a few croissants and a boule of sourdough when you leave, these staples should always be in your home pantry. L'Opera has recently introduced a Brunch menu, out of which I am hooked to their quiches, they have an eggless mushroom quiche that is absolutely revelatory. That, the Tomato Tarte (made with puff pastry) and a Croque Monsieur spells - Sunday for me! Bakeries will come and go, yet some will stay because they're borne out of love and passion and they understand how the market works, in hindsight and with the knowledge of so many new places, I now feel, this is where I find value for money and finesse in food, every time.