Feast in Paris

AS ANY PARISIAN WILL TELL YOU, GALETTE DES ROIS IS A CAKE FIT FOR KINGS

he fact that they only appear in patisserie and boulangerie windows for a short time in January creates an air of exclusivity to this treat that Parisians find impossible to resist. What began in the 14th century as part of a feast to celebrate the Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, on January 6 has turned into a month of cheer. At the centre of this is the flaky, layered pastry with a creamy frangipane filling known as , or ‘king cake’. (originally a broad bean) within its almond-paste centre; finding the signified good luck. Today, the is more likely to be a tiny figurine, the finding of which entitles the beneficiary to wear the paper crown and be king or queen for the day. You can often spot the by the adornment of the decorative gold paper crowns, but you’ll be just as easily led by the steady stream of patrons exiting the bakery with excited smiles on their faces.