A traditional French pastry, the chocolate eclair, seems to have been eclipsed in popularity in the USA by the macaron. But it’s  getting its due in Paris thanks to Christophe Adam and his L’Eclair de Genie. I came upon the eclairs in the new gourmet addition to Paris’ renowned Galeries Lafayette department store. The shop is one of several gourmet purveyors and eateries offering a mouth-watering selection of delicacies ranging from smoked salmon and caviar to 5 Jotas Jamon Serrano, macarons (bien sur), sushi, and much more.

Christophe Adam came to his eclair venture with an impressive pedigree that ranged from London’s three star Michelin restaurant Gavroche and the Palace Beaurivage in Lausanne to the Hotel Crillon and Fachon in Paris. He opened the first L’Eclair de Genie in the Marais district of Paris in 2012. But back to the eclairs themselves. One of the things that sets them apart is the riot of flavors and colors such as Iranian pistachio and orange, apple and maple syrup, hazelnut, raspberry passion and many more. There are a group of regular flavors as well as  seasonal offerings. He also has his own riff on the traditional chocolate eclair. Every month they’re made with a different origin chocolate. If you want a custom design you can get that too, or even a piece montee — a tree made from eclairs.

They average about 5 Euros (approx. $7 US).

When you’re next in Paris, put Galeries Lafayette on your list for their shoe department— one of the largest in the world and probably the best selection of European brands (150 brands in total, 75 of which are exclusive to the store). Then go across the street to the gourmet shop for a light lunch and then a caloric splurge on an eclair. L’Eclair de Genie has  several outposts around the city now and are even opening one in Japan sometime this year. Could Miami be next?