It was a fun occasion to discover the last works of restoration at Opéra Comique (which is reopening at the end of April) while tasting the raspberry love cake called « Favart » after the theatre’s founder’s name. Created by Le Nôtre to celebrate Valentine’s day and the new production of “Fantasio” by Offenbach, the cake will be served with champagne, at intermission in February, and in all Le Nôtre shops starting in April.
Inspired by the cupola of the theatre, the almond paste, bourbon vanilla mousseline and a raspberry coulis constitue a perfect little red dome which head pastry chef Jean Christophe Jeanson, was describing in great detail. Each « Favart » cake necessitates about five coatings and fifteen minutes to make individually. It is not only elegant but also delicious, trust me! (22€ a cake for two)
« Fantasio » is an early opera by Jacques Offenbach, premièred at the Opera comique in 1872 and hardly ever performed since. This piece in three acts adapted to music by Alfred de Musset’s brother, Paul, tells the story of a young student turned bouffon, Fantasio, who tries to seduce Princess Elsbeth. The première was a flop and part of the music was later used by Offenbach in « Les Contes d’Hoffmann ». I can’t wait to discover it.
Conducted by Laurent Campellone who had already conducted “les Mousquetaires au couvent”, and directed by Thomas Jolly, (already a confirmed director at 35!) it is the last show at Théâtre du Châtelet before it closes for a few years of restoration…Not to be missed. (Until February 27)And you can already book for “Miranda” by Purcell in September and “Comte Ory” by Rossini in December.
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2 Comments on “Valentine’s Day at the Châtelet with “Fantasio””
What a cake!
What a life you have Laure!
I am certainly envious. 🙂
J irai certainement deguster un Fantasio,tres vite,étant d une rare gourmandise!!!!!!!
Phiphi
XXX