Cedric Grolet is one of the most prominent figures on the French pastry scene and reflects a new generation of pastry chefs. Having excelled to the top of his game at the age of 31, Grolet is now the Head Pâtissier at the prestigious Le Meurice in Paris. As well as reinventing French pastry classics, the award winning chef is famed for his sculpted fruit creations and the Rubik’s Cube. Cedric Grolet recently taught three exclusive hands-on classes to a limited number of students at Savour School. We caught up with him and here’s what he had to say…

How did you get into patisserie?

At the age of 7 I was already in the kitchen. My grandparents owned a hotel in Andrézieux-Bouthéon just outside Lyon and my earliest memory is tasting the vanilla ice cream they made for me. It was from that moment that I knew I wanted to be a pastry chef.

What are your favourite flavours?

I love the most simple flavours. Simple is always best, even when I am reinventing the classics.

Do you have a favourite sculpted fruit?

La Noisette (hazelnut) is my signature sculpted fruit. Not only is it my personal favourite, it is also the best seller at Le Meurice.

What was your inspiration behind the Rubik’s cube?

The idea was initiated during the quarterly Club des Sucrés. The concept of the Club des Sucrés was introduced by Christophe Adam and Christophe Michalak and occurs every 3 months in France. It brings together the finest and most famous pastry chefs who discuss emerging trends and new themes. I have childhood memories about travelling in the car during summer holidays and playing games to keep me entertained for the duration of the journey. It was then that we proposed the theme of the Rubik’s cube.

Was it the most technical pastry you have created?

I am continually testing myself and generating new ideas but the Rubik’s cube was undoubtedly the most technical creation to date. It took two full days to make but the final result was impeccable and worth all of the effort and work.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My best achievement to date is when I took the position of Head Pâtissier at Le Meurice.

Tell us about your new book.

My new book “Fruits” will be released on 21st September 2017. There are 100 recipes and 450 pages. Each page is shot on a background that’s deeply connected to nature such as marble and grass.