Alexandre, pastry chef and creator of takeaway indulgences
While he initially flirted with the savoury side of the kitchen, he ultimately found redemption in sugar. Alexandre Mathey is one of those individuals who has built his career on hard work. A tireless individual, the pastry chef at La Chaumière pursues his passion with unwavering devotion, producing desserts that exude exquisiteness. Portrait
It's been 10 years since he took charge of the dessert menu. After starting out in the kitchen alongside chef Césari, Alexandre Mathey fell into the caramel pot somewhat by chance, and has found in pastry-making a delectable means of expression. With his home-grown flavours, inspired by the bounty of the terroir, surprising vegetable desserts and magical texture combinations, this 32-year-old chef works on his creations in the same way a chef prepares a dish. The desserts are seasoned and cooked to perfection with herbs and spices punctuating the score. With crunchy morel mushrooms from the Jura, the pastry chef concocts a crème brulée with vin jaune and juniper berry ice cream, or has fun candying it to accompany absinthe and curry ice cream. Wonderfully conceived, well-executed, balanced and bafflingly original, the desserts at La Chaumière will leave you utterly speechless. Another vegetable, another surprise, with poached chicory caramelised with orange zest. Enough to make you drop your spoon! He uses carrots to make an Absolut Vodka sorbet, and dares to combine cashew nuts with rhubarb. You'll be on your feet begging for more.
A tireless worker, Alexandre also applies his talent to the bakery and takeaway treats. Whether it's bread, baguettes, gluten-free alternatives, brioches or sandwich loaves, he rolls up his sleeves and puts his hands in the flour to knead and shape them. For the boutique, he conjures up a range of confectionery items and biscuits, including gentian marshmallows, hazelnut toffees, chocolate macarons, honey madeleines and cannelé cakes. And that's not all! Cream-filled Paris-Brest choux pastries can be made to order, so you can enjoy all the delights of La Chaumière in the comfort of your own home.
He and Joël Césari are a match made in heaven. A pinch of sugar here, a pinch of salt there. This is the perfect pairing of two men who share the same approach to taste and that is always a taste for more!
