Combining art and culinary delights at Louvre Abu Dhabi: the Barrière Group is welcoming in the New Year by celebrating the sweet French tradition of La Galette des Rois at Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi, and hosting an interactive painting class by We Love Art at the Museum Café
Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi, the UAE branch of the iconic Parisian restaurant, and the Museum Café, Louvre Abu Dhabi, are presenting a number of exquisite cultural events for the month of January.
Residents and visitors are invited to experience the ancient tradition of La Galette des Rois, and take part in a relaxing and engaging art class, hosted by the region’s #1 painting experience company, We Love Art.
La Galette des Rois
Fouquet’s skilled and talented pastry chef, Hugo Sipp, has created an incredible Galette des Rois cake for families and friends to takeaway and savour in the comfort of their own homes, or enjoy in the chic and stylish restaurant.
The French custom of Galette des Rois dates back to the 14th century, and it is traditionally served on January 6, the 12th day of Christmas and the day of Epiphany, the religious feast that commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings at Bethlehem.
A delicate puff pastry cake filled with frangipane, each Galette des Rois contains a hidden fève, with the one who finds this hidden charm named the king or queen of the occasion. According to a 2015 survey by OpinionWay, 97% of France’s population still mark epiphany with Galette des Rois, and it’s a vital experience for anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in the true essence of French culture and cuisine.
Providing an exquisite journey through French fine dining, there is no-where better to experience this treasured custom than at Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi. The original Fouquet’s has been delighting customers with its expertly crafted and delicious dishes since it first launched in Paris in 1899, and this year, pastry chef Hugo Sipp has pulled out all the stops to create his most amazing Galette des Rois yet for the people of Abu Dhabi.
Available to order and takeaway from January 4 to 31, the Galette des Rois from Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi features a light and crispy homemade puff pastry shell filled with aromatic hazelnut frangipane. Adding a special and tasteful touch, each dessert also includes a limited-edition red fève, created in partnership with Fouquet’s and Harcourt and shaped to look like a film shoot clapperboard, in honour of the brand’s historical connection with French cinema.
In fact, chef Hugo’s Galette des Rois recently won first prize at Chef Middle East’s prestigious Fall Into Christmas Challenge 2021, which saw him compete against 25 of the UAE’s most talented pastry chefs.
Chef Hugo, said: “In France, the galette is traditionally filled with frangipane made from almond flour. However, in my bespoke version we use hazelnuts because I simply adore the flavour. Here in the UAE, it can be hard to find quality French patisserie and tracking down excellent galettes can be even trickier still. So, despite being a restaurant and not a bakery, we have decided to offer our galettes for takeaway in order to meet the demand of local French and European expats.
“I made galettes for collection for the first time last year and we sold 25 in two days. Eating and preparing this authentic recipe brings back memories of my youth. As is customary for the youngest person at the Epiphany feast, I remember sitting under my grandmother’s table when I was a child and calling out who should get each slice. It’s an honour to uphold French traditions and introduce our seasonal rituals to the UAE.”
Abu Dhabi residents and visitors are invited to experience the magic of this tradition at their own dining tables, will the exquisite Galette des Rois cakes available to order and collect for AED 200 each.
Designed to elevate every gathering with loved ones and provide a symbolic dessert that every member of the family will love, the Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi Galette des Rois desserts are available to order for collection from January 4 to 31. To reserve yours, please call 02 205 4200.
Paint & Grape at the Museum Café
On Wednesday, January 5, the Museum Café at Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting another exceptionally special and interactive art experience by Dubai events company We Love Art.
Following the success of the first Paint & Grape night at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in November, the three-hour event invites participants to have a go at producing their own colourful depiction of the iconic movie star Audrey Hepburn.
We Love Art is an immersive art class that provides a welcoming and fun environment for budding artists of all skill levels. The entry price includes expert tuition and all the equipment required, including a canvas sketched with the outline of Hepburn, the striking piece by company founder Denise Schmitz.
Offering stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline and the perfect opportunity to make new friends with like-minded creative individuals, the artistic journey is further elevated with a choice of premium beverages and canapés.
Once the creative session has concluded, participants are welcome to extend their evening with a sumptuous dinner at Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi, or a few relaxed beverages and bites up on the rooftop terrace of Art Lounge.
Paint & Grape by We Love Art at the Museum Café is set to take place on Wednesday, January 5 from 6pm to 9pm, priced AED 390 per person. Entry includes a pre-sketched 40cm x 50cm canvas, all painting materials, two canapés and two glasses of wine or four non-alcoholic beverages.
Spaces are limited and booking in advance is highly recommended. To reserve your spot, please visit www.weloveart.com.
Please note that all participants must present a PCR test taken within 96 hours and Al Hosn green pass.
