Just when you think you’ve eaten everything there is to eat at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in France’s Epcot Pavilion…you find a couple more pastries hiding out in the case. It’s a tough life. ;-D
This bakery and pastry shop in Epcot’s France is your one stop for everything for a petite dejeuner in the morning. And their soups, sandwiches, quiches, and cheese plates make for a delicious light meal anytime of the day.
But their decadent pastries are still my favorite things to enjoy here. Today, we try two that are new to us — Chaussons aux Pommes and the Vanilla White Chocolate Éclair.
Chaussons aux Pommes
There’s tons to choose from here, but I couldn’t believe I hadn’t tried the updated version of the Apple Tart. During a recent Orlando rainstorm (deluge…it was a deluge), I took refuge at Les Halles with everyone else and made lemonade out of those lemons!
Menu — Click to Enlarge
No lie — I’ve passed over the Chaussons aux Pommes, or Apple Turnover, at Les Halles time and again for flashier stuff and old favorites (Oh, Frangipane). But it was time to try one of these sweet little apple empanadas.
Apple Turnover at Les Halles
They’re perfect for eating-while-walking, but I decided to tackle mine on a plate with a knife and fork so that you could see all the goodies inside. I found a good amount of flaky Puff Pastry, but I was thrilled to find some real, fresh apple inside. I’m all for the gooey, canned apple pie filling that you’ll find in a lot of apple pastries around the ‘World; but from France I always expect a little bit more authenticity. And I got it. This was fresh, fresh, fresh apple filling.
Apple Turnover — Cross Section
While this is a rather simple dessert, it’s well executed. The pastry is beautifully golden on the outside, and isn’t doughy or raw inside. The apple flavor is intense.
Apple Turnover — Inside
It would be wonderful with some Creme Anglaise on the side, a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream from L’Artisan des Glaces next door, or even some yummo French Cheese.
Vanilla White Chocolate Éclair
Next, I decided to give the Vanilla White Chocolate Éclair at try. If I had thought the chaussons aux pommes were Plain Janes, these are even more so. It’s easy to see why I’ve passed over them time and again, even in favor of the Chocolate Éclair.
The éclair is neither flashy nor grand. But look closer, and you start to see some positive details. First, I spied the flecks of Vanilla Bean in the topping, a sure sign that the flavor is natural. That’s always a good start.
Vanilla White Chocolate Éclair
I cut into the slim pastry, and found a filling of thick Pastry Cream flavored subtly with White Chocolate.
Now, you might be tempted to think this is overpriced for the size. True, it’s on the small side. But the Choux Pastry is killer, and OH MY GOSH the whole thing tastes amazing. I was actually really surprised, thinking I would just grab a few pics for the blog and be on my way, to be pretty much stopped in my tracks again by Les Halles.
Vanilla White Chocolate Éclair — Cross Section
Sigh. Well played, France Pavilion. Well played.
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Will you be stopping by Les Halles to try one of their Chaussons aux Pommes or Vanilla White Chocolate Éclairs? Leave a comment and tell us what your favorite Les Halles treat is!
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I’m from the U.K and still struggle with the U.S bacon/syrup, savoury/sweet combos. Apple and cheese??? Are you sure??
David, you’re missing out. Apple and cheddar may be one of the most delicious flavor combos ever created. Whether it’s in a salad, a fruit/cheese plate, or even in something like a bacon, apple, and cheddar Panini, it’s just so so good.
If ur struggling with that David ur not alone, do urself a favour and don’t look at the Johnny Appleseed burger at pop century!
Hi Megan your suggestions sound really nice, but sugar covered apple turnover and cheese? Really not sure, but AJ’s seldom wrong, so will give it a go. Wish me luck!
David, It was the English who gave us apple pie with a slice of cheddar cheese. That said, I can’r think of many sweet/savory examples of theirs beyond that, unless you count the ever-present and excellent indian food in your country. Still, I found I could never get my english friends to eat a PB&J. In any case I wouldn’t eat this eclair-white chocolate is not really chocolate, just sugar. I find 90% of WDW’s deserts way too sweet (The cupcakes are all icing) but I love love love Les Halles (try the crab bisque with a baguette and butter). I just wish they had more tables.
David, apple pie with cheddar is a classic combination in some parts of our very large country. I also eat plain sliced apples with chunks of cheese and bread as a snack (we joke that it would cost at least $10.95 at Disney). Savory and sweet combinations are nothing new either; Moroccan cuisine is one example of a country that adds fruit to meats. Greek dishes may have sweet notes like cinnamon along with the meat. If you look at classic British pork pie recipes, you will often find apple as an ingredient.
Here, we barbecue meat and baste the ribs, poultry and slabs with sauces of varying degrees of sweetness, including Asian-style with a teriyaki flavor. I love the flavor of bacon, pancakes and syrup together, but I do draw the line at bacon cupcakes. I blame Elvis for that one. 🙂
We just stopped there yesterday and for Fall they have their eclairs topped with real orange icing … It was sooo good!!!