La Gerbe D’or
255 Glenmore Road
Paddington, NSW 2021
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My French girl friend was keen to introduce Chris and I to La Gerbe D’Or, her favourite French patisserie. Tucked on a side street away from the main road, I had NO idea the patisserie even existed.. and I’ve been to Paddington so many times! La Gerbe D’Or translates loosely to “The Golden Sheaf”, a nod towards the glistening pastries and towards of bread – all freshly baked on the premises by Francois itself – our exuberant chef. Hailing from, where else?, France, Francois opened the patisserie 25 years (!!) ago and it’s been a hit amongst those “in the know” for all these years. It’s very, very French and he serves up food that you just won’t find anywhere else in Sydney.

The patisserie is simple yet cheery with bright yellow walls, well-used marble tables and cast iron chairs. The menu looks about 25 years old, practically falling apart, and the daily specials are simply scribbled on a mirror. It’s no frills, and utterly charming. Whilst there are a few shophands around, it’s really Francois himself that steals the show – with his jolly personality and friendly banter. Bizzarely, he was always eating the entire time.. I guess it’s true that the French and the Asians are mad foodaholics 😉

We basically deferred to his best judgment on whatever he felt was freshest and best, and just let him serve us an assortment of delicacies to inuldge in. AND BOY DID WE INDULGE. I think we ate our week’s allocation of calories in that one meal. But it was oh so worth it 😉

My favourite? Rillettes de Canard – which is basically duck cooked in its own fat. Sounds a bit wrong, but it is PERFECTION. The duck was moist and unbelievably tasty.. so we just spread it on some fresh baguette and let the flavours explode. Was astounding. We also had the Pate de canard a l’Orange which was duck pate with a slight orange flavour, adding the perfect twist to standard pate.

My other fave was the Quiche Lorraine. Yes, yes, I know you can get it just about anywhere, and I’m not even that huge a fan of quiche.. so it says a lot when I say it was one of the best dishes. It was simple, creamy and eggy.. but not overpowering in any way. I don’t think I’ll be ordering quiche anywhere after trying this one.

And yet another fave (yes I know it’s starting to look like I’m listing every-bloody-thing, so I’ll stop at this one, promise!) was the Tarte d’onion.. which is a thin buttery pastry (almost like a pizza) with really fine caramelised onion, and topped with a sprinkle of olives and anchovies (both of which I picked off and gave to Chris) and tomato. Sounds very simple, but the flavour!!!!!! The textures!!!!! Holy smokes!

Bizzarely, the savory goodies at the patisserie either are a bit ugly, or look really plain and boring. Yet one bite and you’re in your own little slice of heaven. In contrast, their desserts look good and taste good! It’s hard to believe that the desserts are all hand-made by Francois, considering how perfect and glistening they are. He’s famous for his Tarte Au Citron but we opted for a little buttery cake (sublime) and an almond croissant (was blown away by this, I am so going back for more) instead.

Had a wonderful time stepping into France for lunch, and felt really rather privileged when Francois pulled up a chair at our table and had a glass of wine with us and chatted away. Heh! I must go back – ASAP!

Got our takeaway coffees beforehand at Tiger Mottle – loved it

The wonderful, wonderful La Gerbe D’Or

Perusing the French grub

Beautiful, freshly-made desserts

All ready to eat 😛

Pinot Noir – my red wine of choice

Ham-off-the-bone and fresh baguette

Mmm…. ham… GET IN MAH BELLY

Amazing Pate de canard a l’Orange, Rillettes de Canard, etc..

French sausage, pickles and olives

Croque Monsieur!!!!!!!!!!!!! Luscious

Tarte d’onion – buttery pastry with caramelised onions and a
smattering of olives, anchoviess and tomato. One of my fave dishes!

Quiche Lorraine – looks plain but this was an absolute stunner. Creamy, eggy perfection.

*gobble*

Relaxing, chatting, eating, drinking. Doesn’t get much better 🙂

We stuffed ourselves to the brim, ’til we could eat no more

Happy, satisfied smiles. The guy in white on the left is Francois the chef!

The guys deep in conversation with Francois

Hello, fatty!