Pastry lover’s itinerary

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I just received a curious book in the mail, “Relais Desserts International Guide 2008-2009,” a guide to the members of the professional association Relais Desserts International. Based in France, its membership is made up of 85 pâtissiers from across the world united in their mission to promote “la Haute Pâtisserie.”

Most of the members are French, bien sûr, listed region by region, which makes it indispensable when traveling to search out the best pastry chefs no matter where they may be. The guide also lists respected pastry chefs from Britain, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Lebanon, etc. The United States? We have only one: François Payard of Payard in New York and Las Vegas.

Maps are included so you can plot out your sweet itinerary. The book is sold for 10 euros in bookshops in France and at participating pâtisseries, which I’m guessing would include Payard. More information (in French) at www.relais-desserts.net.

-- S. Irene Virbila