French flavour

Viva la Eric!

Local pastry chef aims to make French delicacies available to all

STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

“I want to give Airdrie residents a choice to try something deliciously different”

La Table Haute Pastry owner Eric Bimenyimana has a simple goal.

Chef Eric, as he is affectionately known, aims to share authentic French pastries at an affordable price with the community he loves.

“I see so many places claiming to sell French pastry and it is not authentic,” he says.

“Then they sell them for a huge price. There is no need for this. These pastries can be made well and at an affordable price and I want to give Airdrie residents a choice to try something deliciously different.”

BAKING BACKGROUND

Bimenyimana is an expert when it comes to authentic French pastries. He has more than 22 years of experience and has been recognized for creating new and innovative creations. He has strong knowledge of local ingredients and has spent years mastering classic French techniques.

Bimenyimana was trained at some of the best schools in France and holds a Pastry Arts Diploma and Cooking Studies Diploma. His work experience is extensive. Chef Eric has worked for some of most well-known haute pastry shops, restaurants and hotels in France and Calgary. His resume includes: executive pastry chef at Q Haute Cuisine; pastry chef at Yann Haute Patisserie; second chef at La Cantine du Général; and chef at Chateau Hotel Boisniard.

“Being in the industry for over 20 years, I feel it is about time to summarize all of my experience and contribute back to the community and the industry that has been so good to me,” says Bimenyimana, who has lived in Airdrie for six years.

“Everywhere you go, you see the same things, the same frozen or prepackaged foods. Airdrie needed something that is baked fresh every morning. I want people to know they can eat better than what they are getting elsewhere.”

WORD OF MOUTH

La Table has been open on Kingsview Boulevard since 2019 and serves up authentic French delicacies such as: croissants; macarons; Cannelés de Bordeaux; crème brûlée; meringue; Dèlice au Chocolat; lemon tarte; a variety of breads; madeleine; quiche; birthday and wedding cakes and much more.

Bimenyimana uses only authentic ingredients including organic flour, almond flour, butter, fresh fruits and chocolate to make his impeccably flaky pastries melt in your mouth. He even imports the colouring for his macarons directly from France.

Word is definitely getting out about La Table’s unique treats.

“I love so many things about La Table,” says Airdrie resident Cheryl Anderson Greenidge.

“We’ve enjoyed their croissants as a decadent breakfast treat, their cakes add the perfect touch to birthday and anniversary celebrations, and their macarons are a unique dessert after dinner with friends. The service has always been top notch and I truly love that I can support such an amazing local business.”

Residents can purchase pastries, breads and cakes by coming to the shop located on Kingsview Blvd SE, ordering onFALL 2020 | airdrielife.com 23

line, or using the newly released app, to have items delivered to their homes.

“We know that everyone’s level of comfort is different with COVID and you deserve to have good pastry without the need to come into the shop,” says Bimenyimana about why he wanted to add delivery as an option.

“Their delivery service is amazing,” says customer Monique Washbrook.

“The bread is always fresh; the croissants are the perfect combination of fluffy and crunchy. So authentic and delicious. I will always go back.”

FUTURE GROWTH

In addition to selling locally, La Table sells pastries wholesale to a number of Calgary and Airdrie restaurants, hotels and cafes.

Bimenyimana has also partnered with The Caffeinated Squirrel mobile coffee shop to pair his pastries with their coffee and other beverages.

“There has been a lot of interest in adding a café element to my shop so that is something I am considering for the future,” he says.

“I would like to serve authentic French coffee to give people choices and options to try something else that is new.” life

WIN! airdrielife is giving away two $25 gift cards for La Table Pastry. Join our a-list to learn more at airdrielife.com