We plead guilty, this is all about satisfying sweet tooths. So if continuing to indulge yourself is one of your good resolutions, you’ll be delighted to read the following article. For the rest of you, get back to your courgettes and salsify (you’ll triumph this summer, we know).
The madeleines that Proust wouldn’t have denied
And for good reason! They are recognised beyond our borders, having been created by the voluble Léa Linster, the pride of our country and the first woman in the world to win the Bocuse d’Or in 1989. If you haven’t yet ventured into her eponymous restaurant in Frisange, the consolation prize is perfect: in the boutique in the heart of the town, madeleines in both plain and chocolate flavours are mouth-watering and will charm even the pickiest eaters. A generous texture, a tasty fondant, a perfect balance, but above all a unique taste for a sweet that has the shape of a madeleine and the taste... of a financier.
Léa Linster Delicatessen - 4, rue de l'Eau, 1449 Luxembourg (Ville Haute)
It’s often Léa Linster who greets you in the eponymous boutique. Either way, you’ll leave with plump, tasty madeleines and perhaps a few other items on offer in the shop, such as the fabulous Christine Ferber jams. (Photo: Marc Theis)
Chocolate the Konrad way
Here’s a great winter drink! We’re all familiar with the menu at Konrad Bonnevoie (not to be confused with the one in the city centre), but few of us know that when it’s time for dessert or a four o’clock snack, we can fill the gap with an invigorating hot chocolate that will remind globetrotting gourmets of the famous 'chocolate con churros' served in the Plaza Mayor of every Spanish city. Not too sweet but as creamy as you like, it’s a guilt-free reminder of childhood delights. Little bonus: watching the barista prepare it according to a ceremonial that’s a little show in itself.
Konrad Bouneweg - 20, rue du Verger, 2665 Luxembourg (Bonnevoie)
End your meal on a sweet note rather than a big cake, that’s the option offered by the Konrad with its succulent hot chocolate, which is also available to take away (to show off in the streets of Bonnevoie, cup in hand, cap screwed on the head, New York bobo style). (Photo: Alix Bellac/Paperjam)
The Cereal Lovers cookie
Light and welcoming, this little place nestling between the Place du Théâtre and the Théâtre des Capucins is well known to lovers of short breaks and other epicureans. Praised for the quality of its many coffees, lattes and matchas, it’s also famous for its homemade cookies, made fresh daily! "The best in town", I’m told. There’s no denying that the stomach is satisfied by the generosity of an XXL biscuit and that the taste buds are in heaven for tasty nuances - double or triple chocolate, white chocolate matcha, lemon lavender, caramel fudge... -, with each new week offering new flavours.
Cereal Lovers - 11, place du Théâtre, 2613 Luxembourg (Ville Haute)
The Dubai chocolate bar... by Bridel
It’s delicious, melt-in-your-mouth, crunchy, addictive, but be careful: it’s so successful that you might stop by Hugo Coffee & Brunch and run out. In fact, it’s enjoyed in Luxembourg, but it’s made in Greece! Delivered around once a month, when it’s gone... it’s gone! But, rest assured, if that’s the case, a thousand and one other savoury or sweet treats will console you while you wait for the next delivery!
Hugo Coffee & Brunch - 89, rue de Luxembourg, 8140 Bridel
The lemon and blueberry cheesecake at Bora Café
The place is welcoming, the service pleasant. Here and there are tables where you can stop for a break with friends, drink a coffee or enjoy pastries and cakes, including the famous homemade cheesecakes. At the moment, the flavour is walnut-cinnamon, but there are also a few other flavours, including the lemon- blueberry we tried. While we can applaud the lightness of the device and the freshness of the fruit, as far as the lemon flavour is concerned, we’re still searching. Nevertheless, this is a nice place that deserves a go.
Bora Café - 4, rue du Fossé, 1536 Luxembourg (Ville Haute)
Cheesecake lovers will be in heaven at the welcoming Bora. In her café near the Grand Ducal Palace, she puts her heart into her work, offering gluten-free pastries in particular. (Photo: Marie-Jo Gutenkauf/Paperjam)
