There are few pastry chefs in the world who can match the delectable creations of Frenchman Pierre Herme, who Vogue has called 'the Picasso of Pastry'. That said, Jennifer Cheung is hoping the gourmet confections in her newly opened Sift Patisserie will come close.
The ex-Harvard graduate is a dessert aficionado, having run the popular Sift Dessert Bar in SoHo for two years. In response to an avalanche of requests from patrons for custom-made cakes, she decided to open a chic 2,000 sqft space in Ap Lei Chau, in operation from this month.
Expect to find luxurious surroundings (it's decked out in wood and copper, with sleek chocolate-brown display cabinets to match) and mouth-watering treats that wouldn't look out of place in gourmet hotspots Laduree or Fauchon in Paris. Made on the premises from scratch by Cheung and her team of four, 50 to 60 items are on display at any one time.
As with all classic patisseries, Sift offers colourful macaroons (HK$10 each) and other traditional French delights such as opera cake (HK$30), montblanc (a cream-chestnut meringue; HK$30), various tarts (HK$23 to HK$35) and one of Herme's signature creations, the Ispahan (HK$40), a macaroon filled with raspberries and lychee puree and topped with fresh rose petals. Home-baked favourites (HK$5 to HK$10) include fresh chocolate-chip and oatmeal raisin biscuits, lemon drops and shortbread.
Sift Patisserie is at unit 17, 22/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, tel: 2870 3887. You can also order online at www. siftdesserts.com.