NEW YORK—In anticipation of National Chocolate Éclair Day on June 22, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has launched its first-ever global éclair program in partnership with pastry chef and new LM100 member Johnny Iuzzini.
The company will offer guests a variety of modern twists on the éclair, including classic flavors and variations inspired by the destination. Chef Iuzzini will create eight seasonal éclair recipes for the hotels, inspired by his travels through different Le Méridien locations. Each hotel will offer modern takes on coffee, chocolate and vanilla éclair flavors as part of the program, in addition to one locally inspired flavor.
To commemorate the launch of the program, Le Méridien hotels will be hosting on-property events such as do-it-yourself tutorials with on-property pastry chefs and regular éclair sampling hours. Guests can upload their experiences and share them on social media using #LMeclairs.
Some Le Méridien flavor offerings include Maple Bacon Éclair and Texas Honey Pecan Éclair at Le Méridien Dallas by the Galleria, and Dulce de Leche Éclair infused with coconut at Le Méridien Panama.
Stemming from Chef Iuzzini’s eight signature éclair recipes over the next 12 months, the Éclair Diaries will kick off in San Francisco on Thursday, July 10, where Chef Iuzzini will travel around the city by motorcycle to find local flavors and inspiration for his fall 2014 éclair recipe. Chef Iuzzini’s recipe will then be unveiled at a special event in New York City on Tuesday, July 29. Johnny’s Éclair Diaries will continue throughout 2014 and 2015 with additional stops to be announced.
“I’m constantly searching for new flavors, techniques and ideas, and travel is a necessary source of inspiration,” said Chef Iuzzini. “I am excited to work with Le Méridien in particular because of the brand’s commitment to unlocking the destination through locally inspired cuisine, and I look forward to reinventing the éclair with the help of Le Méridien’s talented chefs around the world.”
“Drawn from our European roots, Le Méridien Éclair will allow guests and locals yet another way to unlock their destination,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Le Méridien & Westin. “Through local recipes and a modern perspective on this quintessentially French pastry, Le Méridien éclairs enable us to offer unique, memorable guest experiences in our signature Le Méridien Hubs and restaurants around the world.”