Eric Lanlard facts for kids
| Born | 1968 (age 56–57) Plomelin, Brittany France |
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Éric Lanlard, born in 1968, is a famous French chef who specializes in making amazing pastries and desserts. He is often called a celebrity chef because he is well-known from his TV shows. He used to cook for the French Navy. In 1989, he moved to the United Kingdom to work with the famous chefs Albert and Michel Roux. He started his own business in 1995. Later, in 2005, he opened his well-known shop called Cake Boy. Before getting his own shows, he appeared as a guest on many TV channels. Channel 4 then gave him his own television series, Glamour Puds and Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard.
Contents
The Sweet Start of a Chef
Early Life and Inspiration
Éric Lanlard was born in Plomelin, a town in Brittany, France. He says his dream of becoming a pastry chef began when he was just five years old. He would often look through the windows of a pastry shop called "Le Grand" in his hometown of Quimper. This shop truly inspired him.
When he was 18, he started working at "Le Grand" and began his training as a pastry chef. Lanlard also looks up to the legendary French chef Antonin Careme as a big inspiration.
After his training, Éric moved to Luxembourg to learn how to make chocolates at a place called Arens-Scheer. After finishing his apprenticeship, he joined the French Navy for his national service. He served on board the cruiser Jeanne d'Arc, which was a very important ship.
While he was on the ship, his cooking impressed the French President François Mitterrand. The President was so pleased that he gave Lanlard a special gift: a pair of gold cufflinks.
Working with the Roux Brothers
After leaving the Navy, Éric Lanlard was invited to work with the famous Roux brothers, Albert and Michel. He moved to the UK in 1989 to join their team. Within just two years, he became their head pastry chef.
Even after starting his own business, Lanlard still keeps in touch with the Roux family. He makes a special trip every year to Michel Roux Jr.'s famous restaurant, Le Gavroche, in London.
Opening Cake Boy
In 1995, Éric Lanlard opened his first business. In 2005, this business was renamed and became his popular shop, Cake Boy. This shop is not just a place to buy delicious treats; it also works as a cooking school.
The Cake Boy shop was officially opened by the UK TV celebrity Amanda Holden. The shop is in an area that Lanlard knew well. It was the same area where the Roux brothers' business was located when he worked with them.
Éric Lanlard's Famous Creations and TV Shows
Cakes for Celebrities and Royalty
Éric Lanlard has created many amazing cakes for famous people. He made a special croquembouche (a tall pastry dessert) for the wedding of Madonna and Guy Ritchie. He also designed wedding cakes for Elizabeth Hurley and Claudia Schiffer.
He made the first birthday cake for Brooklyn Beckham, the son of David Beckham. Lanlard also created a cake for the Queen Mother's 101st birthday. This special cake featured two Corgis wearing tiny crowns!
Television Appearances and Awards
Éric Lanlard has been a guest on many TV shows, including those on UKTV Food, the BBC show Girls on Top, and ITV's This Morning. He also has his own popular shows on Channel 4, called Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard and Glamour Puds.
His talent has been recognized with awards. He has been named Continental Patissier of the Year twice at the British Baking Awards.
New Ventures and Partnerships
Today, Éric Lanlard is part of the "Food Heroes" team for P&O cruises. He designs special Afternoon Teas for all their ships and also teaches cooking classes and creates new recipes for them.
He is also a Food Ambassador for Marriott International. In this role, he creates unique "Afternoon Tea" experiences for their luxury hotels around the world, like the St Regis and Luxury Collection brands. Lanlard's newest project is with Virgin Atlantic, where he has designed an Afternoon Tea menu for all their airline cabins and in their airport lounges.
Life Outside the Kitchen
Home and Hobbies
After moving to the UK, Éric Lanlard first lived in Putney. In 2004, he moved to Battersea.
He has signed up for a very exciting adventure: a trip into space with Virgin Galactic! Even though he makes many sweet treats, Éric has said in interviews that he doesn't actually have a "sweet tooth." He prefers savory foods, and his favorite weakness is cheese.
