On National Chocolate Éclair Day (June 22), Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts launched its first-ever global éclair programme in partnership with award-winning pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini. As part of the brand’s new culinary initiative, Le Méridien hotels and resorts worldwide invite guests to indulge in a variety of modern twists on the chic Parisian treat, including both classic flavours as well as unique creations inspired by the destination. As part of the programme, Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa offers modern takes on three signature éclair recipes – coffee, chocolate and vanilla – as well as locally inspired flavours.

“Drawn from our European roots, Le Méridien Éclair will allow guests and locals yet another way to unlock their destination”

To commemorate the launch of Le Méridien éclairs, Le Méridien hotels globally are hosting on-property events, programmes and special offerings highlighting the delectable French treat, from do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorials with on-property pastry chefs to regular éclair hours for guests to sample seasonal creations.

“Drawn from our European roots, Le Méridien Éclair allows 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 around the world.”

Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa is hosting various cooking sessions throughout July, with Executive Head Chef Reuben Grixti, inviting associates, local community and VIP guests to unveil the secrets around the making of the delicious French pastry. The enthusiastic apprentice cooks will get the opportunity to wear their chef hats and decorate sumptuous éclairs to their likings. Tasting and indulging is a mandatory part of this hands-on experience and invitees will take their creations home to share with their family and friends.

Injecting your day with this little sweet joie de vivre is not exclusive to the participants of the cooking events. Eclairs at Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa are on offer all day at KuDéTa Lounge & Bar for only €2 per piece and are also available for take-away. Le Méridien kitchen brigade presents any of the classic recipes with coffee, chocolate or vanilla fillings, but also suggests a twist in flavour with local creations such as chocolate and tahini éclair or orange and cinnamon infused ricotta éclair. Visitors are invited to participate to this mouth-watering and exciting experience by posting photos of their delicious eclairs on social media using #LMeclairs.

JOHNNY IUZZINI AND ‘THE ECLAIR DIARIES’

Through this unique culinary collaboration, Chef Iuzzini will create eight signature éclair recipes exclusively for Le Méridien over the next 12 months, inspired by a global tour of Le Méridien destinations. Éclair Diaries kicked off in San Francisco on July 10 where Chef Iuzzini started his travel by motorcycle around the region to uncover local flavors and find inspiration for his future recipes. The new autumn recipe will 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 being announced soon. This certainly is a promise of inspiring variations with the éclairs recipes at Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa, where pastry chefs will keep on re-inventing our local perspective on this French delight, for the pleasure of hotel guests and local visitors alike.