François Payard

Hearing the name Payard may trigger a pang of woeful nostalgia for the perfectly buttery croissants that New Yorkers used to tear into after a morning at the Met. But the Upper East Side’s loss (the famous restaurant closed in 2009 after losing its lease) is now SoHo’s gain. François Payard, the man behind the magic, has opened up François Payard Bakery (or FPB) on Houston Street and another one is coming to Tribeca this fall.

But let’s not box Payard in with just croissants. We dare you to resist one his macarons or his equally fetching new ice cream sandwiches. He’s a veritable pastry genius, a title earned after serving in the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants like La Tour d’Argent in Paris and Le Bernardin and Daniel in New York before setting out on his own.

Payard travels often for both business and pleasure (and as a chef, we’d imagine there’s got to be some overlap) and has shared with us some of his favorite hotels. You’ll probably notice his approach to travel is a bit like his approach to pastries: he prefers the most characterful of the classics, executed to perfection.

The Peninsula
Tokyo, Japan
“At the Peninsula, they really receive you in the most heartfelt way. It is as impeccable as you would imagine, just like the pictures. I love the Japanese-style interiors and their restaurant is also superb.”

Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Paris, France
“There are several good hotels in Paris but I like the Plaza Athénée. It’s small and pricey, but it’s worth it, especially when you are on vacation. I like to go there for tea or to have a drink in the lobby. “

The Carlyle
New York, New York
“I live in New York now, so there is no real reason to stay in hotels. But the Carlyle will always be a favorite. It is very much part of the city, so elegant and classic. “

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