French Chef Kévin D'Andréa came to America to pursue the American dream. He’s the owner and executive chef of Austin-based upscale pastry company Foliepop’s and has appeared on several TV shows, including Bravo’s “Top Chef.”
In August, D'Andréa returned to his home country of France to watch the Olympic games and shoot episodes of Peacock’s “Breaking Baguettes.” As host of the show, he interviews top U.S. Olympians — such as Regan Smith, a world record holder and Olympic medalist in swimming — and breaks the country’s most famous bread with them.
D'Andréa said the ambience in Paris was amazing. “Calling it the city of love was on point. Everybody was cheering with everyone.”
For the show, he also met retired decathlete Trey Hardee, a University of Texas graduate who won silver during the 2012 Olympics in London.
“In Paris, he was counting his croissants, so I ordered big croissants and we competed to finish them,” D'Andréa said, struck by the similarities he had with the athletes. “We’re here to be the best, and we’re living our dreams.”
Now back in Austin, D'Andréa is focused on expanding his business, which sells tartelettes that are available in at least 45 H-E-B stores and other pastries that can be found in more than two dozen hotels, including Hotel Van Zandt and various Marriott and Westin hotels.
“I’m here to feed people and feed them well,” he said, noting that his pastries are made with high-quality, natural ingredients.
Why Austin? “It’s very energetic,” he said, marveling at Lady Bird Lake being in the middle of the city. “The people are so nice. There’s so much activity.”
The food and bar scene is also incredible. Some of D'Andréa’s favorites are Nickel City, the Roosevelt Room, Olamaie and Garrison in the Fairmont Austin, where he also recommends the pastry shop’s croissant and pain au chocolat, which is similar to a croissant. For a low-key, affordable Sunday night, he recommends Soupleaf Hot Pot.
“What I’ve built in seven years, I’m so proud,” he said. “I know I’m lucky to be in the USA.”
Next up: Find D'Andréa at the Austin Food & Wine Festival on Auditorium Shores, Nov. 1-3.
How are Foliepop’s tartelettes?
I bought a pack of the six assorted Foliepop’s tartelettes at H-E-B and split them each four ways, so my husband, kids and I could try all the flavors. Our son was the toughest critic, not fond of a few of them, but the rest of us loved every one. They’re delicate, smooth and the perfect amount of sweet. No particular flavor is overpowering, allowing you to taste and savor every layer of the tartelette. What a treat!