The pastry chef opens Destination at Samaritaine, a space to serve up her travel cakes and other irresistible delights. This is your opportunity to find out more about her tastes and her connection with the department store.
What is distinctive about Nina Métayer’s pastries?
It all begins with the desire to spark an emotion! We take pride in showcasing the work of our producers, as without them, none of this would be possible: PDO butter, Echiré milk, fleur de sel from Île de Ré… Every ingredient is chosen with care. Innovation is just as essential to what we do. The signature tuiles that have decorated our galettes for years, along with the custom molds created in our Research & Development lab, are clear examples.
What is your favorite pastry?
It all depends on the season! I usually blow out my birthday candles in May with a strawberry cake. In summer, I go for a fruit pavlova – deceptively simple in looks but technically quite tricky. In winter, I lean toward warm, comforting crumbles, while in September, it’s fig desserts that inspire me.
But when it comes to making desserts, the galette des rois is still my favorite! It marks a special moment, often shared around the table, and to me, it represents both togetherness and tradition.
What does Samaritaine represent for you?
An iconic Parisian landmark… A place rich in history and creativity, and a true symbol of Parisian savoir-faire. Under one roof, different crafts come together, each represented in a building that itself reflects a deep commitment to beauty and craftsmanship. From the very beginning of this new project, this space has inspired us to create and to reinvent ourselves. It’s inspiring!
What can people expect to find in your space at Samaritaine?
A generous offering, thoughtfully designed to be gifted, shared, taken away, or sent wherever one wishes. It’s an invitation to create a true gourmet destination, for lifelong Parisians and newcomers alike. The spirit of travel runs through it, all while staying rooted in a distinctly Parisian inspiration.
What kind of culinary experience would you like visitors to enjoy?
I want to offer a surprising experience, one that invites people to dream, to escape, even if only for the time of a dessert. Above all, it should be indulgent, generous and refined, with flavor and the quality of ingredients always taking center stage.
What will Nina Métayer be like tomorrow?
Hopefully, just the same: still devoted to beauty, to taste, to finesse and detail, to generosity, sharing, and passing things on. And, I hope, with even more joy and more people to share this creative journey with.
Historic Building, ground floor
Open everyday, from 10 am to 8 pm
