Cooking Demonstration & Tasting: Galette des rois & Veuve Clicquot

Toast to le Nouvel An with the Alliance!

Join us for a fun and interactive demonstration with Pastry Chef Hiroko Takizawa of Maison du Gâteau, where you’ll learn how to make a traditional northern French-style galette des rois, or King Cake.

Chef Hiroko will demonstrate how to make the frangipane filling and how to assemble and score the pastry while guests enjoy coffee, tea, and the magical aroma of fresh puff pastry baking. The demonstration will be followed by a tasting of freshly baked galette, accompanied by a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot. The person who finds la fève in their slice will be crowned king or queen for the day!

Doors open a 1:00 p.m. for complimentary coffee and tea. Workshop starts at 1:30. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine will be available.

Allergy information: galette des rois contains gluten, egg, dairy, tree nuts and alcohol (dark rum). Please contact us at [email protected] with any dietary restrictions or accessibilty requests.

About Maison du Gâteau

Hiroko Takizawa

Maison du Gâteau offers hands-on French pastry classes where students can explore the flavors and techniques of France, guided by seasoned pastry professional Chef Hiroko Takizawa.

Chef Hiroko trained at Le Cordon Bleu and Lenôtre Paris, and has honed her skills in some of Chicago’s top pâtisseries, including Vanille Patisserie, Cook au Vin, and La Boulangerie.

Her extensive training and professional experience allow her to teach complex techniques in a clear, approachable, and engaging way, making French pastry techniques achievable in a home kitchen. From buttery croissants to delicate tarts and classic French desserts, Chef Hiroko guides students step by step, helping them build confidence and mastery in the kitchen.

Please be advised that students, members, and attendees at cultural events or programs may be photographed, and these images may be used for marketing purposes.