News

The cook, the crêpé, and his success

The story of celebrity French chef Henri Charpentier

Posted

Editor's Note: This story was written exclusively for the Herald by guest author Olivier Fazio, of France. See his bio at the end of the story.

 

Her name is Suzette. She is the queen of pancakes, and she's world-famous.

Invented by French chef Henri Charpentier, this refined and noble, this dessert, which combines butter, caramelized sugar, orange juice and just a little lemon juice, along with Grand Marnier, is really delicious. Flamed on a hot stove and served still aflame, this pastry toured all European Royal Courts before becoming an essential sophisticated dish in the United States, Charpentier’s adopted country.

A founding father born in France in 1880, next to Nice, in Contes, Charpentier was a culinary explorer who created crêpe Suzette unwittingly in 1896 when Edward VII, Prince of Wales came to dinner at the Café de Paris in Monaco — a meeting place for the greatest international personalities of the time.

That night, Charpentier, who was a young apprentice of only 16 years of age, prepared a pancake in the presence of the prince, using a portable stove. Awkwardly, Charpentier toppled a little alcohol over the stove, and the flame jumped on the stack of pancakes that were soaking in liquor, accidentally igniting the dish in front of the future King. Poof !

Henri reacted immediately by adding sugar, thereby caramelizing the pancakes. The Prince of Wales, who was very surprised, asked him for an explanation. The young pastry chef, as cool as a cucumber, replied that he created this new recipe in honor of His Highness the Prince and that he named it Suzette, as a tribute to the lady that was accompanying the future King. Charpentier did eventually have his cake and eat it, too, by making a brilliant and unintentional discovery that went on to make him one of the greatest French cooks of his time.

Enjoying  this chance that had just fallen out of the sky, Charpentier continued to evolve, and his increasing success will lead him to the country that he loves the most, the nation that will become his new homeland: The United States of America. And it was there, on Long Island, New York in 1907, that he opened his own restaurant: “L’Original Henri's.”

Celebrities of the day were knocking at his door to taste his original dishes. Inundated with requests, many people have to book a table months in advance.
Charpentier continued to have great success until his death in 1961, leaving behind a 600-page cookbook, a biography, “Life à la Henri,” and the memory of a very exciting life.

Edward and Elise Charpentier-Lane, his grandchildren, have since reanimated his name, acting as a liaison between the United States and France. No one else after Charpentier, this very special man, has left behind an indelible trace of his talent, joy and high standard of cuisine.

After a large window was dedicated in his honor on the French Riviera,  a “Tea with Henri Charpentier”that was held in Lynbrook, New York was the icing on the cake — important displays that honor the one that in France is called “Master Henri.”

Page 1 / 2