Chandeleur: “A generous recipe” – Raymond Oliver’s gargantuan crepe recipe.

In 1954, the renowned chef of Le Grand Vefour crafted an exceptionally boozy crepe recipe. With little regard for measuring the ingredients, he liberally poured copious amounts into the mix.

The year was marked by culinary experimentation and audacity, as the chef at Le Grand Vefour embarked on a bold gastronomic adventure. Unfazed by convention, he conceived a recipe that would leave an indelible mark on the annals of French cuisine: a highly alcoholic rendition of the beloved crepes.

With unbridled enthusiasm, the chef approached his creation, defying the boundaries of moderation. Precise measurements were tossed aside as he recklessly poured forth a melange of intoxicating liquors. The proportions became an afterthought, replaced by an unwavering commitment to imbuing the delicacy with an unrivaled potency.

As the kitchen buzzed with anticipation, the Chef’s hands moved in a flurry. Bottles clinked and glasses jingled, as he reached for a bottle of cognac, pouring it generously into the batter. The liquid gold cascaded like a mighty river, infusing the mixture with its robust essence. The chef’s eyes gleamed with mischief, reveling in the audacity of his creation.

Not content with a single spirit, he continued his alcohol-infused symphony. Next came the velvety smoothness of dark rum, swirling into the concoction like a sensuous dance. Its caramel notes intertwined with the cognac’s rich undertones, creating a harmonious elixir that promised to tantalize the taste buds.

But the chef’s audaciousness knew no bounds. With an almost mischievous grin, he reached for a bottle of fine whiskey, allowing its smoky aroma to permeate the air. A few glugs later, the amber liquid melded seamlessly with its spirited companions, elevating the crepe batter to unprecedented heights of indulgence.

Unfettered by caution, the chef embraced the unrestrained nature of his creation. No longer bound by the constraints of traditional cooking, he reveled in the freedom to unleash a gustatory masterpiece that defied expectations. With every ounce of alcohol added, the crepes transformed into vessels of unparalleled flavor and intoxication, ready to astonish even the most discerning palates.

As word spread of the audaciously alcoholic crepes emerging from Le Grand Vefour’s kitchen, curious diners flocked to experience this revelry on a plate. Each bite carried a symphony of flavors, as the intoxicating liquors mingled with the delicate folds of the crepes. It was an ethereal dance of taste and sensation, an experience that transcended ordinary culinary boundaries.

The chef’s whimsical disregard for standard measurements had birthed a culinary legend. The crepes, infused with a heady concoction of cognac, rum, and whiskey, became a testament to gastronomic audacity. They bore witness to a chef who fearlessly pushed the boundaries of convention, forever etching his name in the annals of culinary history.

Today, the legacy of those astronomically boozy crepes lives on, a symbol of the boldness and creative prowess that defines Le Grand Vefour. As patrons indulge in each delectable bite, they pay homage to the audacious spirit of the chef who dared to defy the norms and create an unforgettable culinary experience.

David Baker

David Baker