“A collaboration between L’épi bakery and Underground Spirits has resulted in the beautiful-looking and divine-tasting Floriade Tart.” reports dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
Floriade is on the menu at L’épi Artisan’s Bakery’s three locations – Kambah, Chisholm and (now) Yarralumla – as well as at The Gin Experience, Underground Spirits’ pop-up gin garden set among the tulips at the flower festival itself.
A collaboration between L’épi and Underground Spirits has resulted in the beautiful-looking and divine-tasting Floriade Tart.
This artisan creation features gin-soaked pineapple, topped with passionfruit curd, encased in a passionfruit mousse, on a gin-soaked sponge and crunch tart base. Petals of purple flowers decorate the bright yellow tart making it super pretty. The tangy, tropical tart is not to be missed ($8.80) and is worth a trip to one of L’épi’s locations.
The Collector’s and Explorer’s Gin used in the tart, created especially for Floriade 2025, celebrates bright floral notes and offers citrus sparkle ($75 a bottle).
L’épi is a French tradition through and through, worshipping quality in all that it does.
For lunch, on a visit to the newest bakery location in Yarralumla, I ordered a freshly made wagyu sandwich made with light, fluffy bread. Three slices of beef were meticulously rolled and placed on top of an onion-style jam, which added a lovely touch of sweetness ($14). Every bite was delicious.
My friend adored her steak pie, with chunks of tender meat encased in light, fluffy pastry ($8.70). The pie demonstrated the skill L’épi brings to the table in its pastry-making. Kid’s mince pies are available ($5) and other varieties include vegetarian curry pie ($8.50)
Also showcasing artisan quality are quiches ($7.90), including chicken and mushroom; ham, cheese and onion; and capsicum, spinach and feta. Sausage roll lovers won’t be disappointed ($7.90).
Indulging in a treat from the extensive range of cakes, tarts, croissants and pastries, all artfully displayed, is a must when visiting L’épi. We loved that the bakery offers a great selection of macarons ($3.30) and mini tarts ($3.50), including a vibrant lemon meringue, for those who want to indulge just a little.
Going all out, we also indulged in a layered chocolate cake, with lovely textures and not overly sweet. The line-up of flaky, buttery croissants includes plain ($5.50), chocolate ($7) and almond ($8.30).
We sat and relaxed over cups of Ona Maple coffee, with notes of caramel, biscuit, nuts and spices, watching staff interact in a warm, inviting way with a steady stream of customers.
Breads are available, and I’ve been enjoying every bite of my three-seeds loaf ($9.90). L’épi makes 12 types of sourdough and is happy to slice loaves. Next time, I’ll pick up a jar of L’épi jam to spread on hot, buttered toast.
And, last but not least, L’épi translates to “ear of wheat” … meaning the ear of wheat used to bake bread.
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