By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Since opening in October 2024, Prefecture 48’s Dear Florence - the Sydney patisserie that’s part melonpan and more than a little bit Marie-Antoinette - has skipped the tried-and-tested tiramisu trope and instead continues to churn out jewel-like takes on cakes and tarts that trace back to its Japanese-French origins.
While Michelin-experienced Pastry Chef Aoife Noonan has never been one to play it safe, he has truly outdone himself with a new menu that blends Parisian precision with Tokyo trends to create desserts that are delicious and unapologetically indulgent just in time for the festive season.
In a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in a Hallmark movie about a cynical corporate Queen going home for the holidays and discovering the true meaning of Christmas in a charming bakery, city slickers are also being invited to swap the scent of the CBD - heady with notes of urban jungle - for something altogether more enchanting.
Their sweet escape? P48’s pastry hub, where the air is filled with the warmth of caramelising sugar, roasted nuts and ripe, sun-drenched fruit.
Here, a Santa’s style workshop of shimmering pastries gleaming in their glass cases like Christmas baubles, catches the light like tinsel on a tree - each one a little gift waiting to be unwrapped, savoured and shared - or, enjoyed solo if you’re feeling a little Grinchy!
The pecan tart is a masterclass in richness: nutty sponge nestles in a crisp tart shell, topped with chocolate cremeux and a glossy finish that catches the light. The interplay of textures - the buttery crunch, the velvety chocolate - creates a satisfying balance of comfort and luxury best enjoyed with Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’ blasting in the background.
Serenity brings a moment of calm amid the retail rush - layers of matcha, sea salt vanilla and hojicha that unfold slowly, evoking the measured grace of a tea ceremony. Its gentle flavour profile offers a refreshing counterpoint to the decadence of the Silly Season.
Amber glows with warmth - a refined take on the French tarte tatin, where caramelised apple meets Earl Grey-infused joconde sponge. It’s aromatic and inviting - a dessert that lingers on the palate and the mind, reminiscent of the kind of cake that Santa Claus himself would enjoy with a glass of milk.
Finally, the strawberry pista-choux adds a playful note - its creamy pistachio and strawberry heart concealed within a light choux shell. The result is bright, unexpected and joyous, a fitting nod to the more spontaneous side of end-of-year adventures.
Tinsel time or not, as always, every detail at Dear Florence is a cause of celebration. From the glint of the glaze to the subtle fragrance of fresh pastry, from the soft light bouncing off black marble counters to the anticipation as you lift a fork, the experience is immersive.
The new menu celebrates seasonality and craftsmanship, transforming ingredients into edible art and delivering a delicious reminder that a little sweetness is all it takes to make the season sparkle.
