"Reviews & Comments"

CHOCOLATE CHIPS
by Ellyn Stanton - Nou Magazine

On August 10 1998, Carsten Flindt made a sweet dream come true. The Barbadian born, British trained pastry chef– known to almost everyone as Chips–, opened his own business, Patisserie Flindt, on the corner of First Street in Holetown, St. James, Barbados.

Not yet 30, Chips, a creative dynamo, starts his working day at 4:30 a.m. By seven, when the Patisserie opens, hot loaves of bread– crusty white and multi-grain are the most popular–, muffins, croissants and cookies are on the shelves. Quiche and savory pastries stuffed with fish, chicken, cheese, meat, and vegetables– superb for takeaway lunches– are on display. And of course, there are the cakes and tarts, which you can purchase whole or by the slice. Fresh-brewed coffee and cappuccino are always available. Haagen Daz ice cream and sorbet are also on the menu.

The offerings change daily as Flindt, Caribbean pastry chef of the year 1996, exercises his creative flair. One thing is certain, though, wherever you see Chips, there must be chocolate. Mr. Colenso's Chocolate Cake– named after his first boss at London's Savoy Hotel– is a standard at the Patisserie, as are homemade chocolate truffles.

What makes his pastry so special? Besides the great taste, it's the beautiful decoration. Carsten once wanted to be an architect and his talents for design are evident in his imaginative presentations. He built mile-high spirals of chocolate to serve at The Cliff restaurant and during the 1997 Holders Season, he constructed a piano out of pastry and served it to Pavarotti.

Why has he opened his own shop? "Greater creative freedom, I suppose, and then, too, I wanted to make good pastry accessible to everyone, not just the people who stay in big hotels." 

Patisserie Flindt is well on its way to achieving that goal. Visitors and locals from all walks of life are coming to sample his 'baked-fresh-daily' delicacies.

I asked Chips what dessert is his own personal favorite. "If anyone could invent a way to put a ball of icy sorbet inside a hot chocolate pudding, that would be it. I like simple things, you see. Natural high-quality ingredients and good tools are all you need. After all, the best is still the food God made."

These exquisite patisseries are owned and managed by Carsten and Zoë Flindt. Carsten trained at the Savoy, London and was pastry chef at The Cliff Restaurant and Caribbean Pastry Chef of the year. Patisserie Flindt specialises in fine pastries and desserts (divine chocolate mousse and crème brule), savouries (including home-made paté, delicious sandwiches, sausage rolls, pastas and quiche), celebration cakes, handmade chocolates, breads and canapés.

The Picnic Boxes you prepared for our group, Airbus International were fantastic.
Thanks Zoe
Honor @ Island Magic Tours

"Chocolate Man"
In Barbados, Carsten Flindt is famous for his chocolate creations. Roxan Kinas of Maco Magazine, melts with admiration. They're not just a cake shop; they do canapes, savouries, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, breads and desserts. Every day he is bringing out new things. Their desserts range from elaborate cakes and gateaux, to fruit mousses and chocolate dipped strawberries. Patisserie Flindt also does a full  line of handsomely gift goodies and these include handmade truffles and bonbons, chocolate dripped apricots, chocolate dipped hazelnuts and Baileys chocolate fudge.