[Alumni of the Month / May 2024] Adoline Eva Dsouza

Q: Could you tell me more about yourself and what you are currently doing, your past experiences and what degree did you pursue in France?

A: My name is Adoline Eva Dsouza, I was a practicing architect before I decided to pursue a career in pastry. I acquired my diplôme in Pâtisserie and Boulangerie at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris and am currently working on building Chez Adoline, my pâtisserie – boulangerie brand that I opened in Delhi after returning from France.

Q: What made you interested in French cuisine and chose France as your study destination?

A: My interest in French cuisine began with baking as a hobby which I found to be very relaxing after long hours of working behind a screen, which gradually developed into a passion. When I decided to quit my job to pursue pastry full-time, I wanted to elevate my techniques and master the art of creating complex desserts like entremets and tarts, as well as boulangerie. Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, the birthplace of French pâtisserie and one of the oldest and most esteemed culinary schools in the world was the perfect place to achieve this.

Q: How do you think studying in France has helped you achieve your goals?

A: My experiences in France have been incredible. Training with some of the best chefs, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, making new friends and embracing new cultures have all enriched my life. These opportunities have broadened my palate and pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helping me achieve my goals.

Q: What were some of the highlights of your time studying in France?

A:  Learning from some of the best professionals in the fields of pâtisserie and boulangerie was a standout experience. I was exposed to new ideas, techniques and methods of working in a professional kitchen. Also, sharing the best experiences and endless laughter with friends, visiting museums, theatres, seeing my favorite styles of architecture all around! (Gothic, Haussmann and Renaissance), picnics with a variety of food from an extensive number of cultures - were all incredible parts of my time in France. These are just a couple of my highlights, I could go on and on!

Q: The picture you shared for the photography contest seems to capture one of the cherished memories you mentioned above. Could you tell us more about when and where the picture was taken?

A: This photo was taken by a good friend of mine at the beginning of 2021 while we were on the metro on our way to a picnic from Lourmel in arrondissement 15 to one of the parks in Paris.

Q: What inspired you to submit this picture for the contest and could you tell the story behind this picture?

A: The inspiration to submit this photo came from the deep sense of nostalgia it evoked. This photograph brought back the most beautiful, wholesome and heartwarming memories of my time in Paris. COVID was a challenging period for everyone, especially for those away from their families. During this time, it was only my friends I could count on in Paris. We decided to meet for a picnic when restrictions were slightly eased. Masks were still mandatory in enclosed spaces and social distancing was required on the metro. In this picture, we are heading to a park on line 8, wearing our masks. I had just visited a boulangerie, picked up a baguette, some cheeses and a bottle of wine—staples for all our picnics. This image perfectly captures the essence of those cherished moments.