Every major news publication has declared éclairs the new macarons in recent months – even Forbes has offered their opinion on the matter – but now it seems, the trend is truly taking hold in SA. Cafe Patisse is one local bakery turning out exemplary éclairs in Wynberg, Joburg. Baker Martin Ferreira worked in France and Switzerland, and trained under Swiss mastermind Urs Scheider before returning to SA. He specialises in Belgian chocolate and sugars – hence the interest in the highly technical éclair.

Aside from the beautiful éclairs at Cafe Patisse, you’ll also find a wonderful selection of cakes, including orange gateau, chocolate cheesecake, strawberry frangipani tartlets and the V8 cake with no less than eight layers of vanilla-themed magnificence. If you’re after something savoury, opt for an egg quiche, snail vol-au-vent, croque madames or buttery-fresh hot croissants.

Watch Martin make magic below.