I discovered Aux Merveilleux de Fred many years ago, thanks to my friends Caroline and Arnaud, at a time where this fantastic shop was not yet in New York. The merveilleux is a cake that originated in Belgium, that consist of two light meringues that sandwich some whipped cream and are also covered in whipped cream and dusted with chocolate shavings. Chef Frédéric Vaucamps, Fred, decided to adapt the recipe and created its own version, hence the name of the store. For sure, these meringues that you can find in two sizes, minis or individuals, are light and not too sweet, very addictive. Looking though the window, you can even see the making process of these delicates cakes that comes with many flavors:

Le Magnifique that is made with praline and caramelized hazelnuts is my favorite.
But I also love L’Incroyable that is made with speculoos biscuit, whipped cream and coated with shaved white chocolate. The classic
Le Merveilleux (The Marvelous) is composed of chocolate, whipped cream and then coated with shavings of Belgium dark chocolate.
One that was surprisingly good was L’excentique, that is cherry whipped cream, coated with crystallized meringue.

If you prefer straight meringues, know that they sell very good ones there, small and larger.

Meringues at Aux Merveilleux de Fred in NYC

Aux Merveilleux de Fred proposes classic viennoiseries, but I admit that I was not that impressed: the raisin cramique that is a brioche with raisins was a bit dry; the chocolate croissant was overcooked; I only liked the brioche au sucre, although it was not the best I had in the city.