I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a renowned hospitality expert with a rich background in travel and tourism. Katarina has honed her expertise in creating memorable experiences within the entertainment and events space, often lending her insights to expos and conferences. Today, we’re diving into the seasonal magic behind la Madeleine’s new fall menu, exploring how this French-inspired bakery and café blends autumnal flavors with timeless traditions. Our conversation touches on the inspiration behind these limited-time offerings, the unique elements of standout dishes and drinks, and how the menu invites guests to slow down and savor the moment.
Can you share what sparked the inspiration for la Madeleine’s new fall menu?
I’m delighted to talk about this! The fall menu was inspired by the essence of the season itself—think cozy gatherings, crisp air, and the comforting flavors that come with autumn. We wanted to fuse those seasonal vibes with our French heritage, creating dishes that feel both nostalgic and fresh. It’s about bringing people together over food that warms the heart, whether it’s through familiar flavors like pumpkin or a decadent hot chocolate experience.
How did the team settle on incorporating specific seasonal flavors like pumpkin and cranberry into the menu?
We really leaned into what autumn represents for so many of our guests. Pumpkin, for instance, is such an iconic fall flavor—it evokes memories of family traditions and holiday meals. Cranberry, on the other hand, brings a tart, festive note that pairs beautifully with the richness of other ingredients. Our culinary team experimented with how these flavors could shine in a French-inspired context, ensuring they complemented our signature style while still feeling like a seasonal treat.
Let’s dive into one of the standout dishes—the Pumpkin Praline French Toast. What makes this item so unique?
Oh, this dish is a true celebration of fall! The Pumpkin Praline French Toast starts with pumpkin brioche, which gives it this incredible depth of flavor right from the base. Then we top it with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, and pumpkin spice pecans for that perfect sweet-crunchy balance. It’s indulgent yet comforting, like a hug on a chilly morning. We wanted it to feel like a special brunch moment that guests can’t wait to share with friends or family.
Speaking of indulgence, the Parisien Hot Chocolate has been a huge hit. What’s the story behind crafting such a luxurious drink?
The Parisien Hot Chocolate is all about honoring a cherished French tradition of slowing down and savoring life’s little pleasures. We use premium Ghirardelli chocolate to create this thick, velvety drink, and serve it with Chantilly cream, a mini croissant, and a strawberry on the side. The idea is to let guests customize their experience—dip the croissant, mix in the cream, or just sip it as is. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a moment of pure decadence that became a social media sensation earlier this year, and we’re thrilled to bring it to our fall lineup.
How does la Madeleine adapt this traditional French hot chocolate experience for American guests?
We’ve kept the authenticity of the French ritual at the core—think of those cozy Parisian cafés where time seems to stand still. But we’ve tailored it to resonate with our American audience by focusing on interactivity and indulgence. The presentation, with the side of cream and croissant, invites guests to play with their drink in a way that feels approachable yet sophisticated. It’s about bridging that cultural gap, making a classic French experience feel like home while still being a delightful escape.
Moving to a savory option, what was the thinking behind adding the Prime Rib & Provolone Sandwich to a fall menu full of sweet treats?
We wanted to offer balance. Fall menus can often lean heavily on sweet, dessert-like flavors, but we know our guests also crave something hearty and satisfying. The Prime Rib & Provolone Sandwich, with its tender prime rib, sautéed onions, and provolone on country bread, delivers that robust, comforting bite. The French aioli adds a creamy, garlicky kick that elevates the whole thing. It’s the perfect counterpoint to lighter or sweeter items, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s talk about the Cranberry Chai Refresher. How does this beverage capture the spirit of the fall menu?
The Cranberry Chai Refresher is like autumn in a glass! It blends the tartness of cranberry with the warm, spiced notes of chai, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and cozy. It fits into the fall vibe by echoing those seasonal flavors we love, but in a lighter, more invigorating way compared to something like hot chocolate. It’s ideal for guests who want to sip on something festive without the richness of a heavier drink, and it pairs beautifully with our baked goods or lighter dishes.
The concept of slowing down and savoring the moment seems central to this menu. How do these new offerings encourage that mindset?
Absolutely, that’s at the heart of what we do at la Madeleine, especially with this fall menu. Items like the Parisien Hot Chocolate are designed as an experience, not just a quick grab-and-go. Sitting down to dip your croissant or swirl in the cream—it’s a small ritual that forces you to pause. Even our Pumpkin Praline French Toast or a bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soupe invites you to linger over brunch or lunch with loved ones. We hope these offerings create space for connection and mindfulness in a busy world.
What’s your forecast for how fall menus will evolve in the restaurant industry over the next few years?
I think we’re going to see even more emphasis on hyper-seasonal ingredients and storytelling through food. Fall menus, in particular, have such a strong emotional pull—people associate them with comfort and tradition. I expect restaurants to get more creative with balancing classic flavors like pumpkin or apple with unexpected global influences, while also focusing on sustainability and local sourcing. There’s also a growing demand for experiential dining, like what we’ve done with the Parisien Hot Chocolate, where the food or drink becomes a memory in itself. I’m excited to see how the industry pushes those boundaries!
