A selection of pastries by Eunji Lee from Lysée.
Photo: Courtesy of Lysée NYC
Creative Mind: Eunji Lee
The culinary wonder behind Lysée crafts a museum-like display of savories and sweets inspired by her childhood in South Korea, training in Paris, and current life in New York
Eunji Lee. Photo: Courtesy of Lysée
Just as an artist or a musician who has been classically trained can experiment with new ideas to take their art form to unexpected new heights, chef Eunji Lee’s experience allows her to elevate the pastry. Working under Alain Ducasse and Cédric Grolet at Le Meurice, she certainly developed a mastery, but it’s the individuality and innovation she’s applied to those skills that set her apart.
Each meticulously executed menu item is a mélange of flavors and references drawing from her childhood in South Korea; her time in France, including studies at the Institut National de la Boulangerie Pâtisserie in Rouen and Ferrandi in Paris; and her current life in New York.
Pain au Chocolat 2.0 Photo: Courtesy of Lysée
Carrot Cake. Photo: Courtesy of Lysée
Visitors to Lysée, her pastry gallery in the city’s Flatiron neighborhood, choose from a museum-like display of savories and sweets ranging from a white, flower-shaped cake that resembles a traditional Korean roof tile to her signature corn mousse confection that evokes a fresh cob with individually piped kernels made of corn cream. “I try to get people to open their minds and experience ingredients in different ways,” she says.
“I try to get people to open their minds and experience ingredients in different ways”
eunji lee
Artful inspiration: To create these magical moments, Lee frequently looks to art. “I love the paintings of Monet and Kandinsky for their sense of color. Texture is important in desserts, and Daniel Arsham is always mixing ceramic, jewels, stones—I find that inspiring.”
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2025 Spring Issue under the headline “Creative Minds.” Subscribe to the magazine.
Dessert and wine pairing at the restaurant on the 1st floor. Photo: Courtesy of Lysée
A selection of the pastries available at Lysée. Photo: Courtesy of Lysée
K.A. Glacé. Photo: Courtesy of Lysée
Cover: A selection of pastries by Eunji Lee from Lysée.
Photo: Courtesy of Lysée NYC
