Belgian pastry chef behind one of Brussels' most famous chocolate shops, Paul Wittamer, has died at the age of 81.
His family announced the news on social media on Wednesday this week, with tributes coming flooding in for the well-loved chocolatier.
"Passionate, creative and visionary, Paul knew how to pass on his love of taste, pastry and above all chocolate," his family posted on Instagram.
"He has left an indelible mark on Brussels' culinary history. Thank you, Paul, for your legacy and inspiration," the post read.
The chef is known for having been the force behind Wittamer & Co in recent decades.
First opened in 1910 in the Place du Grand Sablon, the company was founded by his grandfather Henri. Paul eventually took over the prestigious family business and ran it together with his sister Myriam for more than 40 years.
Wittamer opened its first store in Osaka, Japan, in 1990 and now has 22 outlets in the country.
Maison Wittamer gained international renown for its artisan pastry-making, for its expertise and the high quality of its creations. Its cakes, desserts and tiered cakes are as much a part of the taste memories of family dinners throughout Belgium.
Wittamer received the honour of making King Philippe and Queen Mathilde's wedding cake in 1999: a two tier cake for 150 guests.
The couple had requested a favourite from their childhood: a chocolate cake that tasted like a brownie with hints of citrus and crème anglaise.
Wittamer also made the cake for Mathilde’s 42nd birthday in 2015. The Royal Family still orders fine patisserie for special (private and official) occasions from the shop.
The brother and sister sold their shares in the company to three investors in 2021, following the death of sister Myriam.
"Wittamer was an icon for our generation of chocolatiers and pastry chefs," says fellow chocolatier Dominique Persoone on VRT. "He was strict and a perfectionist. He had many innovative ideas in the 80s. He meant a lot to the Belgian pastry shops and has really put us on the map, it is terrible to lose such a legend."
