Vale Emmanuel Mollois

Fremantle Press extends its deepest sympathy to Gordana, Zlatan, Louis, Maya, and the family and friends of Emmanuel Mollois, who passed away last week.

Emmanuel published his first book, Et Voila!, with Fremantle Press in 2009. He was passionate about pâtisserie and a true master of this craft. He loved to demonstrate recipes at events and media gigs around Australia. Adapting to the sometimes difficult circumstances of cooking pastry while travelling, he once proved croissants on the bonnet of a warm car. Some of his favourite demonstrations, however, were for kids, getting children excited about cooking at schools like Swanbourne Primary School and Parkerville Children’s Home.

Fremantle Press staff has fond memories of the pastry chef with the round red-rimmed glasses and huge smile who was always driving way too fast, at times getting hopelessly lost in his red VW beetle and then his red Jeep; of watching Emmanuel’s first episode of Poh’s Kitchen at his house with a glass of champagne; and of learning to cook with butter – lots and lots of butter. He touched everyone with his energy and generosity, and he will be very much missed. Aller bien, notre ami.

Alliance Francaise de Perth will gather to pay tribute to Emmanuel today at 9.30 pm, Swanbourne Surf Life Saving Club, 282 Marine Parade, Swanbourne. His funeral in France is also held today.