Just around the corner from Luxembourg’s Grand Ducal Palace, I was on the hunt for world-famous madeleines – the delightful French pastry known for its sponge-like quality and shell shape. It turns out I was in for much more than a pastry.

La Madeleine on 4 Rue de l’Eau is Léa Linster’s boutique shop serving, almost exclusively, madeleines. George greeted and served me madeleines and a macchiato. While I took my time savoring each bite and sip, who should walk in but Ms. Linster herself. Among her many accomplishments, she was the first and only woman to ever receive the Bocuse d’Or (1989) and also received a Michelin star.

She shared a 30 minute chat with me about always taking risks, staying creative, loving life, working with your hands, and in her lively words being a “nasty woman.” If you don’t believe me, George is my witness.

While you may not have time to watch one of her more than 650 cooking show episodes or read her 15+ books including a best-selling biography, I highly recommend reading her story here or learning how to cook her favorite Christmas dinner here.

Most recently, her son Louis and his wife carries on the tradition at the restaurant just 10k south in Frisange, having just earned two more Michelin stars in 2025.

Read more about Luxembourg in other recent blog posts beginning here.