MEET THE BAKER BEHIND THE EXPERIENCE
Bonjour, I’m Linda.
I came to baking later in life, then discovered that cheesecake could be creative, comforting, and a beautiful reason to gather.
“Hospitality is feeding the soul.”
AN UNEXPECTED BEGINNING
Before cheesecake, there were comic books and Star Trek.
I did not learn to cook until well into adulthood. I was much happier studying, reading comic books, watching the stars, or catching up on every season of Star Trek—yes, I am a huge Trekkie. So no one was more surprised than I was when I made something in the kitchen that people genuinely wanted to eat.
Baking quickly became more than a hobby. It became therapy, my happy place, and a way to care for people. My grandmother used to say that hospitality is feeding the soul. She was a wise woman. Dessert is a happy treat, and I believe that joy has to begin with the baker before it can reach the guest.
THE SLICE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
A disappointing cheesecake became a delicious challenge.
At the beginning of the pandemic, like so many people, I found myself craving something I had never made time to think about before: one really good slice of cheesecake. I visited a favorite cheesecake spot and left deeply disappointed. The slice was expensive, forgettable, and frustrating enough that I declared I would never eat cheesecake again.
Of course, that did not last. Instead, I set out to create the most unforgettable cheesecake I could. I experimented, shared each attempt with friends, listened to their honest critiques, and kept refining. My friends say I succeeded—although they may be a little biased.
A FRENCH POINT OF VIEW
The Great British Baking Show opened a new door.
When my work was affected by COVID, I finally had time to catch up on one of my favorite programs, The Great British Baking Show. It opened my eyes to a completely different style of baking. Later, I learned that cheesecake could have another texture and character altogether.
Inspired by the show and by celebrated French boulangeries and pâtisseries, I began baking cheesecake in a French style—smooth, expressive, and worth lingering over. In my imagination, Mary Berry says, “It’s worth the calories,” and Paul Hollywood offers a handshake. That thought still makes me smile.
What began in my kitchen expanded faster than I ever expected. I may be the creator of Gâteau de Jil, but the encouragement of my support team—my “Gâteau Family”—is what kept me going and continues to inspire every new flavor and experience.
A TASTE OF PARIS
As French as the name.
I have always had a wholehearted obsession with Paris, France. I even named my dog Paris. Until I can take everyone there myself, I hope these cheesecakes offer a small journey of their own: a taste of Paris with every bite!