"I have a mission: to be the world champion every day in my shop for my customers," he said, eyes twinkling. At the helm of several establishments in Paris, Castel has never strayed from his motto: "It's all about the product." Raspberry tart, with signature mini sablé biscuit, at Pastry chef Benoît Castel's bakery in Paris on July 29, 2026. Cherry clafoutis at Pastry chef Benoît Castel's bakery in Paris. "These days, I'm as much a cook, a gardener and a baker as I am a pastry chef," he said.