2005-10-11 12:13am
With the fall season upon us and the holiday season right around the corner, I have been working feverishly on Splendid Palate's newsletter. I recently wrote an article for it about my travels around Provence. Writing the piece was a pleasant experience, as it immediately brought me back to a place I enjoy so much.
Each time I think of Provence my thoughts move to one great place, experience or view to another. This time my mind lingered on Saint Remy de Provence. Two years ago my mother traveled with me and we took an excellent tour of the local area. In We enjoying a nice lunch on the sidewalk and stroll, visiting the local stores of Saint Remy. One in particular stuck with me, Le Petit Duc, located at 7 Boulevard Victor Hugo. It was closed when we first arrived, though the display in the window knocked our socks off. It was filled with great small packages and cookie tins decorated with simple, vintage style labels. Le Petit Duc displayed to perfection, what we in the states consider premium French style. I remarked to my mother that we would have to come back. There were lavender confections on display that I wanted to get my hands on. Additionally, there were some delicious looking shortbreads and cookies that I wanted to bring home for my husband.
When we did finally make it back, the visit was quite fruitful and rather funny at the same time. I immediately remarked to the baker how excited I was to find confections and cookies made with lavender as an ingredient. These weren't the honey drops, pastilles and nougat traditionally found around Provence; they were biscuits, shortbreads and crystallized lavender buds. The baker was amused and yet slightly offended. To her lavender was common. To me it was exotic. She remarked how there are so many other great ingredients, why should lavender be so special. I reminded her that lavender isn't as popular in recipes in the rest of the world. That I consider myself very fortunate to dine somewhere in the US and find lavender creme brulee or ice cream at the end of a meal.
The incredible treats didn't last long! They were a welcome addition to my market bag and I savored each taste for the rest of the trip. I stretch the enjoyment for as long as I possibly could. I still have my little round tin from Le petit Duc that once held crystallized lavender buds inside. What a silly souvenir... the label is worn with tears from opening and closing and the tin was never easy to open! Yet, it brings back fond memories and reminds me of the address and phone number for future visits. While I don't know when that will be, I do know that I look forward to it.
Technorati Tags: lavender, France, Provence, Saint Remy de Provence, shortbread, gourmet food, French food, bakery, travel
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