Gourmandise des Yeux

Posted on March 24th, 2010 in Gourmandise

In French gourmandise is defined as “un désir d’aliments jugés particulièrement agréables, que certains moralistes et certaines doctrines religieuses peuvent considérer comme un défaut ou une faute.” For those of you that don’t speak french that means something along the lines of a desire to eat particularly agreeable treats that certain doctrines consider sinful. Whoever decided that back in the church was on to something, because I do feel a little possessed when I look at all the beautiful desserts before in let’s say Laduree for example. However when they are so delicately crafted and pretty its hard to bite in and ruin it all.

My mom bought me this little Laduree cakelette when she was in town as a late valentine. It is appropriately named The Marie Antoinette.

As hard as it was to resist eating it right away, we decided it would be fun to take some pictures of it. Most people would think we were crazy for taking pictures of this silly little thing, but then again if you didn’t understand at least a bit you probably wouldn’t be reading this blog right now.

Of coarse Laduree does not just make fabulous little cakelettes. Inside this beautiful green gold lined box are six delicious macarons.

The perfect to go box for carrying around during a day walking around Paris. You could stop to sit on the banks of the Seine and eat a few just like I did the first time I visited Paris with my sister.

These cute little macarons beg for some photo staging as well. This citron flavor one is sitting inside one of my most prized possessions, an antique brass and glass jewelry casket with a blue satin cushion. I found it at an antique store I worked in. I stared at it for months in its case and then finally one day a woman came and put it on hold. I realized I just couldn’t let it go. I sneakily bought it before she could decide to come back and get it! It is one of my favorite things in the world.

Mouth watering yet?

Finally we gave in and cut into the little cakes. My mom asked for one but with her poor french the server conveniently thought she wanted two! So we each had our own.

If your wondering what flavor this little cake is, it was actually not cake at all! Inside its filled with raspberry meringue, lots of rose flavored cream, raspberry jam, and lychees for a surprise ingredient. The outside is covered in fondant icing.

We thought they looked perfect in front of my Fifi Flowers painting I got from French-Kissed for Christmas.

I am so sorry to torture your taste buds with pictures of all these wonderful treats but I just couldn’t resist sharing pictures of how cute they are! Of coarse Laduree is just one of my many favorite places in with delicious treats in Paris that you can read about in My Paris guide. What are your favorite spots to indulge in such delightful desserts? Share in the comments section! Also make sure to check in on the Inspiration Gallery from time to time as I am always adding beautiful images I stumble across that I find inspiring.

Cannes Close Up

Posted on March 14th, 2010 in Gourmandise, Travel

While Cannes rests along the famous picturesque shore of the Mediterranean where clear blue sky and placid blue sea meet on the horizon of the city’s view, in town the smaller details give it its charming character. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so rather than attempting to describe what it is I like about this place other than its desirable geographical location, I’d rather do what I do best and share it with you in pictures.

The influence of the film festival is everywhere and many places such as this one take the name *star* in tribute to all the Hollywood hall of famers that pass through town annually.

Cute flashing sign for a candy store.

The Splendid Hotel.

One of the many snack shops along the croisette.

The cute Caffé Roma in front of the Palais de Festivals.

Boulevard de la Croisette runs along the beach and is lined with Cannes’ finest hotels, boutiques, and cafes.

My paparazzi shot!

MIU MIU….je t’aime.

Marilyn’s face is all over the city in emblems and pictures as she is one of the most beloved past patrons of the Cannes Film Festival.

Some fine caviar and vodka anyone?

A cute little produce market we came across.

Sea urchins for sale to eat…

I had the best oysters of my life in a local seafood restaurant here. You can buy them fresh on the street from many vendors.

Whole shrimps…eyeballs and all!

The different restaurants and cafes along the water are all marked and claimed with the irrespective flags. In America, private beaches don’t exist…only private beach access, so in France getting used to most being privately owned is still a bit foreign to me.

One thing I really love about France is all the public lounge chairs they provide. In Paris you see these style chairs in the Tuileries and Luxembourg gardens, ideal for lounging and people watching on a sunny day. Cannes public chairs are blue and line the croisette, waiting for strollers to take a rest and enjoy the view of the sea.

Hope you enjoyed Cannes close up. Don’t forget about the Bardot in Blue Fragonard giveaway. To enter its as easy as commenting on this post or any other post until March 15th. Special thanks to fellow Californian Rachel at Little Girl, Shiny World for the “You Dazzle Girl” blogger award! Thank you to all my wonderful commenters as well…every new comment really feels like Christmas!