Monday, September 14, 2009

Bonne Maman

Mother's birthday, we went over to Claremont to celebrate, which was, in many ways, delightful. I think I've indicated before that this crisp autumn weather makes me want to go to Paris, and my friends should know how I almost perpetually crave the tastes that are at Le Pain Quotidien. (May I recommend the Chicken Curry Salad Tartine with Harissa-cranberry Chutney, matched with a carafe of Mint Lemonade, followed by a Mixed Berry Tart dessert?) Scroll down to see our little party at this bakery and cafe in Claremont.


Autumn wanted the Claremont banners instead to read: "Autumn in Love with Claremont."


I'm also a fan of Le Pain Quotidien's hazelnut spread. You would have heard me say when eating there once, "It's like a blonde 'Nutella.'" Incidently, the bread adornment, that tastes all-at-once like caramel and those rich nuts, is called "Brunette!" (I should add that there's also a white chocolate spread called "Blondie.")


Autumn enjoyed her raspberry tart and her hot chocolate.




Another recommendation: There's an interesting short film (in French, though with English subtitles) that I watched lately, called "La Boulangere de Monceau" (in English: "The Bakery Girl of Monceau"). It is precious with its delicate glances and expressions captured in 16mm black and white film; I enjoyed observing the ways that the characters relate to each other. It's also characteristically French for its literariness. This film packs a lot into its short 23 minutes!


And, we'll go off into the (admittedly Californian) sunset to the tune of Joe Dassin's "Aux Champs-Elysees." You are welcome to sing along.

A bientot!

6 comments:

Cafe Observer said...

Another fine, fine posting.

And, wow, I didn't know the le pain quotidient had so many, many locations! They're kind like a scaled down starbucks of bakeries.

Keep the fire burning on this blog!

Oleg K. said...

That sounds like a delightful time.

We have that Bakery Girl movie in the library! I'll have to watch it to see what you mean about its French literariness.

I simply must write a little ditty to the tune of Aux Champs-Élysées.

Oh, I think the girl eating the mixed berry tart and wearing the white sunglasses on her head is cute. Is that you?

shopgirl said...

Ooh! That tart looks delicious!

Amber said...

I noticed that there are some strangely familiar people in the background of the train depot picture.

grannybabs said...

I think I need to check out this eatery!!

Anonymous said...

Another beautiful posting filled with beautiful ladies (and a gentleman). I know exactly where that clock is in Claremont -- I lived in the Inland Empire area. I used to panhandle right from that spot! (Just kidding!) But The Village in Claremont is definitely...definitely...tre bon! That's it! I'm so sure that's where you obtained the sugary sustenance. See ya, Ashley!