Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris
June 24, 2008 For all you Francophiles, here's a cute little travel book about the City of Light. Famed food blogger (Chocolate & Zucchini) Clotilde Dusoulier's new book, Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris, is a fun reference guide too all things decadent and delicious in Paris. Follow the native foodie as she picks her favorite wine shops, bakeries, restaurants, and markets in each arrondissement. Easy to follow, Clotilde's infectious warmth shows on each page.
fête à fête recently caught up with Clotilde about her new book:
If you had all the time in the world, what would be the ultimate edible adventure for you?
CD: I am inordinately curious about all things Japanese, and for many years now, I have been wanting to go to Japan and taste its cuisine in context. It looks like I may finally have a chance to go this year, and I am beside myself with excitement.
What was the process in determining the top places for your book? Did you have a systemic rating system, or was it purely based on personal preferences?
CD: I started with a list of personal favorites, then worked my way through long lists of places -- old and new -- I'd heard good things about. I paid those restaurants and food shops a visit, sampled their offerings, and ultimately decided whether I liked them enough to include them. I didn't have a rating system, but rather trusted my instinct, asking myself this simple question: would I send a friend there?
Any particular dish you've been meaning to try, or perfect on its technique?
CD: Baba au rhum (a sponge-like yeast cake doused with rum) is all the rage in Paris these days, and I've been meaning to try and make my own -- I've already purchased the aged rum, and now I'm just waiting for the opportunity to serve this grownup dessert to friends.
So there you have it! Visit www.chocolateandzucchini.com/edibleadventures
Bon Appétit!
Tami
The Mango Night Cream is so very delicious. It's like having a tropical creamsicle. The potent mango, coconut, shea butter puree nourishes and repairs while marine algae protects the dermal layers. For a night cream, it doesn't feel too thick or rich; you can also dilute it with a couple drops of water.
For an all-body experience, the Coconut Sugar Scrub will buff you into a smooth and fruity bon bon. The Watermelon Papaya Body Butter is equally nice. Despite the coconut oil, it absorbs right away with no residue - great for the sweltering summer heat.
Don't forget to book an appointment with your nearest spa featuring this great line. Try the Mango Enzyme Body Wrap or get the gentle Pineapple Enzyme Pro Peel. Both treatments contain powerful enzymes to exfoliate out the dry patches and to lighten hyperpigmented areas. Your gorgeous skin will then be ready for bikini season!
With Guest Designers:
Minnie Wilde
Zoe Bikini
K Tuff
Raffle prizes will be given out all day, with the grand prize of a style makeover by the Mission Statement crew.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Lexington Street, San Francisco (between 18th and Sycamore)
3pm - 7pm
As a young man, Uemura knew he wanted to create beauty. As the only male student at the Tokyo Beauty Academy, he soon rose above other aspiring artists by being chosen to work on Joe Butterfly in 1955, and soon became the darling amongst Hollywood's elite. Uemura elevated beauty to an art form, and stars like Shirley MacLaine and Frank Sinatra were loyal fans.
Uemura's meteoric rise continued to shine. He returned to Japan in 1965 and established the Shu Uemura Make-up Institute, the first Hollywood-style makeup studio in Japan. In 1968, he launched the first Mode Make-up look (the revolutionary concept of using makeup design as an artistic expression) and became the beauty industry's big sensation. Subsequently he created an in-house line of skincare, and opened his first Beauty Boutique in 1983. Today, the Shu Uemura art has expanded to Paris, London, Milan, Taipei, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and San Francisco.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first Tokyo Beauty Boutique opening, this year's special HANA-BI limited edition collection features the dynamic shape of fireworks in the artwork. Designed by noted graphic designer Gwenael Nicolas, the fireworks are a burst of spontaneous beauty that represents this special occasion.
Inspired by three elements of nature (earth, flower, and water), the collection features brilliant eyeshadow palettes offering earthy, bright, and cool shades to mix and match to your heart's content. I love the Fleur de Rose palette. You can definitely do a smoky eye, or opt for more neutral looks with the lighter colors. The Shimmer Liquid Eyeliner (long-lasting formula) compliments the pretty hues.
Three natural origin fragrances formulated with Depsea Water are also showcased: Fleur de Rose (Ylang Ylang & Turkish Rose), Fleur de Source (Coriander, Papyrus & Basil), and Fleur de Terre (Rosemary & Bergamot).
I loved the Puerto Plata bar (67% Trinitario). This beautiful bar is made from organic cacao from the north coast of the Dominican Republic. It has a deep, roasty flavor, and has such an earthy, smooth feel. I couldn't even share the bar with my friends, it was just that good. I'm in love with this one.
The Comalcalco (64% Trinitario) from Mexico is a lovely full-bodied milk chocolate bar with a wonderful smokiness. The caramel finish is nice and lingering. It's low sugar, so it's also a healthy way to satisfy that sweet tooth! The Sambir√°n (72% Trinitario) is from Madagascar, showing off unique flavors of cedar, earth and citrus. It does have a nice lemon zing to it, bringing up images of a bright sunny day in a fruit orchard.
Don't forget to check out their fabulous custom chocolate drink blends. They come in Classic Drinking Chocolate, Mocha Blend (to make your mochas), and Bittersweet Drinking Chocolate. All three are winners, but if you like it rich and dark, go with the bittersweet one. Otherwise, the classic one will be the perfect option.
