Les Flâneurs

The French Tarte donates to the Center for Women in Enterprise

This is the second year now that Susie has donated a class and a tarte to the Center for Women in Enterprise fundraiser. This year it was held, conveniently, right in Hope Artiste Village just a few doors up from the French Tarte's shop!

a few treats to tempte the eye!

Susie's display for the silent auction

French Tarte on Saturday 10 November

ready to go!

"sugar buns" (rather like the Breton specialty kouign amann)

chausson aux pommes (apple turnovers)

croissant amandes (almond croissants)

pear ginger financier (almond cakes)

pain au chocolat

the shortbread bar is open!

One last look at Autumn in Providence

Nick's on Broadway

Comfort food for brunch -- and it's only four blocks away. . .

sweet potato hash with fried eggs

polenta with scrambled eggs

Magali and Jane present the stinky cheese party

After a fantastic opening day at the 2012 Winter Farmers Market, the French Tarte and I joined Magali and her friend Jane for their first annual stinky cheese party. (Magali's daughter Melodie was on hand as well to help coordinate things.)

The idea, simple in concept and wonderful in execution, was for each person to bring a cheese they deemed stinky but tasty, and a bottle of wine. Greens were provided and there was also pate, soup and various other goodies as well. Susie brought a lemon tart and a selection of financier (almond-based cakes) to wrap it all up.

The cheeses were delightful -- my favorite was the Epoisses, rich like smooth, whipped butter but with a bite that reminded you this is an incredible cheese. The wines were spot on -- French, Italian and California; the company was amiable and warm, and the conversation lively and pleasant all around. We couldn't have imagined a warmer group or a smarter idea.