Bonjour French Market Friends,
In the heart of Paris, 5 years ago, we witnessed the destruction of the cathedral of Notre Dame in a 
devastating fire. After the support given by the French government to rebuild this important monument, Notre Dame is emerging in its restored beauty from the scaffolding. Apart from the damage to the building, many precious art works were rescued from the fire including 13 “mays” paintings. These large, religious themed paintings were some of the
greatest works of art from the late 1600s and were hanging in the Cathedral. They were not damaged by fire but were soaked before they could be carried to safety. They have been carefully restored by highly skilled artisans (image David Bordes) and are being exhibited from today until July, in the Galerie des Gobelins, at Le Mobilier, an association that exists to support the conservation and restauration of unique collections. They will then be returned to their former home at the Cathedral. If you are planning to visit Paris soon, this exhibition is definitely worth a visit.
Back home in our beautiful city, Autumn has arrived with cooler misty mornings. This weekend the Suidooster Fees is taking place at different venues around our City. It showcases the wonderful diversity and exceptional talent of our youth in this special region. I saw the opening show this evening and was so impressed, especially the Muzukidz.co.za perfromance, these young violinists come from the Townships and have been taught, for free, by their teacher Maria Botha and NPO founder, from an early age, to play the violin. This has opened doors into the future for them, with one of them now joining the Cape Youth Orchestra.
A new stock of cheese 
has landed. For the first time we have a few Saint Marcellin IGP (Protected Geographical Identification status). These small 80gr raw cow’s milk cheeses come from the Dauphine region. They have been made by the farmers wives around the town of Saint Marcellin since the 1500s. They have a very creamy almost fondue texture and are full of flavour. They are sold in small clay pots which helps the ch
eese keep its shape during maturation. Originally sold every week in the town’s local market, these unique cheeses acquired the name of the town and a registered IGP status. In the 1800s they were discovered by a leading Parisian politician who enjoyed the cheese so much that he insisted on a weekly supply to his home in Paris, thus elevating the cheese to a far larger market. Wine pairing is 
recommended with a light Pinot Noir such as our Valmoissine Pinot Noir from the Ardeche created by Louis Latour.
We have also received a new stock of Brie de Meaux AOC and raw milk Camembert from Normandie AOC. Made in the traditional way, these Camembert cheeses can only be made with milk from the local Normande breed of cows. I am often asked the difference between Camemberts and Bries, whilst they both have slightly different white bloomy rinds, and soft centres that become runny
as they age, the flavour of the specific cow’s milk and the pastures where they graze also make them taste very different. Camembert has a more tangy almost algae flavour (I think this is because the pastures are near the coast). Camemberts are usually sold as individual small sizes, whereas Brie de Meaux is usually made in a 3kg wheel.
In our firmer
textured alpine cheeses we have received some Beaufort d’Ete from the Franche Comte, this unique cheese has a great depth of flavour and dense, rich texture, the cows graze on the alpine pastures during summer time. Rated as one of their most favourite cheeses by the French. We also have plenty of other cheeses for you to enjoy. Come in and taste a new one this week.
In our small cakes range we have a selection of stunning French chocolate patisseries, eclairs, and macarons plus lemon flavoured madeleines which are light and easy to nibble with a cup of tea.
The protected brand or regional specific labels also exist to protect unique food products that have evolved in certain areas of France due to climatic and environmental changes. The green lentils from Puy-en-Velay (Lentille verte de Puy AOP) in the Haute Loire region, are one such name 
protected product that we stock. These very dark green, slightly blue tinted lentils grow in a region which is surrounded by ancient volcanos. The slopes of the volcanos stop the rain carrying clouds from crossing over the valley, this led to a very localised dry climate. As a result, these lentils have thinner skins than regular green lentils. They do not require soaking, and they do not go mushy. Their flavour is also more interesting and different, because of the minerals in the earth from the old volcanoes. They are also known to be high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
This week’s recipe is to match our cooler autumnal weather with a filling and hearty casserole
made with the unique Lentille Verte de PUY AOP (green lentils from the Valley of Puy), chunky bacon and tomatoes flavoured with Herbes from Provence which add their own unique flavour. Serve this with a crisp baguette to mop up the sauce and pair with a full flavoured wine from the slopes of the Rhone Valley, such as the Cotes du Rhone Rouge Pavillon St Pierre made by Maison Bouachon. This is a blend of 5 local cultivars Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Marsellan, full of flavour. A good value French table wine at R240 available from our shop or via our online website.
I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the Suidooster Fees, stay warm and start lighting the fires to brighten the darker evenings.
Regards,
Suzanne and The French Market Team