Bonjour French Market Friends,
In France the record heat wave continues, temperatures have exceeded all previous recordings in some regions. In Paris, a unique art exhibition by French
street artist JR, was due to open on the Pont Neuf (translation: the New Bridge), which happens to be the oldest bridge across the River Seine. The entire bridge was wrapped with lightweight materials painted to resemble rocky alps. Walking across the bridge, inside the tunnel, the impression created by the artwork is of walking through caverns, accompanied by music and perfume on the air, to engage all the different senses. The materials were held in place by pumped air. Unfortunately, due to excessive winds this week, the exhibition structure was damaged and the opening of the exhibition to the public was indefinitely delayed. Ironically, the actual wind destruction has sparked off more commentary and attention around the globe, to the artist and his work, than if the opening had gone smoothly (Image courtesy of Facebook Luc Berge).
Back here in Cape Town our vibrant City continues to grow with new high-rise buildings going up in the City Centre and major development plans for a mixed use development by the V&A Waterfront for Granger Bay, designed to link the Stadium to the Waterfront.
This week I attended a meeting addressed by Hon. Minister Barbara Creecy on the development of the national rail structure over the next 30 years, and the inclusion of private / public 
partnerships including the Ports. Barbara explained the challenges of the hot potato she was handed in her portfolio, and the need for making significant changes. She has a clear sight of what needs to be done to make the rail system work properly, which is rebuilding the central backbone. Whilst I am unlikely to send any cheese by train, the efficient transport of goods and development of our Port will help grow our local economy.
And if you are looking for entertainment in the city, tonight there is an exceptional Flamenco Dance and Classical guitar concert at Alliance Francaise du Cap at 155 Loop Street at 6.30…Caramba!
There is a real demand for high quality French churned butter, especi
ally the salt crystal butter that we brought in last week which sold out so fast, so we are increasing orders for our next shipment, please let me know if you wish to pre-order any. We do have a new stock of the beautiful Echire Beurre de Barratte in a wooden case. Spread a lavish layer on a slice of our freshly baked baguette, there is no other accompaniment needed.
In our French cheese range, the new Petit Brebis 150gr, these small rounds of 
Brebis, sheep’s milk cheese, are delicious. The crust is like a Brie, the inside is runny and the flavour is gentle. We have plenty of small Camemberts which are great for a cold winter’s evening, place in a small bowl, stick in some slices of garlic, sprinkle with Herbes de Provence and bake in the oven until gooey. Eat with some chunks of fresh baguette.
Also, for cold winter nights, we received trays of pre-sliced raclette. As
soon at the temperature drops, the French families all come in and buy kilos of raclette, as this is traditionally eaten in the snowy winter weather in France. Melted in front of a log fire or heated in any way, until it melts, serve the Raclette cheese with lots of baby potatoes and cornichons (crunchy salty gherkins).
In our fresh produce section, we have received a small stock of attractive swirl-shaped, chocolate flavoured meringues made with 66% Valrhona 
chocolate. These are great eaten by themselves, or served as an easy dessert with some cream, or you can break them into pieces and serve with fresh berries and yoghurt. We have fresh Madeleines, these little shell shaped cakes are made with butter, lemon zest, vanilla and a little rum. They are ideal served with a cup of hot chocolate or popped into a school pack for a snack.
We have a new stock of the super-jumbo sized double yolk eggs from the farm. These massive eggs are the best tasting eggs I can find.
Back in stock in our wine department is the Chateau Martinet 2017 from St Emilion in the Libourne region. The beautiful chateau was built in the 1700s as a hunting lodge. The vineyards were planted more recently. This award winning wine is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Another cheese that we stock, which is used to make a favourite for a winter dis
h, is Cantal Entre Deux from Aubrac in the Auvergne. This dish is called Aligot and is a great winter warming meal. Really easy to make, it is a combination of Cantal, mashed potato and garlic. I suggest topping with some grilled sausages (or boerewors) and pairing with a light red wine such as the Gamay from Chateau de Broully in Beaujolais.
I wish you a peaceful weekend, come in and try a new cheese this weekend.
Suzanne and The French Market Team