What to bring from France or Belgium?
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Herbes de Provence. I can't find good stuff here that doesn't have lavendar in it (which I detest). My friends never have a tough time finding it for me there, and it's always great. These days, make sure food that isn't canned or in a jar is vacuum sealed.
If your friend is willing, you can save some money on a Matfer mandoline buying it there. Several years ago I got the black "plastic" model (I'm sure it's nicer than that, but don't know the material) for $75. It's $160 here. With the Euro higher now, I'm not sure of the price, but I'd bet it's cheaper than here.
If your friend is willing, you can save some money on a Matfer mandoline buying it there. Several years ago I got the black "plastic" model (I'm sure it's nicer than that, but don't know the material) for $75. It's $160 here. With the Euro higher now, I'm not sure of the price, but I'd bet it's cheaper than here.
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From Belgium I always bring chocolate - and personally I prefer Neuhaus
Neuhaus is good quality stuff but: If your friend is going to Belgium and he should do a day- or weekend trip to Oostende (at the North Sea coast, thus not unlikely with the hot summer we`re having here this year), tell him to look for a (very!) small shop in Luisastraat, a small street that leads directly from Wapenplein to the sea promenade. It is on the left when you`re coming from Wapenplein. The shop is run by an elderly couple who are making the best chocolate and candied fruit I`ve ever had, and they`re selling for very reasonable prices! Each time I´m coming to Oostende (about 2 or 3 times a year) I look for the shop wondering if it´s still there and am glad to find out that those two people haven´t retired yet.
Entering the tiny shop each time makes me feel like entering a cathedral: Just step inside and inhale the smell of all the delicious ingredients for a few seconds. Then have a look around and find out, that there is a glass rear wall through which you can see how all the goodies are made. Don´t be afraid of the shopkeeper, as at first sight she doesn´t seem to be too friendly. She is just fed up with all the ignorant tourists. Once she notices that you can really appreciate her craftsmanship she does turn out quite friendly. Sheesh, I´m rambling. It´s only two weeks ago I`ve been there...
Armand
Neuhaus is good quality stuff but: If your friend is going to Belgium and he should do a day- or weekend trip to Oostende (at the North Sea coast, thus not unlikely with the hot summer we`re having here this year), tell him to look for a (very!) small shop in Luisastraat, a small street that leads directly from Wapenplein to the sea promenade. It is on the left when you`re coming from Wapenplein. The shop is run by an elderly couple who are making the best chocolate and candied fruit I`ve ever had, and they`re selling for very reasonable prices! Each time I´m coming to Oostende (about 2 or 3 times a year) I look for the shop wondering if it´s still there and am glad to find out that those two people haven´t retired yet.
Entering the tiny shop each time makes me feel like entering a cathedral: Just step inside and inhale the smell of all the delicious ingredients for a few seconds. Then have a look around and find out, that there is a glass rear wall through which you can see how all the goodies are made. Don´t be afraid of the shopkeeper, as at first sight she doesn´t seem to be too friendly. She is just fed up with all the ignorant tourists. Once she notices that you can really appreciate her craftsmanship she does turn out quite friendly. Sheesh, I´m rambling. It´s only two weeks ago I`ve been there...
Armand
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5 Posts
I'm a bit late in posting a reply, but if your friend has already left for Europe, this might be helpful for future trips.
Belgium: Chocolate is definitely the No. 1 item. I would also suggest a tangerine liqueur called Mandarine Napoléon. There is no single orange-flavoured liqueur that provides quite the citrus intensity of Mandarine. Although it's not entirely unavailable in the US, it's frightfully hard to come by, and it is considerably less expensive there.
France: If you do much baking, I suggest a selection of your most frequently used flavouring essences. French distilled essences are top quality and far better than most of the ones available in the US--if they can be found at all.
The French essences I use are: fraises des bois, bitter almond oil, violettes, griottes or amarène (related to morello cherries), noisette/praline, framboise, and mandarine. You'll have your own favourites, of course.
In the US, La Cuisine in Arlington, VA carries a selection of French essences, but they aren't always in stock.
Hope all this helps.
Belgium: Chocolate is definitely the No. 1 item. I would also suggest a tangerine liqueur called Mandarine Napoléon. There is no single orange-flavoured liqueur that provides quite the citrus intensity of Mandarine. Although it's not entirely unavailable in the US, it's frightfully hard to come by, and it is considerably less expensive there.
France: If you do much baking, I suggest a selection of your most frequently used flavouring essences. French distilled essences are top quality and far better than most of the ones available in the US--if they can be found at all.
The French essences I use are: fraises des bois, bitter almond oil, violettes, griottes or amarène (related to morello cherries), noisette/praline, framboise, and mandarine. You'll have your own favourites, of course.
In the US, La Cuisine in Arlington, VA carries a selection of French essences, but they aren't always in stock.
Hope all this helps.
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