Gaufrettes Amusantes

Humorous messages on classic Picard wafers

Gaufrettes Amusantes are traditional waffle wafers with a humorous twist. Written in either standard French or in our preferred Northern France’s Picard dialect—also called Ch’ti by locals—the funny phrases stamped on each cookie reflect the witty, working class community. Idiomatic messages like “Allo Cherie” (hello darling) and “Cha n’vaut pas un pet d’lapin” (it’s not worth a rabbit fart) add a touch of charm to …

Patrick Mesiano Chocolates

Rich milk chocolate bars and ornate pastries capture the South of France spirit

On a recent trip to the South of France, we made a point to check out the confections of Patrick Mesiano, a well-known chocolatier and pastry chef based in the region. His delicious chocolates, fresh macaroons and delectable pastries are rich in flavor and design, often featuring an assortment of nuts and fruits from local growers. At his boutique in Beaulieu sur Mer, we tasted …

Bought, Borrowed & Stolen

One chef's fascination with knives and the cultures that inspired them

The daughter of a historian, British chef Allegra McEvedy grew up traveling the world with her father as he researched the obscure remainders of centuries past. Encouraged to keep a diary, McEvedy found herself writing more about the food she was having than the cultural points of interest. Her new book “Bought, Borrowed, Stolen” combines her literate upbringing with her passion for food, showcasing the …