Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A Taste of France in the Dena

We in "the Dena" are one, I like to think. I'm free to travel from Alta to Pasa to South Pas, and thank goodness for that because South Pas has Nicole's Gourmet Foods. Laurie will forgive me for posting about it. She herself has posted twice about this slice of paradis in southern California. Who could resist a visit to, and a post about, a cafe whose website slips in a cheese guide with the usual menu, about page and directions?

Plus there were the chocolate cups. Which I resisted. I was there for coffee and coffee only.

It was this dumb idea I had, I don't know, don't ask me why. What was I thinking? My friends said, "Let's meet at Nicole's" and I thought, great, I'll have a latte and a visit and be on my way.

Then there were the chocolate cups. And the mango mousse macarons. Mango mousse. I kid you not.

Not the best photo, but I know my audience. It's not the photo that counts in this case. It's the macarons (not to be confused with macaroons).

I didn't taste them, or the chocolate. What a fool I am.

34 comments:

Dina said...

$4 EACH? I wouldn't have tasted them either (had Dina been in the Dena). Lovely to look at, though. I envy your will power.

Leif Hagen said...

What's the "yummyness" I asked myself?!! Delicious top photo!

Christie said...

Ahhh!! You went and took pics of these little beauties and didn't even try one? I admire your willpower, but next time, try the chocolate cup for me, okay? It looks delectable!

Katie said...

Thanks for these scrumptious photos! Through the power of suggestion my high-fiber cereal and banana now taste like chocolate cups and macarons. There's no way I could resist trying at least one of these goodies. How you managed to get away without sampling anything is beyond me.

Virginia said...

Oh you foolish foolish girl!!! HOW could you pass up macarons in any flavor??? I 'm partial to caramel myself but I'd give mango mousse a spin around the block. Go back P, go back and take LA with ya.
V

PS My blog has you and your cute little neighbors written all over it today. I thought of them when I posted.
And doesn't that chocolate cup melt or something? I don't understand!

Cafe Observer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cafe Observer said...

Oh Hell, God! I was enjoying this tasty post until I got to the end...$4.00 per macaroon??
Is that a typo?! I hope it's taste is worth it.

I can see why you didn't taste anything but the coffee. Btw, how was your coffee?

Michael Coppess said...

It is probably OK to venture out of jurisdiction for something special. And this certainly qualifies.

Petrea Burchard said...

Oh, I don't know, like I said, I'm a fool. Plus the price--you see, Cafe understands me. But I will try the chocolate cup next time (for Christie, of course, not for myself), if Laurie will go with me. And if she'll pay. Just kidding.

Cafe, about the coffee: The taste of my double latte was excellent. The only problem: you'd think after two shots of espresso I'd have a caffeine buzz, but nothing. Either they mistakenly gave me decaf or I've built up an immunity. Neither is good. Both are remediable.

Trish said...

P---you ventured into my old stomping grounds and DIDN'T taste the offerings? OMG! Even I, who is allergic to a number of them, would have at least thought about picking one up and tasting. $4, considering the size and flavor, is worth it.

no coffee buzz? wow...am guessing you got decaf...but I get a nice high on a simple can of diet coke...so who am I to talk?

Laurie Allee said...

DId I hear an invitation to Nicoles??? Yes yes yes!

And Cafe, sorry dear, some things are worth the price. Grousing about anything Nicole's charges for their delicacies is like complaining that it costs too much to own a Van Gogh. Some things are masterpieces.

Petrea, you know I adore this spot. Great post, m'lady. (BTW, today you did France, I did Italy!)

marley said...

Yes, you are a fool! They look so tempting. You must be very strong willed!

Great shots. Now I'm hungry for something sweet!

Bellis said...

Perhaps French women (and Petrea) don't get fat because the desserts look too good to eat?

HearkenCreative said...

Thanks a lot for making my mouth water...and it's still two hours before lunch.

And this coming from a poor person: a good "real" macaroon is well worth $4. But only on a very special occasion...

Unknown said...

Any French people working there? I say that because I hate going to a "French" bakery or else and when I ask for a pain au chocolat" no one understands me.

Unknown said...

My Mum is coming to visit next year, I'll take her there to see what she thinks :)

Hughes said...

Great find. Those chocolate cups look awesome, I wouldn't have been able to resist!

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't know what they were charging for the chocolate cups. The price wasn't marked, which scares me. Laurie, let's make it a special occasion and split a chocolate cup and a macaron! Bellis, that's what we should have done.

I'm a terrible, terrible fool, Marley. Trish agrees, and of course she's right.

Me too, Loren! I'm saving up for a macaron even as we speak.

Stef, Laurie will better know the answer but yes, I think the owner and some of the staff are French. Definitely many of the products are imported from France, and you may find some of your old favorites there. You'll be the best judge--I suggest you test the place before taking your mum there!

I wish I could take credit for finding it, Hughes, but Nicole's is a popular spot and no secret. They also have sandwiches. A good place for lunch.

pasadenapio said...

Those cups in the top photo look like they're edible!

Trish said...

back when I could eat cheese (or anything dairy), I would have given my right arm for just about anything from Nicole's...not a fool P, just more self-control than I'll ever have possession of!

Cafe Observer said...

Ok, P, it sounds like we can afford it, if we go with Laurie! That's how I spell good value.

Patrizzi Intergarlictica said...

I don't care how much it costs. Four dozen, give me four dozen of each.

This minute.

Perhaps that was overstated and impulsive.

Petrea Burchard said...

Ann, they ARE!

More self-control and less cash, Trish.

Sounds like a plan, Cafe.

Or lack thereof, Miss H.

Trish said...

when it comes to OMG yum, cash is not always a factor! ;-)

Ms M said...

I'll probably dream about those chocolate cups and the macarons tonight...
and it's your fault ;)

Amy said...

This means you just need to go back.

Chocolate, macarons, and coffee? Oh my.

Can you give me willpower lessons?

Bellis said...

How do they get the handles on those cups???

Shell Sherree said...

Oh dang, I signed off early {for me} last night and look what I missed. Why didn't someone come and get me?!!! The chocolate cups are very chic, but macarons take the cake. That's some willpower, Petrea!

Petrea Burchard said...

This is the same place where I first met you, AmyR.

I don't know how they get the handles on the cups, Bellis, but I know how to get them off.

How was the dream, Ms. M?

Lori Lynn said...

Say Trea, have you been to Paris Breakfasts blog, Carol paints watercolor macarons, I have a few of her pieces in my home. Fresh and lovely.
LL

Petrea Burchard said...

Okay, LL, that is so specialized it's insane. And you've got to see Shell Sherree. I'm heading over to your place now to give you the link.

Natalie DeJohn said...

I am drooling over those chocolate cups! Mmmmmmm. Great photo. Although, now I've got a sweet tooth...

Lisa..... said...

I love to eat lunch at this place and have you been to Heirloom Bakery? That place is yummy too.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Natalie!

Lisa, I never knew about Heirloom 'til now. I googled. Next time I'm headed that way, looks like a must-try.