Becassine - Chandeleur

On must be grateful for small favors.

Is it serendipity? This Monday French Google decided to spell out it's logo with an image of much loved French cartoon character, dear Becassine. It just so happens on February 2, 1905 Becassine, a Breton nanny appeared in the pages of the first issue La Semaine de Suzette, a girls magazine. Naturally I immediately thought of crepes Suzette it being Chandeleur. But no relationship in fact.

Still I noticed on Google's front page a new commemorative exhibit opening at musee de la poupee on Becassine the next day.

Ta da! The drawings of Becassine are absolutely wonderful.

The exhibition is from the collection of the author's daughter

And very complete. Becassine became a much loved doll as well as a series of books read by generations of French girls. Some Feminists have a bone to pick because Becassine has no mouth in the drawings.

Fluid lovely lines. The French call this economical yet elegant style 'ligne claire'. The strong shapes and strong clean colors of Becassine influenced future comic book artists like Herge of Tintin, Tardi of Adelle Blanc-Sec and many, many others.

If you're interested in French culture you'll enjoy this exhibit.

The musee de la Poupee never disappoints. Update, sadly the museum is now closed.

This whimsical character was a part of most French girls lives growing up.

The museum's gift shop has a collection of Becassine china and whatnots. I even found two old damaged books from 1919 and 1930 at 5 euros each! I was thrilled. Now all I need is an apron and red umbrella.

On to real crepe Suzettes.

Solli was waiting for me on rue du Montparnasse. Shouldn't it be called rue du crepes Bretonne. Creperies are clustered one next to the other.

We'd both read Josselin was good, but instead it was rush, rush, rush. And look at the stack of ready-made crepes on the counter. My crepe jambon was disappointing. All minced up pieces.

Across the street for dessert at Creperie Bretonne No.56.

The happy crepe maker was right in the window, making each crepe to order.

Lovely.

Solli grew up drinking buttermilk every morning in Sweden and my dad was a big fan, so guess who has a bottle sitting in the fridge this minute. The French call it lait ribout. It's traditional with crepes.

The choices are endless.

As are the creperies to choose from on rue du Montparnasse.
Is it serendipity?
Coming home later, passing Notre Dame, I noticed 2 nuns looking a tad like Becassine, ordering crepes at a street stand.

By the way if you would like to make Charlotte Puckette's Tunisian fish soup the recipe is up on her blog.
Bonne Chandeleur!