While day-dreaming for the next Paris letter 💌 I came across an old doodle - a bird’s eye view inside the boutique. Voila I’ll do that! Hermé’s very first patisserie opened in Japan. His first Paris shop is this one on 72, rue Bonaparte, yet it is tiny. I could not find the measurements. Do you know? My 20 meter chambre de bonne could be the width though the boutique is definitely deeper. Is it possible millions of pastry fanatics the world over have set foot in this tiny shop to taste it’s unique, innovative creations?
Recently clever Messy Nessy Chic posted illustrations of old Paris shop fronts with the proprietor standing in the doorway looking out.
I took this photo at a blogger’s Disney tasting at P Hermé HQ a couple years back.
I would put chef Hermé standing in the doorway like those illustrations. Yes, those are Jura cheese chips. When things get tough you need special support.
The beginning...
Ta Da The end. Its in the poste 📮 If you were wondering where I was this week, daily macaron immersion. Talk about biting off more than you can chew...
Did you know there are new macaron flavors every 2 months with an accompanying flavor chart.
The pastry themes change bi-monthly. Who can keep up? There is always something to amuse and tempt.
You can see just how narrow the shop is. Note social distancing circles on the floor. People tend to crowd the long pastry and macaron counter. The tension and anticipation is palpable. But they often miss the treasures lurking just behind. Chocolate boxes, chocolate bars, Christine Ferber jams, Hermé exquisite cookbooks, even an Ispahan bougie/scented candle. And don’t forget daily fresh viennoisserie in the far right corner. Now you know.
Something new at PH. I’ll call it the ‘cash register collection’. Mini-sized chocolate bars and other affordable impulse goodies when you pay not usually found at PH. This is a top luxury patisserie. The best in Paris, maybe the world. Are you ready for a trip to Pierre Hermé HQ ? 🤸🏾♀️👏 👏👏
The same day I finished my bird’s eye view of Pierre Hermé, Monoprix had big posters in the street showing a bird’s eye view of their store! Great minds etc...
This week’s silly cat video from Cat Navi Desk. *Brilliant design and syncopation.
Parisians nicely social distancing along the Seine. After my macaron immersion this week, I put together a new 6-pack for all pastry lovers and macaron-obsessed out there. Enjoy and stay well dear PBers ❤️💋🐻 Bear sends hugs to all 😃
Superb sketch of PH Bonaparte, Carol! I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit in that queue along the pastry case, frantically pointing out my choices just like your little people. PH macarons are the best in Paris, imho. Although I usually chose one of his heavenly pastries; a Tarte Infiniment Vanille or a Millefeuille/2000. And, yes!, you need to have eyes-in-the-back-of-your-head in PH; do not miss the treasures on the wall behind you. Love your pastry lovers six-pack!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bonnie for reminding me to put in the back wall ! ❤️
ReplyDeleteFinding your post this morning was a welcome sight! Rue Bonaparte is such a fun street. I don’t think I have ever been in PH. Must go on my next trip. Like the photo of the social distancing on the banks of the Seine.❤️
ReplyDeleteNow you have a PH guide, do not be afraid. You will know more than most Parisians :))
ReplyDeleteI love your drawings and sketches. In one photo you show the pen you use - is it a brush pen?
ReplyDeleteIts a uni Pin brush
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! Thank you for including so any real people in the photos- I do love seeing real life in action!!
ReplyDeleteHope you are well - we are ready to go to Paris - that is for sure!!
Love Pierre Herme and your watercolor is perfect. Monoprix should have hired you for that poster - it would have been so much more eye catching and clever.
ReplyDeleteThe cat video is fun. Hugs back to Bear & to you too,Carol.
Lookin' good everywhere!
ReplyDeleteThis is a hilarious video! I love how deadpan the cats are too.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope we can go to HP some day.
How do you manage to stay thin and glamorous with all this macaron testing???
ReplyDeleteHahahaha I am not any of those things!
ReplyDeleteFinalement, un macaron à demi-mangé!!....le vert-sombre dans la dernière photo...
ReplyDeleteWhat will power!
No will power!
ReplyDeleteI had to buy macs several times because I ate my still life :((
I do love your blog. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOne minor correction. A chambre de bonne twenty metres in length? I would have been delighted with twenty feet. I believe mine was well under ten feet.(16 Rue de Vaugirard in the seventies.)
Bonne continuation! My Paris delight!
You are quite correct John.
ReplyDeleteI should have said a ‘double’ chambre de bonne in fact.
It is colder than a 10 meter room...with old leaky windows, draft from doorway, and the roof of course.
Remember there is ice cream at the rear left...bring a cooler. That’s what I would choose... to stock my freezer with PH ice cream.
ReplyDeleteWonderful map, Carol, brings you right back to 72 r Bonaparte.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but I really miss Monoprix. There's always something good there. My friend didn't come visit for Christmas, of course, but I told him he needed to not miss another or I will be out of my Biorene hair creme he brings me. He brought quite a stash last time so I'm good for now! But yes, the things you find at Monoprix!
ReplyDeleteGreat painting idea Carol! I’ve never been to P.H so thanks for the detailed description. I agree the Jura chips are tasty, I’ve found them at a French stall at our local markets before. That cat video is very entertaining too! Have a good weekend :)
ReplyDeletewonderful post
ReplyDeletekeep postings like this
i think for more information you should go to Yahoo Bellen