On must be grateful for small favors.
Is it serendipity? This Monday French Google spelt out it's logo using much-loved French cartoon character, 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 girl’s magazine. I immediately thought of crêpes Suzette since it was Chandeleur. But no relationship.
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.
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 crêpes Bretonne. Crêperies 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 readymade crepes on the counter. My crepe jambon was disappointing. All minced up pieces.
The happy crêpe maker was right in the window, making each crêpe to order. No stack of readymade !
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!
