Sunday, October 20, 2013

Classic Cars and Pastries

After a leisurely brunch with friends who have 3 young children, it was time for a stroll to regain a sense of peace and quiet. There was a cystic fibrosis fundraising event in the park with raffles, archery, kite flying, and antique cars.
The Austin Healeys were as appealing to me as the Detroit muscle cars were to the French. There was a Rolls Royce, a Ferrari, and a Porsche but coming from Los Angeles, all of those cars were "normale".
For me, the Citroen 2CV was the car I found the most rare, but the French locals all ogled the Mustang and the Dodge on display. I imagined Inspector Closeau in the 2CV and they imagined Steve McQueen in the Mustang :) Perspective of what is considered rare depends on which side of the Atlantic you've spent the majority of your time.
The Paris Brest and éclair are two of the most classic pastries, and the children's dessert.
The Paris Brest is named after the cycling circuit (it is shaped like a wheel).
The adults all shared the 8" wild red berry and pistachio tart garnished with star fruit from La Gerbe d'Or for 18 (about $25 USD) It was as delicious as it looks; a tart berry topping over a smooth pistachio pastry cream, and a shortbread crust that was perfectly crumbly yet held together enough to eat without falling apart.
Even though it rained on and off all day, the treats of spending time with people you like, while strolling among classic cars, and eating works of art that taste as good as they look, are the pleasures that make life worthwhile:)

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