Savory or Sweet, It Mattereth Not

I have crêpes on my mind. Savory, or sweet, they are a taste treat.

The paper-thin pancake originated in Brittany, the northwest region of France. Originally used as a bread staple, crêpes were generally made with buckwheat flour.

Beginning in the early 1900's, crêpes were paired with fillings, both savory and sweet, and the simple staple became a delicious delicacy. From humble regional origins, its popularity quickly spread throughout Europe and beyond.

From the food cart outside the Musée d'Orsay to the popular La Crêperie Café on 2nd Street in Long Beach, it's hard not to love'em.

Quote to Note: Cooking vs. Eating

I love Julia Child. Great chef AND keeps you laughing.

"I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate."

Amen sister.

Happy Valentine's Day

and, Why do We Celebrate Valentine's Day?

Good question.

The holiday was established by Pope Gelasius in 496 AD and named after Christian marty Valentine. Thus, St. Valentine's Day.

If we were to get into the details, then it should be St. Valentines' Day (note the change in punctuation?) because there was more than one Christian martyr named Valentine.

Valentine lore has it that the first Valentine's Day Card was sent in 1415 from France's Duke of Orleans to his wife when he was a prisoner in London Tower.

One more fun fact: about 8 billion candy hearts with fun lovey-dovey sayings were made in 2009. Yum!

Foodie Thought

I do love looking up at the stars, but I must say, "amen" to this one -

"The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a new star."

- Anthelme-Brillat Savarin

French Gourmet (1825)

National Fettuccine Alfredo Day

The story goes that restaurateur Alfredo Di Lelio developed the deliciously butter- and Parmigiano-Reggiano-heavy recipe in an attempt to bring back his pregnant wife's lost appetite.

It worked. The dish was promptly added to Alfredo's menu.

About a decade later, two famous honeymooners, Mary Pickford and Douglad Fairbanks, happened upon the new pasta dish.

They loved it. The two lovebirds served their new found favorite to other celebrity-types upon their return to Hollywood, and it quickly gained in popularity.

And the rest is history.

Foodie Thought

A foodie thought to consider when baking valentine's cookies this month-

"Everyone is kneaded out of the same dough but not baked in the same oven."

- A Yiddish Proverb

It's Raining, But Not As Much As It Could

It's raining today.

Did you know that Cherrapunji, India claims the title of wettest place on earth? Average annual rainfall of 498 inches per year.

Wow.

Apparently Julia Roberts filmed a portion of her new movie, "Eat, Pray, Love" there ---- and the cuisine may be featured in the movie!

I hope so. Indian cuisine is delectable.

Valentine's Day -- Do You Have A Plan?

Valentine's Day --- it's right around the corner folks.

In fact, it's next weekend. You heard me. NEXT WEEKEND.

If you are in need of a fabulous, wow'em, romantic solution, I've got it for you.

An intimate, made-just-for-you, dinner for two.

And (this is the kicker), you don't have to make it yourself.

I will.

Send me a note - FAST, before I get snagged away - and I will personally craft and create a sumptuous dinner for you and your Valentine.

The link below will launch you to my website and where to contact me.

And, for those of you not yet subscribed to my newsletter, change your ways! Subscribe and receive delicious discounts, notices on up-coming events, and, as always, fun foodie news. www.luciaandcompany.com