|
|
|
|
Hello my Kindred Spirits, or should I say Chers Amis.
This is my first newsletter since arriving home from three months in Paris.
How are you feeling?
I am emotional. It is that time of year. Endings and new beginnings. My maman is visiting from Perth. My father recently turned 90. Sienna starts school in February.
We picked up her prep uniform yesterday. Hard to believe that she was just one year old when we started; barely able to say 'flavour'. Now she tidies the boxes on the supermarket shelves (voluntarily of course)...
|
 |
|
|
Sourjourn in Paris
|
|
|
So how was Paris you ask? Well, let me tell you about a typical day…
Sienna, Matthias and I would wake up and stroll to the Mondrian café for tartine (baguette with jam) and tea then back to our apartment in the sunshine past the antique and print shops and boulangeries (cake and bread shops) of the 6th arrondissment.
Matthias would take the metro (subway) to drop Sienna at Ecole St Victor, on his way to French classes while I spent time at my little desk in our apartment planning the European launch.
Depending on the day, I would then explore the wonderful world of French tea; Damman Frères, Palais des Thes, La Grande Epicerie at Le Bon Marche; stopping for lunch – a heavier meal, like our dinner – maybe Magret de Canard or a or even a steak tartare (yes, raw mince but beautiful quality and with fresh herbs and salad, delicious).
The French love flavoured black and green loose leaf teas. Elegant stores displayed canisters of heavily scented exotic flavours such as rhubarb, violet and vanilla.
In Germany, I found more unusual herbal and green based blends; with chunks of sugar; chocolate and even bamboo.
With many, their taste did not live up to the promise. There are a few classics though such as Mariage Frères Casablanca; a blend of black and gunpowder green tea with mint and bergamot which is timeless. And beautifully packaged.
The first week of October was our foray into international trade at Cologne's Anuga Trade Fair.
Our stand was pink in a sea of corporate navy. A Dali-esque door without walls invited guests, and they flocked to find out about this intriguing Madame Flavour. I loved being amongst people from all over the world, taking tea with guests from Mongolia to Costa Rica.
In my next letter; I'm hoping to let you know of new customers in Norway, U.S, Russia, Mexico and long awaited.. New Zealand.
|
|
|
|
Marvellous Mint Lavender Tisane
|
|
|
Last letter I called for volunteers to taste Mint Lavender Tisane, my party season digestion aid. This blend has been perhaps the most challenging in trying to find that perfect and ideally local peppermint.
Thank-you to my tea tasting panel. I felt that a little more lavender may be called for, and you did agree, so you may notice a hint more in the coming months (it is a delicate balance).
|
|
|
What's new
|
|
Have you spotted them in your local supermarket? We have been playing that game on Facebook.
My two beautiful new arrivals, Madame's Special Blend and Grey de Luxe are now in limited edition keepsake tins. Gorgeous in your kitchen and they keep precious pods fresh for longer.
Dash to Woolies or your local independent (in a ladylike fashion) for a short time only, at no extra cost. I hear they have been snapped up for Kris Kringle's around the country. More to come for Mother's Day so collect the set.
|
 |
|
|
December Competition
|
|
Share whether you've been naughty or nice..
I've been thinking about how important it is to nurture ourselves; actually, I've been thinking that I could really do with some nurturing myself.
One way to slow down is with craft; creating beautiful handmade things feels good. Sienna and I have been making Christmas cards and I love the luxury of making time to do something that has no driving need.
In this spirit, I have a copy of Pip Lincolne's new book of sweet and whimsical projects Make Hey While the Sun Shines to give away.
To enter, share with me on my Facebook wall a story about you being naughty or nice in 2011. If you prefer, email me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Entries close 15th January 2012.
|
|
|
|
New stockists
|
|
Welcome to the following fabulous Madame Flavour preferred stockists:
-
Mars Hill Café, Parramatta, NSW
-
Drakes, Samford, Qld
-
De Ja Vu, Mooloolaba, Qld
-
Supa IGA, McDowell; Qld
-
Foodland, Walkley Heights, SA
-
Foodland, Newton, SA
-
Emaroo Cottage, Cooltong; SA
-
Stuzzichin Coffee on Jacob; Evanston Park, SA
-
Brother Alec, Thornbury; Vic
-
Mrs Smith's Hotel, Kyneton; Vic
-
QPO Café Bar Restaurant, Carlton; Vic
-
Moos at Meeniyan, Meeniyan, Vic
-
La Delizious Gourmet Deli; Balwyn East; Vic
-
Kailis Bros, Perth, WA
|
|
|
Special Offer
|
|
Continuing the tin theme...
Madame Flavour is available on our web boutique in pouches of 100 for $25 each. Until the end of December, you will receive, when you purchase a 100 pod pouch; an elegant storage tin at no extra cost (usually $35.00).
Click here to go to the Boutique
|
 |
|
|
Talk to me
|
|
I so enjoy hearing from you; and look forward to stories over the coming weeks of your holiday exploits, family fun and tea finds and experiences.
Click on these icons to see my Facebook and Twitter pages.
|
|
|
|
Thank you for your support in 2011. It truly lifts all six of us at Madame Flavour.
Enjoy this time with your loved ones, give yourself plenty of nurturing, and dream of what is next for you. At our MF Christmas lunch today, we talked about who had been naughty and who had been nice..maybe a little more naughtiness in 2012?
Yours Truly,
|
|
Madame Flavour
P.O Box 4067,
Black Rock North 3193,
Vic, Australia
Phone: 1800 780 109
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
 |
|
