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APRIL 19 2022
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THE FRENCH
CONNECTION
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I'm looking forward to May, which is always a special month for me. Spring, hopefully by then, will be in full swing. Typically (well, pre-COVID) I would be away on a culinary tour in Europe.
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For over a decade, each year at this time I have looked forward to travelling to Italy or France. And although next month’s trip has been postponed, I’ll be Europe-bound in September. Like many people, I am so excited to eventually be travelling again.
If you’d like to consider joining me in Tuscany this fall, or on one of the tours to Portugal, Ireland, or France next year, check out the information through Taste of Europe Tours.
As my mind wanders to France, this spring we are bringing a bit of France your way.
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Staub is one of our coveted brands that we think every serious cook should have in their kitchen. The company was founded in the Alsace region of France in 1974.
I love the versatility of their enamel-covered cast-iron pieces. You can start preparing a meal on the stovetop, transfer to the oven, and then bring it straight to the table.
We have a great offer of a beautiful 3.5-quart “Lily” cocotte, which includes a special matching trivet. The regular price is $530.00–$550.00 and as a Mother's Day special, it is $389.99 from April 19th through May 14th (or while supplies last).
We love this vessel to make soups, chowders, risottos and stews. It's a particularly beautiful piece to bring to the table with its handy trivet. Our featured spring risotto recipe, below, works beautifully in it.
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Also from France is the timeless La Rochère Bee glassware.
This company has been producing artisanal glass in the heart of France for more than 500 years, making it the oldest continuously running glass factory in Europe. Their products are durable and both dishwasher & microwave safe.
The small tumblers are ideal for beverages and desserts, as seen in our featured strawberry-rhubarb trifle recipe from chef Ran below. We also have their adorable egg cups, butter dishes and pitchers.
Another Mother's Day feature this year is a gift ensemble of French products packed up in a French market basket. It features a selection of our favourite French olive oil, vinegar, olives, mustard and the exquisite fleur de sel with herbes de provence. We have even included a Françoise Paviot napkin and olive oil soap. $149.00 plus tax, while supplies last.
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The outdoor farmers' markets are in full swing and there is no better way to head to the market than with these stylish bags.
Speaking of the market, our featured salad recipe is a delicious spring spinach salad with chicken, dressed in a vinaigrette made with L’olivier mango vinegar.
Lastly, today we started the new season of our in-person cooking classes after a two year hiatus. With Mother's Day approaching, our classes make an excellent gift for the foodie in your life.
Here’s to spring and all the moms out there.
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RECIPES
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WILD MUSHROOM RISOTTO
WITH PEAS & TRUFFLE OIL
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Comforting risotto gets a spring lift with bright green peas, specialty mushrooms and fresh sprouts. A drizzle of truffle oil elevates this to special occasion status.
A great dish to make in the Staub Lily Cocotte and bring straight to the table for service on its elegant matching trivet.
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SPINACH AND CHICKEN SALAD
WITH MANGO-GINGER VINAIGRETTE
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This salad celebrates spinach, one of the first local greens of the season. Moist roast chicken and a tropical mango vinaigrette makes this a perfect main course salad.
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STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB TRIFLE
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Tangy local rhubarb and strawberries nestled between a layer of creamy custard make this a unique spring trifle. Served here in timeless La Rochère Bee tumblers.
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FRANCE COMES TO YOU: THE FRENCH CONNECTION
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EMILE HENRY
PIE DISHES
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A perfect homemade pie needs to be cooked slowly and evenly without drying out. With Emile Henry pie dishes you can serve them directly on the table, still warm, without turning out.
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COTE D'AZUR FLEUR DE SEL
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Delicate, moist and crunchy—Fleur de Sel is known as “the caviar of salts” for a reason.
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FLEUR DE SEL WITH HERBES DE PROVENCE
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This aromatic salt is ideal for chicken, fish, stews and sauces
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A L'OLIVIER
RASPBERRY VINEGAR
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An ideal way to deglaze foie gras, duck breasts, and veal or chicken liver. Or blend with our hazelnut oil to liven up an autumnal chicory, gizzard confit, cherry tomato and toasted pine nut salad.
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A L'OLIVIER
MANGO VINEGAR
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This mango-infused vinegar is a perfect accompaniment for duck breast or caramelized pork. It's also a great way to liven up mango-based desserts.
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NICOLAS ALZIARI EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
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Connoisseurs of fine Extra Virgin olive oil praise this one for its lush body and delicate nutty flavour. Crafted at Moulin Alziari, a historic mill in Nice, France, where artisans use ancestral techniques.
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BARRAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
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Made from ripe olives from Provence, the region between the French and Italian Riviera, this olive oil has all the gentleness and finesse that characterize olive oils of the region. You'll find a subtle fruitiness to it, with fresh herbal notes and low acidity.
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UNE OLIVE EN PROVENCE SOAP
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For generations, this has been the most traditional style of soap. Thanks to the olive tree, this deliciously scented. olive oil soap provides nourishment and protection to your skin and helps prevent dehydration.
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UNE OLIVE EN PROVENCE LIQUID SOAP
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This delicately scented liquid soap is subtle and environmentally-friendly. It is gentle, soothing, and moisturizing. It does not dry out the hands nor is it aggressive to the epidermis.
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SPRING/SUMMER
IN-PERSON CLASSES
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
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Our new and long awaited in-store and virtual class season starts today and continues through July. Tickets are still available for several upcoming classes, including events with Emily Richards, Chris Squire, Yoda Olinyk and more!
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Curbside pick-up remains available during store hours.
Delivery orders in by 2 p.m. will be delivered the next day.
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Convenient curbside pick-up spots are on Talbot Street, between King and York, with well-marked signage.
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STORE HOURS
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Monday–Friday 10–5
Saturday 9–5
Sunday CLOSED
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CORE AREA FREE PARKING
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We're pleased to remind everyone that downtown London's free parking promotion continues. Vehicles are entitled to two hours of free parking, per day.
Motorists wishing to take advantage of this opportunity can use the HonkMobile app to access parking from their phone, tablet or computer. Use promo code CORE.
As an alternative to using the HonkMobile app, contact Parking Services at 519-661-4537 to provide your license plate number and the zone ID for the desired parking location.
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USE PROMO CODE 'CORE'
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