If you expect me to unveil the location of a recently discovered sculpture by Rodin or the definitive connection between red wine consumption and heart health, you'll be disappointed, but only briefly.
I've got something better. C'est vrai. I offer you le café gourmand, a coffee/dessert combination favored by even the most waist-conscious Parisiennes. Here's the blueprint: a cup of espresso plus a trio or quartet of teeny-tiny desserts—mere tastes.
The petite size of the desserts wipes out the guilt factor and minimizes risk. If you dislike the morsel of cake, there's a mini-macaron to sample—and a Lilliputian scoop of ice cream and/or a dollop of mousse au chocolat.
I first learned about le cafe gourmand via STUFF PARISIANS LIKE, a tongue-in-cheek book by sommelier-turned-wine-expert/entrepreneur Olivier Magny. Here's how Magny describes the after-dinner treat: "The trick of le café gourmand is that though it is minimum sin, it is maximum indulgence. You have it all. Coffee and dessert. And multiple desserts to top it off. Restaurateurs with le café gourmand become the Parisian’s partners in crime: flattering his social sense of guilt, while stroking discretely his shameful gourmandise."
The dessert is perfect for sharing, and I sampled it time and time again. My daughters, however, are its true connoisseurs.
Isn't it time the U.S. joined the movement? I've heard of dessert shooters—desserts in shot glasses, but where's the coffee? Allons, enfants, let's make le café gourmand popular here, too.
Tell, me, what's your favorite full-sized dessert. Could you be happy with just a bite or two? Does the prospect of sampling three or four favorites fill you with guilt or joy?
17 comments:
Cafe gourmand? Oui, oui, oui!
What a perfect end to a meal, Pat! I never order dessert because I only want a bite or two and a full size is way too much for my conscience and my waistline. I'll be sure to order le café gourmand on my next visit to Paris!
This looks heavenly! I didn't see this when I went to France in the eighties, but I'm looking so forward to it when we go this summer! As you can guess, being able to take tiny samples of several desserts is wonderful! My favorite is probably cheesecake, but so often the portions are way too big. And the few places I've seen that have the shooters, you only get one - it's just an option to get dessert in a more sane portion size. And they're usually not enough. The cafe gourmand would be the perfect solution!
I think I could take on that entire picture, stuff my gullet in about 30 seconds and look around for more, LOL!
Actually, le cafe gourmand sounds perfect--as my Dad says "a little change of flavor." How I wish I had the self discipline. I'm afraid I'd be signalling to the very shocked Parisian waiter about 5 more times. At least. ;)
My favorite dessert is Tres Leches at Amazon Grill (also at Americas and Churrascos.) I can't imagine a microscopic bite of that...
Arose, your comment is perfect. Oui, indeed.
You won't be disappointed, Lark. Warning: since very restaurant puts its own stamp on the dessert, so you may be tempted to try it more than once.
Your chance to try Cafe Gourmand is coming up fast, Jennette. You'll enjoy it!
Oh wow, this looks delicious and it sounds perfect! I wish we would go for the small samplings here instead of the huge mounds of dessert they serve you at places. A bite or two is all I need to satisfy the craving:) I'm going to get my daughter working on such a sampling.
I'm a Tres Leches fan, too Sarah. The definitive version, the one I measure all others against, was baked by one of my former students (I'm looking as you, Esmeralda) for a graduation party. Now I'm eager to try the version at Amazon Grill.
As for you signalling the waiter for seconds on Cafe Gourmand. It's never incorrect to indicate that your husband is very, very hungry.
Kara wrote:
"I'm going to get my daughter working on such a sampling."
Great idea, Kara! Take photos, s'il vous plait, and give us a full report.
I love the idea of getting a taste of a bunch of different dessert. It's like a portion controlled buffet. That said, once I tasted a dessert that I loved, I'd probably want more. I have one active sweet tooth :)
Favorite dessert? Impossible. There are just too many to name here. In fact, I could live on desserts, Pat, but I don't ... just saying. :) Therefore, coffee and multiple desserts at one time would be perfect for me. Is there a place we can go vote to get the ball rolling?!
Hi, Marcy,
The portion-control part of Cafe Gourmand is a plus. Yes, it's an indulgence, but it comes with boundaries.
Although I wrote about dessert, I'm trying to cut back my on sugar intake. The more I cut, the less my sweet tooth demands. Baby steps--and baby portions.
I admire your willpower, Sheila.
A dessert polling place? Bonne idee!
That sounds so delicious! I'm surprised Starbucks hasn't jumped on it yet. My favorite full size dessert is a banana split, but I seldom eat them anymore. Back when I was skinny Lynnie, I could eat a pound of chocolate and not gain any weight, but the past 7 years have changed all that. I'd definitely try this coffee/dessert and hope I could stop at just one!
I love the idea of mini dessert samplings, Pat. The French do know how to eat! My favorite dessert is creme brulee and yes, I could be happy with a couple of bites. I think sampling is a great idea -- the best of both worlds. So glad you had such a wonderful trip. Lots of great memories to take out and savor.
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