Have you ever been to Fauchon in Paris? The first time I went to Fauchon’s was over twenty years ago. At that time it was the fore runner of designer grocery shopping. Where the salesclerks wore white gloves. Where if you weren’t carrying a "Kelly bag" and wearing an Hermes scarf you felt out of place. At Fauchon’s you could order any type of food, from anywhere in the world, and it would be yours, in a black and white Fauchon sack, in less than 24 hours.
Fauchon use to have a trademark style about it. An elaborate, chic, country flare style. Where antique wooden tables held edibles that were lavishly stylized. Such as eggs balancing a mile high, or exotic fruit pouring out of a cornucopia, with its perfumed air tempting you. Or expensive delicacies that made your eyes pop out of your head from curiosity. You couldn’t touch anything. A salesclerk would take your order. He would wrap carefully each item in tissue paper, as if it were the queen’s jewels. Though most customers sent a list and had it delivered.
But times have changed… Fauchon is as chic as ever before, but with a more welcoming twist to it. Where tourists can walk-in, and eat sushi, as if it were a baguette with Camembert at the local bar. The interior has been renovated into a sleek, contemporary haven…where you can buy designer, ready-to-eat, on-the-spot, go-go-food.
At first I thought Fauchon had lost it’s soul…it’s personality, until…
When we were in Paris last week, Chelsea and Sacha took a peek into Fauchon. I noticed the two of them starring at a bushel of apples. As if the apples were golden and not as in Delicious, but rather real gold?!
Fauchon’s apples stole their heart. They stood gawking at them. I thought to myself, "Am I missing something? Apples? What gives? I mean here we are in Paris, at Fauchon, and I thought their taste buds would burn for a petite four or something exotic, like I don’t know what, but never did I think they would swoon over apples?"
"Honestly God, is my child starring at the basket of Fauchon’s apples?" I asked myself.
I was certain I was going to drool a puddle of embarrassment if he continued to stare at them. So I tapped on the window and shook my head like only a Mother could do, and raised my hand, like Hello? Apples!
Sacha later told me the apples were each stamped with an intricate golden seal that said, "Fauchon." "They looked so cool!" He beamed.
Oh la la Fauchon is still at it, it can take a simple apple and make us think we are Eve in the Garden of Eden. Tempting us mortals into thinking it is heavenly!
Photos: Taken on the outside of Fauchon’s looking in at Chelsea and Sacha.
Note: I thought about asking the driver if I could borrow his truck and do a little antiquing while in Paris.
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