There is no such thing as a simple coffee… I don’t mean the ‘LA Story’ half-double-decaffeinated -half-caf-with-a-twist-of-lemon kind of coffee… I mean the very popular le cafe gourmand that is served in many restaurants in Provence. Le cafe gourmand is usually an espresso served with bite size tastes of deliciousness… not the full desert, but a small selection of all that is mouth watering and good. Generally the espresso is served cup only, without the saucer, on a larger serving plate… surrounded by this selection of sweet temptations…
What could you expect to accompany your coffee? A baby apple crumble, a mini chocolate pudding or a creamy and crunchy crème brûlée… perhaps a tiny sip of strawberry soup or a raspberry macaron… very often there will be an ice cold scoop of sorbet or a petite madeleine, just baked and out of the oven. Just a mouthful… just a soupçon to satisfy that sweet craving that inevitably follows a satisfying meal… Le cafe gourmand is a different way of serving les petits fours… another course, rather than a shared bite at the end of the meal.
My summer version of le cafe gourmand is simple. With the coffee, I serve scoops of sorbet… two in a small glass (sometimes I use an old style wide-rimmed champagne glass for height)… mixing the flavours and the colours… On each plate I add a couple of raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, a fresh fig from the garden and a slice of nougat… Very easy and very pretty… If I had more time I would make a tiny pot of crème brûlée for each person… that would be just about perfect… Nigella Lawson’s recipe for crème brûlée is a favourite… here…
Why have a simple coffee when you can have le cafe gourmand… Right?… xv
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Yum. Nigella is a favorite. I’m heading in for a snack now…
Love these!!! I like the idea of playing with the flavors of coffee… Definitely worth trying…
As you know, I am not a big sweets person but seriously, who on earth can resist a café gourmand? It is just the right dose of “done”.
Bisous et bon weekend!
You know, this is totally NEW to me Vicki. I never ever saw this while living in Provence! I was too busy eating the bread!!!! This is not only delicious looking but yes, SO BEAUTIFUL! But of course, leave it to the French to want to present food in a beautiful way!
You have inspired me yet again! Anita
One word……yum! I love coffee and lordy knows I love my sweets:)
My bags are packed. I love coffee, but only great French, Italian or Spanish coffee, and now there’s proof that coffee is good for you. Have a wonderful week-end. Mary
I couldn’t agree more. A wonderful way to finish a meal. Have a lovely weekend. Jx
This post just has me craving ice coffee right now! This all sounds divine! Thanks for sharing these ideas and recipes! Have a great weekend!
There is a wonderful totally French restaurant down the street for our home, it’s small, packed to the ceiling with goodies and with diners. It is a true French experience to be there. And, yes, totally agree with you about the cafe gourmand. Sending love, cookie…
Lovely idea and a nice change from serving a massive dessert to everyone after dinner!
Sounds just perfect to moi!
I love the idea of just a little bite of something sweet at the end of the meal and wish more restaurants here would adopt le café gourmand. You way of doing it sounds colorful and deliciously simple.
Have a sweet weekend! XO
What a grand idea + on my list “to do”. Thanks xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
I certainly have enjoyed my “cafes gourmands” when I went home in June. I love how creative some restaurateurs have become. This is a far cry from the express-served-with-a-square-of-dark-chocolate we used to enjoy in France years ago. Your home-made version is a bit healthier than some of the ones I got to sample. There would be three or four different “mini desserts” surrounding the espresso cup at times, but they were so generously sized it difficult to finish everything (I did not…) Still, a creative way of ending the meal, certainly. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
That sounds deeee-lish! A great way to end a summer day. Thanks for the idea!
A wonderful idea for a dessert, delicious and varied. I have to try it when I have guests the next time! Do You make the sorbet yourself?
No, not often… because there is a shop in my nearby village that makes it much better than I ever could…
xv
A little bite with espresso is perfect! I like the idea of sorbet.. not to rich in the calorie department, yet satisfying and refreshing. Heading over to Nigella to check out her recipe
How lovely and guests appreciate that it is a small little taste so one doesn’t feel guilty. European sorbets are so satisfying, even in little scoops. I love your dessert idea. Since I have a tin of star anise I’ll take your idea but instead of a berry, add one star to the top of the little scoop.
I’m going to avoid Nigella for now. I have two of her books, you must read her just for the pleasure, even if you don’t make anything. She’s a food word genius, her writing style as vivid as her beauty.
I love this gorgeous image Vicki, your description has made me hungry and it’s only breakfast here! It’s been such a week that I’m thinking I may have to end it by making a meditative creme brulee–thank you for the recipe link, I love Nigella!
xo Mary Jo
Le cafe gourmand, sounds delectable.
Sorbet, nougat and coffee all in one sitting.
Sign me up please.
After 10 years of annual visits to Provence, I had my first cafe gourmand this summer…it will not be my last! My favorite way to have it is for the afternoon gouter…just the right amount of everything to hold you over until dinner at 8. Loved the sweet little pots, a different one for each taste…hope this catches on in NYC….
This is just what I have been doing this summer in France, so glad that I’m in your good company
Just a little sorbet in a glass….so much more refreshing than my usual choice of ice cream and maybe a little fruit….with coffee….perfection
Xx
We were tempted a few times during our last holiday, husband in particular, he just loved Cafe Gourmand and enjoyed trying it at a variety of restos/bistrots to savour the differences.
But my favourite coffee/dessert combo is affogato, very simple, just hot coffee poured over vanilla icecream. But only worthwhile if the icecream is the finest and made with good quality vanilla beans and the espresso shot also must be the absolute best and full flavoured. It’s wonderful in Italy of course and even can be good here in Australia, but we did find a couple of places that made it well on the Cote d’Azur, especially the hotel we stayed in while in Antibes which made fabulous coffee with a great Italian machine. The barista was Italian and he had also lived and worked as a barista in Sydney. Best wishes, Pamela
I’m loving your blog, Vicki! The French’s Le Cafe Gourmand, which I’ve never heard of before puts our Starbucks to shame. They should think about opening up some French themed Starbucks! What would they call them?
Le vrai gourmand! xv