by J.T. Waite
Published: February 27, 2008
Good Enough To Eat… Almost
Truly Scrumptious is the tongue-in-cheek name of the deliciously proper heroine of Ian Fleming’s childhood classic, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” And truly scrumptious is the best description I can think of for Le Patissier, a truly unique linen collection, which markets quality towel sets wrapped to look like – of all things – elegant French pastries. That’s right, pastries. Sound intriguing? The Le Patissier collection is. And truly scrumptious!
When I first encountered the Le Patissier collection at the Javitts Center in New York City, I wondered what a French Confectioner was doing in the middle of a Gift Fair. It had been a long day. I was tired and hungry. And suddenly here was an oasis of delicious desserts in the middle of the crowded Convention Center. Now, I freely admit to having a prodigious sweet tooth, but had my blood sugar dropped to the point where I was hallucinating glass display cases lined with rows of delicious pastries?
I approached cautiously, fearing that the booth might be a sugar-deprived mirage. But no. The display cases were real. The shelves laden with layer cakes, milk shakes, and creamy desserts were real. Even the desserts themselves were real. But – to my delight and amazement – they weren’t desserts at all. They were towels! Mouthwatering towels!
The Le Patissier collection is quite simple. Sets of small 100% cotton towels and wash cloths in warm shades of cream, brown and pink. Lovely gifts for a housewarming or for any hostess. But what makes these simple sets of towels different from anything I’ve seen before is their unique presentation and packaging. Each individual set is cleverly folded and wrapped to look exactly like a tempting slice of cake, a tasty parfait, a yummy frosted muffin or an entire mouthwatering birthday cake. A kind of delectable cloth origami. Once you set eyes on these sweet trompe l’oeil treats you’ll want to taste them!
I know that mouthwatering is a much overused adjective, and one that is not usually associated with towels, but it is really the only word I can use to describe the linen confections offered by the ingenious people at Le Patissier. Ask the chef at any good restaurant and he or she will tell you that presentation is as important as the meal itself. Le Patissier has taken this advice to heart and it is the delightful presentation of this unique linen collection that makes it so enticing. Who can resist the temptation of cup cakes, milkshakes, parfaits & mousses, muffins and layer cakes… but with no guilt and no calories! Who can resist the temptation of cup cakes, milkshakes, parfaits & mousses, muffins and layer cakes… but with no guilt and no calories!
For a simple gift that will be appreciated and talked about long after the occasion has passed, these tasty towels from Le Patissier are the pièce de résistance!
SHOP LE PATISSIER'S PASTRY TOWELS: STRAWBERRY CAKE, CHOCOLATE CAKE AND MORE!