stopped me in my tracks!

(so the last pig post was a little disturbing so i wanted to lighten things up a little with this stunner of a package…)

in chicago we have a relatively new food market called plum.  they are like whole foods in their more natural food but they also have a pretty broad selection of international brands and products…and a cheese selection that can bring a cheese lover to their knees!

while shopping for a variety of cheeses for the annual christmas tree party, a package on a shelf near the end cap caught my eye.

it was true love at first sight.

i couldn’t take my eyes off of it.

it exuded a sense of quality through its branding and old school, almost vintage material and design.

i had to have it.

did i know what the product actually was?  i kinda read the label but i did not care and it did not matter what it said.  probably strawberry related and who does not like strawberries?

then i looked at the price.  this led me to re-read the product description because i assumed it is a strawberry related product due to the package but there must be more in there at this price point.  are they diamond encrusted strawberry fruits in syrup?  a caviar and strawberry fruit and syrup mixture?  alas, it was just 21 ounces of fabbri strawberry fruit and syrup.  but for true love there was no dissuading me from my purchase.

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chicago, 12.2013

beautiful right?  i will let you take a moment to fully grasp the beauty of this package.  i do hope that the density and quality of the material is coming through in the photo (otherwise i might sound a little more off than usual).

i still have yet to try it.  i am not sure what i am saving it for exactly but i am optimistic that it will be the best “strawberries in heavy syrup” that i have ever consumed!

it is not often that a package will stop me in my tracks.  but when it does, the wonderment around the power of a successful package just makes me smile!

curious as to the price?  i could just tell you but think it might be more fun if you try guessing in the comment box below (and no cheating!)…

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oui s’il vous plaît

picture it.rainy day in paris and you stop into a cute little cafe to have a bit of a nosh with some heart healthy wine.

you settle into your chair and start perusing the menu and see this as an option….

IMG_2540paris 5.2012

i must say it wasn’t quite what i was expecting.  oddly, this was the only item on the menu that brought the core ingredient back to its roots.

beyond their choice to include a LIVE pig, i found their actual choice of pig visual a bit disturbing.  sort of glad there is no eye contact but he looks as if he is asking for you to please not order the grilled pork through his prison bars.

i obliged.  the steak was delicious.