Consider the aubergine

[amateur51]

... if Ammy will forgive the pedantry of someone who quite likes cakes (but isn't really turned on by bicyclists... ) - I think this particular pâtisserie was invented in honour of the bicycle race from Paris to Brest, rather than from Paris to [Bourg-en-] Bresse

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris–Brest

Thanks for that, vints - I just point & pay & scoff!

[Nick Armstrong]

... if Ammy will forgive the pedantry of someone who quite likes cakes (but isn't really turned on by bicyclists... ) - I think this particular pâtisserie was invented in honour of the bicycle race from Paris to Brest, rather than from Paris to [Bourg-en-] Bresse

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris–Brest

Classic vino nobile

You do keep us honest and no mistake.

As one who is into bikes and cakes and who has certain French antecedants and connections, I'm not sure whether to announce with shame or relief that I'd never heard of a Paris-Brest !! Probably relief, for the sake of the metaphorical lycra so dear to Ammy



As this time tomorrow I shall be in deepest Brittany, I intend to hasten to the nearest open patisserie and command them to furnish me with a Paris-Brest

[vinteuil]

As this time tomorrow I shall be in deepest Brittany ...

lucky, lucky you...


If you're anywhere near Vannes - one of the best meals I've had this last twelve months was at the Roscanvec, 17 rue des Halles - I think it deserves at least a rosette [macaron] - but Michelin only accord it one measly crossed-knife-and-fork. Much recommended...

https://www.roscanvec.com

[Nick Armstrong]

Merci Monsieur Vinteuil... I suspect not Vannes this time but good knowledge to file away there

[umslopogaas]

"Didnt the Native Americans in John Barth's 'The Sot Weed Factor' have an aubergine dish which they used as an aphrodisiac or Viagra equivalent?"

Byas'd Opinion (post 24) Tee Hee! Sort of, but not quite. The 'Sot Weed Factor' is a rather salacious and very funny romp. One of the main characters is seriously underendowed in the intimate department, and the labyrinthine plot revolves around his search for a secret recipe which involves putting a large aubergine to a most unusual use. It is an absolute hoot and much to be recommended. It was first published in 1961, mine is a Panther paperback from 1965. I doubt its still in print, but well worth seeking out. Along the way, Barth gleefully subverts the legend of Pocahontas in a most scurrilous manner. Great stuff. (A sot weed factor, by the way, is the manager of an eighteenth century American tobacco plantation).

[Byas'd Opinion]

Thanks for clarifying that. It's years since I've read it and couldn't remember the exact details, beyond the fact that it involved fruity goings-on with an aubergine.

[amateur51]

Fabiola, young Caliban! - enjoy your lycra-busting hols!