New Le Creuset Range. And Babette update

Le Creuset have been beavering away at the drawing board again and have come up with some new products and a couple of new colours. They have created a “One Off” range in their very robust stoneware and called it Botanique. If you’re not a French Scholar, then let me tell how to pronounce it. Pretend it’s spelt “Botanic” and you won’t be far off, I think. How the French could possibly mistake ‘ique’ for ‘ic’ is a mystery that probably died with the poor unfortunate who first pronounced it this way, Twas probably he, who on reading ‘Quelle Horreur’ (‘OMG that’s terrible’) pronounced it “Kel Orerr”... a no hoper clearly. That he (had to be a “he” didn’t it?) had such a lasting influence on the French language is, I suppose, just one of life’s tragedies. I might further fantasise his name was Louis Something or other, and that he held disproportionately large sway in French Society. If I’d been them, and someone had come along insisting that I pronounced it thus, I’d have got rid of him…

Thank goodness the English language has none of these illogicalities… 

Anyway, back to the new Le Creuset ‘Botanique’ range it has an oddly autumnal look (for a Spring collection) employing as it does, four rather end of year colours, Fig, Nectar, Deep Teal, and Artichaut. And I bet you are wondering how on earth to pronounce the last one aren’t you? Well if you are English, don’t try, I’ve tried, and came up with ‘Artishow’, but I’m not sure I’m right. So anyhow, it means Artichoke and it’s Green, so stick to one of these two monikers, and you won’t go far wrong.

Ok having thoroughly indulged and enjoyed myself with my school boy humour, I think I shall now be good, and tell you exactly what I think of the new range. So, yes it is called Botanique and comprises sets of four colours of:

1. Mugs (in three sizes)
2. Bowls (in two sizes)
3. Spoons, (odd thing to do?)
4. Side Plates 17cm
5. Egg Cups,Ramekins (mini)
6. Mini Casseroles

The Mugs come in sets of 4 (one of each colour, as do all the other pieces) in Le Creuset’s three sizes, Espresso 100ml, Cappuccino 200ml, and the standard Mug 350ml. We have these (350ml size) at home and at work and I just love them, they just ooze quality and the glaze and colours are wonderful. Note, however, that being stoneware (very strong, robust and chip resistant) the lip is thicker than say, fine bone china, so if you are a die in the wool bone china tea drinker, these won’t be for you. Incidentally, some spoons seem to mark the inside of mugs, and I (yes, isn’t Babette lucky!) always get rid of these by using a bit of Demeyere cleaner on a sponge.

The other items are a new shaped small bowl which is a very pleasing design… good for rich puds, but also dips and sauces. Then their standard size cereal bowl (not in stock just yet, but you can pre order) which is also a bowl we use all the time at home. Good for my breakfast of Yoghurt, Blueberries, Raspberries, Walnuts, Cashews, Sunflower seeds, Oat flakes and, on odd extravagant occasions, a good slurp of Maple syrup… Magnificent! They are also big enough for a modest portion of lunchtime Risotto, another B-D favourite, or for soups. Then there’s the new smaller size of plate, that’s not available in their standard range, and at 17cm, is small but good for maybe just a slice of toast in the mornings or a piece of Victoria sponge to accompany your (I really mean “my”) Earl Grey at 4pm (Tea Time). The other items are a set of small Ramekins, a set of spoons, which I thought were doubtful, (but Babette does want some! And she also wants the cappuccino mugs and the plates…), Egg cups and lastly Mini Casseroles. All sold in sets of four, prices range from £27 to £75.

Le Creuset Botanique Cereal Bowls 650ml Assorted Colours - Box of 4
£50.00
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Le Creuset Botanique Petite Round Casserole 250ml Assorted Colours - Box of 4
£75.00
View Details >

Other point to note about this range is that it is a one off, so once it’s gone, that is it. So, depending on your point of view, it may make you “want it now quickly before it all goes”, or maybe you’re thinking, well if I can’t get replacements in the future, at the rate we break things, this is a no-go product. If you come into the first category then you’re in for a treat, because if you buy any two packs of these Botanique sets then we’ll take £10 off your bill. Use the code ARTICHAUT at the checkout or if coming into Reigate or Cobham shops, then just tell us you’re on the mailing list and we will do the rest.

Babette has been able to write a small update that you can find here.

I want to take this occasion to thank you for the support, whatever form it has come in, emails, prayers or thoughts, and even sourdough bread that you are giving her and us as a family.

I’ll finish with a little reminder...

No Email From AoL?  If you enjoy these emails and suddenly find at some point in the future that you are not getting your Saturday morning dose of AoL then it maybe that our somewhat eccentric software has unsubscribed you. This happens most frequently when you buy something on our website (real irony this eccentricity!) and unless you answer the trick question correctly ….boom, you’re an EX subscribe ee! Click here to re-subscribe. Yes I know it’s a bit odd me telling you this in an email that you won’t have got, if this has already happened? But maybe fore warned is forearmed?

I hope you have pleasant and peaceful weekend.

Kind regards,

Andrew Bluett-Duncan, Director