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We are not in France but in light of my newfound sweet tooth I have decided to start observing le goûter.

Le goûter, pronounced “luh-goo-tay,” has become part of the French culture as much as afternoon tea is in England. It happens around four o’clock. Children are getting out of school, workers are heading into the last hours of the work day when the inevitable afternoon lull sets in. So what is a goûter? It is simply a snack. A light meal. A little something between lunch and dinner. Just enough to satisfy that hunger or a craving, but not enough to spoil the appetite.

Is it four o’clock yet?

Snail and oyster are my favorites!

no primping at the table.

Ric Steves has a nice way of painting the picture…

“As the biggest city of a moderate Muslin nation, Istanbul offers the inquisitive traveler a unique opportunity to grapple with the rich and inspiring Islamic faith: Hear the eerie call to prayer echo across the rooftop, poke into a neighborhood mosque and watch a dervish whirl in prayer. “

But before stepping into the closest mosque- note that just as touring a church comes with certain protocol, there are certain guidelines that should be observed when visiting a mosque. Dare I say, mosque manners…

A mosque is a place of worship, so rules and behavior common to any sacred place should be observed.  Be particularly mindful of your noise level, no horseplay or running, no littering, ex-cetera.  In addition to common sense conventions, the following are specific things to keep in mind when visiting a mosque.

Clothing should be modest for both men and women- this means that knees and shoulders covered. A headscarf is essential for women. Shoes must be removed. Photography and videotaping are allowed during non-prayer time, but best executed discretely.

Because mosques are active places of worship, tourists should avoid visiting during prayer times. Typically visitors will be asked to leave 30 minutes before service (lasting 15-30 minutes) until the end of service so as not to disrupt those who are worshiping.

Visiting a mosque is a wonderful way to learn about Muslims and Islam firsthand. Visitors are most welcomed if your intention is good and you have respect for the place and for the worship that takes place there.

UPDATE: This event has been postponed due to the pending Senate debate. We will let you know when it is rescheduled.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, elevenses (pronounced: eleven-zees) is a snack that is similar to afternoon tea, but eaten in the morning. As its name properly suggests,  it is taken around eleven o’clock am. Generally less savory than brunch, elevenses consists of cakes or biscuits with a cup of coffee or tea. 

Last weekend we honored my newly engaged cousin with an elevenses bridal tea.  A yellow and grey color palette and vintage -inspired flourishes complimented the invitation inspired by vintage tea tins!  The beautiful buffet displayed tea sandwiches, scones, lemon curd, and petifores.  Pinky raised and clotted cream dribbling down my scone made for the perfect afternoon.

I was one year old when I had my first sweet. Celebrating my birthday at Shoney’s, my grandmother “Mimi” tells the story best. She fed me a bite of hot fudge cake as my family eagerly anticipated my reaction. I took a bite from the spoon and quickly went back for more.

Although my first experience with sweets was a favorable one, and despite coming from a long line of those with sweet teeth (on my mothers side). My dentist father was dedicated to my oral health, and we rarely had sweets around the house. I did not grow up eating sweets and have never really had a strong inclination for them.

Until now…

Ladies and Gentlemen, it has taken thirty years, but at last,  I found my sweet tooth… last weekend… in San Francisco. We spent the weekend sampling the most delightful confections. Chocolate croissants from Tartine, parisian macaroons from Miette, steamed caramel milk from Cowgirl Creamery , salted chocolates from Recchiuti, Bi-Rite‘s honey lavender and salted caramel ice cream (two flavors because I’m indecisive).  Divine!

For the remainder of our stay in San Francisco, you’ll likely find me sampling and partaking in all things sweet.

Let’s just call it my quest for the ultimate San Francisco treat.

PS: I just finished an appropriate read, “Paris, My Sweet,” a young woman’s chronicle of her year in the city of light (and dark chocolate). Highly recommend!