Tasty Eats: Nicole's Gourmet Foods

Unobtrusive and quaint, Nicole's Gourmet Foods is the type of place that begs you to come inside. Situated at the corner of Mission and Meridian, it's easy to miss as you're rushing by to catch a train at the Gold Line station or studying produce at the Thursday night Farmers Market. But do slow down; this is one eatery you'll want to spend some time in.

"French food" typically conjures up images of rich desserts, wines, triple-cream cheeses and buttery quiche. Fortunately for you, Nicole's Gourmet Foods has all that and more.

A native French couple, Nicole and Steven Grandjean, brings European flair and knowledge of specialty cooking and baking products into this small foodie haven.

Nicole's began in 1989 as a wholesaler and importer of gourmet goods, which were supplied to restaurants and hotels. Now located in South Pasadena, the petit cafe and grocery has shelves lined with pasta, jams, olive oil, spices and chocolate, as well as prepared food and a pastry case filled with mouth-watering delicacies and desserts.

On a recent visit to the small restaurant one sunny Saturday afternoon, I allowed the relaxing nonchalant atmosphere to take over my senses and transport me back to Europe, a place I'd grown quite fond of just a couple of years ago. I watched contentedly as a couple enjoyed an afternoon glass of wine on the sidewalk patio, two girlfriends caught up over ham and cheese sandwiches and salads, and a group of boisterous Brits who had driven nearly 40 miles just to taste the fresh simplicity of Nicole's French influence attacked a mousse au chocolat.

After exploring the inside a bit, I finally decided on lunch: imported bufala mozzarella, tomato and basil drizzled with olive oil and fleur de sel, joyously smooshed in between two fresh baguette halves. Served with a side green salad dressed in a simple Dijon vinaigrette. Straight heaven. 

Sitting outside amidst my fellow wannabe Europeans and sipping my Lorina sparkling lemonade, I concentrated hard on the sandwich at hand, wondering what it was that made it so good. It wasn't a complicated dish by any stretch of the imagination, but my taste buds were celebrating. It was flavorful and fresh, a testimony to how delicious a simple dish can be when the ingredients are chosen with care. I've had Caprese salad before, but never on a baguette. It was the perfect alternative to a salad and an even better antidote for a particularly hot September afternoon.

For dessert, I threw all caution to the wind and ordered the mousse au chocolat, served in a teacup made of hardened chocolate. I watched as Nicole plated the dessert for me, extracting it from next to its pastry case neighbor, vanilla crème brûlèe.

Nicole explained that all of the desserts are made in-house, with the exception of the macaroons, which are imported from France.  Creamy, rich and delicious, with hints of coffee, the mousse made my heart sing. Reader beware: this is one rich dessert and is best shared between two (or more) people.

From the most lavish dinner party needing specialty ingredients for impressive dishes to a simple get-together requiring only a good bottle of wine, a fresh baguette and cheese, Nicole's is your one-stop-shop.  Better yet, if you've got the time and a real European vacation is not within your budget, take a load off, sit outside on the patio and order a glass of wine and a Niçoise salad, a Croque Monsieur, or the cheese & charcuterie plate. Now close your eyes and listen to the waiter's heavy French accent prompting you for dessert. Voilá! Traveling to France has never been easier.