Comments on: Snowflakes

By: Thomas

Thomas — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:26:43 +0000

Will keep my eyes open.

By: vinogirl

vinogirl — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:18:06 +0000

Same texture as Smarties (Swizzles in UK), in a roll wrapped in cellophane.

I think the brand ‘Lu’ still make Marie biscuits…nudge, nudge, wink, wink…

By: Thomas

Thomas — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:32:22 +0000

No, no, I meant what is a Parma Violet?

Is it a hard candy? A cookie?

Sad to hear about Marie Biscuit’s demise. Lovely stuff with butter and sometimes a quick dip into cold milk.

I’ve tried Rich Tea–not as delicate as Marie was. Hmm, this is getting risque.

By: vinogirl

vinogirl — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:54:57 +0000

Ha! My mother worked at Huntley & Palmers…it was her first job back in the work force after having 3 children. My dad loved Marie biscuits slathered with butter. The factory, outside of Liverpool, closed down many years ago, so I don’t know if they do stil make that line or not. Rich Tea is a similar biscuit.
Hmmm…Parma Violets taste like the smell of violets

By: Thomas

Thomas — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:14:29 +0000

Thanks Vinogirl.

So, what’s a Parma Violet like?

By the way, does Huntley and Palmer still produce Marie Biscuits? I used to eat them in New York City by the pounds…

By: vinogirl

vinogirl — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:18:33 +0000

I just LOVE this post. How succintly you tackle the inherent problem with wine reviews.
I cancelled my subscription to Wine Spectator because of Jim Laube’s holier than thou approach to Napa cabernet reviews. I disagreed with the majority of his pontifications, so why waste my money. I can get half a dozen worthy reviews on different wine blogs for free. And the use of number ratings drives me to distraction.
When tasting cabernets I often get a hint of ‘Parma Violets’ a sweet I ate growing up in England. My husband, an American, has no idea what I am talking about. Does that make my palate superior to his? Of course not. If every palate is a “snowflake” then individual life experiences are something akin to fingerprints. Just be happy and content to have in your glass a vino you enjoy!
Great post.