“It’s French!” imports speciality foods from France and is committed to providing high quality products, not available in supermarkets in France or the UK, to people passionate about food.
The initiative has been set up by Carolyn and Simon, a local couple from Clifton, who have been visiting Parwich every Saturday for the past few years whilst their daughter has riding lessons.
As well as their home in Clifton, they have a base in Gascony in South West France. Gascony is the land of d’Artagnan, the inspiration for the character in The Three Musketeers. It is also famed for its ‘douceur de vivre’ (‘sweetness of life’). It is home to foie gras and Armagnac and is an area which has been recognised for many years as producing great food
Carolyn and Simon have personally sourced their products from small, local, artisan farmers and growers. The farms have usually been passed down through several generations and traditional methods are still employed. All of the suppliers are passionate about their products, from conception through to distribution.
The range of products is growing all the time but current highlights include….. read on…..
Products include a variety of terrines, numerous variations on duck confit (duck cooked and preserved in its own fat), duck casserole in a wine sauce or with prunes, foie gras entier (goose and duck). Some products are organic, including the fabulous, golden, virgin cold pressed rapeseed oil bringing with it all of the health benefits now associated with this oil, organic roasted peanuts, organic dried lentils and haricot beans. In addition there are snails; cooked in a spicy catalan sauce, chopped with parsley and garlic to use on canapé or cooked in duck fat to serve warm with sautéed potatoes, garlic and parsley. All of the It’s French! products are free from artificial colourings and preservatives.
It’s French! was featured in March issue of Derbyshire life. If you want to have a look at the products first hand, Janet has some products at the shop and the Patrick & Brooksbank deli in Ashbourne is stocking a selection. If you would like to find out more, or buy on-line, visit: www.itsfrench.co.uk, or contact Carolyn directly on 348452; alternatively, you can order from Janet at the shop. Delivery is free to Parwich residents – so give it a go and try something different!
My niece lived in Gascony for a short while, the food was amazing.
It all sounds quite delicious – I shall definitely be scouring the shelves of the shop this weekend!
We have just finished eating the Duck Confit bought from Janet at the Sycamore this afternoon. Absolutely delicious, and I now have a whole jar of fantastic duck fat for those perfect roast potatoes!
Kevin – delighted that you like our duck and hope that you might enjoy other products from our range. I particularly like the duck aiguillettes (strips of duck breast rolled around pieces of foie gras) they are delicious warmed and served with a green salad drizzled with a lemon dressing!