Having come to Pontarlier to train for his profession, this lover of thrillers, theatre, superhero films and pastries has joined the Athenaeum in 2019. While we wait for the start of the new school year, when he will be in charge of the Youth section, he opens his holiday suitcase for you for our series of special Summer newsletters.
Which novel will you be taking with you this summer?
Darren Tasking, a calculating thug, excels in the art of concealing his illegal activities, until he recruits Erin Green. Then everything goes wrong… A captivating thriller that has already become a benchmark among crime fiction fans.
« I love S. Craig Zahler’s novels. They’re always very cinematic, very dark, with Tarantino-style violence that gives the whole thing a ‘popcorn’ feel that I particularly like. As I haven’t yet read his latest book, Dédale mortel, I can’t wait to take advantage of the holidays to do so!«
Will any guidebooks, recipe books or other ‘practical’ books be included?
Immerse yourself in Tartes faciles by Émilie Franzo: this book offers 80 simple, ultra-gourmet recipes, from tomato and feta tart to lemon tart and mushroom, spinach and ricotta quiche. Perfect for all food lovers!
« I’ve recently discovered my love of home-made tarts, and this book has become my new culinary bible! The explanations are clear, the recipes arranged by season… and the results are always there. I think back to the cheesecake: a real delight! But when I wanted to share the blueberry and pistachio tart with my colleagues, unfortunately my children were quicker. Next time, no doubt!«
What bottles of wine would you recommend your family and friends to drink this summer?
Made from carefully selected fruit, this brut cider is distinguished by its finesse and authentic character. It offers delicate aromas of fresh apple, white flowers and a subtle touch of caramel. It is perfectly balanced on the palate, with a fine effervescence and a refreshing finish. Ideal with seafood, light dishes or, more simply, as an aperitif.
« It’s probably due to my hidden origins as an expatriate Breton, but I’m more inclined to open a bottle of cider than wine when summer comes around. Ever since a customer came up to me by chance during a checkout and told me that cider was on sale at the Athenaeum, I’ve been more than happy to oblige! I set my sights on Éric Bordelet’s ‘Sidre’. Served chilled, it goes down very well, both by the glass and by the bowl!«
Which bottles would you like to (re)discover?
Situated on stony soils in the Climat des Frionnes, a 1er Cru terroir, this wine is distinguished by its rich minerality. The grapes are hand-picked and whole bunches pressed. The juice ferments in barrels, some of which are new, for 12 to 18 months on the lees, without stirring. After a year’s rest in bottle, the wine reveals toasty and mineral notes, with a lovely aromatic tension. Fresh and salivating, it will evolve magnificently over time. An exceptional wine!
« At one of my first wine sales, I discovered a Saint-Aubin 1er Cru white that was really very pleasant. I’ve never tasted it since. I can’t describe the sensations as well as my wine merchant colleagues, but the experience left enough of an impression on me that years later I still remember it…«
What accessories do you always take with you?
Discover the sixth edition of this pen. Made from recycled Nespresso capsules, it combines Swiss design, sustainability and recycling.
« I always carry a pen with me to write down certain ideas, thoughts or the shopping list when I’m short of inspiration. I use a Caran d’Ache ballpoint pen from a collection that is now out of print, or a more recent model from their collaboration with Nespresso, made entirely from recycled coffee capsules and in a magnificent midnight blue. Ever since I discovered the brand when I arrived in Burgundy, I’ve found it hard to do without them. They’re well-balanced, elegant and the colours of the packaging are very well done.«