Pilaf with Apricots, Dates and Saffron Shirin Plov : Flavor and Fragrance

Describing the taste of shirin plov, an exquisite rice dish originating from Azerbaidjan’s capital Baku, is not unlike talking about a fine perfume. It has a bright top fruity note of apricots and raisins, a warm heart of rosewater and saffron, while the milky-popcorn notes of basmati rice and butter provide a sensual and lingering backdrop. It is a memorable combination that gives one a full taste of Azerbaidjan—the country on the Caspian Sea coast, whose history is a tapestry of influences. Indeed, shirin plov is not simply a delicious dish—its interesting manner of preparation and elaborate flavorings with Persian accents provide a glimpse into the rich mélange that is Azeri culture.

Ernest Beaux on Chanel No 5 and Scent of Snow

In his wonderful memoirs Souvenirs et Parfums Constantin Weriguine, a Russian emigre perfumer who worked with Ernest Beaux at Chanel shares some fascinating tidbits not just about the perfume industry of his time, but also about Ernest Beaux himself. Beaux was a man who admired Napoleon Bonaparte, searched for raspberry nuances in rose oils he used in Chanel products and had a tremendous passion for his art. Re-reading Souvenirs et Parfums on the plane last week, I noted down a passage, in which Weriguine shares a speech given by Beaux in 1946 about fragrance, chemistry and inspiration for Chanel No 5.

Back from Kiev

I am back from my trip to Ukraine, which was wonderful, from spending time with my family to enjoying the scents of chestnuts and lilac. The whole city was filled with flower petals and sunshine. I do not remember the last time I felt so inspired, rejuvenated and content, which proves that ties to one's motherland are much stronger than one sometimes believes. I made many interesting discoveries on this trip, olfactory ones included, and I will share them with you along with my photographs in the coming weeks.

The next article will touch upon the notes of apricots, dates and saffron...

Photograph of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra and its golden domes amid blooming chestnuts © Bois de Jasmin. Click to enlarge.

Last of Cherry Blossoms : While I am Away This Week

The cherry blossoms are almost gone around my neighborhood, their pink petals carpeting the streets are starting to turn brown. I will probably miss the last of spring magnolias too, therefore I captured a few with my camera before leaving. I will be back next week, and I hope to return with new inspirations and memories. May is perhaps the most wonderful time to visit Eastern Europe in general, and of course, for me Kiev is perfect during any season. 

A few photos of spring blooms are after the page break. You can click on the photos to enlarge. All photography in this post © Bois de Jasmin.

Happy May Day : Lily of the Valley Fragrances

Happy May Day! In France, May Day is associated with the lily of the valley (muguet in French), a symbol of purity and a reminder of spring. If I were about to spend 9h on the plane, I would wear Christian Dior Diorissimo, the most perfect lily of the valley fragrance. Or perhaps, vintage Coty Muguet des Bois. Nonetheless, I would like to mention a few of the lily of the valley related articles on Bois de Jasmin as well as to offer a list of more than 40 fragrances dominated by that note.

Spring Flower Bouquet ~ Lily of the Valley discusses some of the most quintessential lily of the valley fragrances and offers several suggestions, from classical to modern. It includes links to lily of the valley fragrance reviews.