THE WINNERS OF THE QUINTESSENCES COMPETITION IN 2022

Farhane Assabat, the great-grandson of a spice farmer from Madagascar, wanted to open an address specializing in spices, spice blends, peppers and plants (tea, herbal teas and powders, aromatherapy) in the heart of Burgundy, in the small town of Tournus.

Passionate and expert, he offers rare products of exceptional quality from all over the world: selerio, candied hibiscus flower, cinnamon, vanilla bean, galanga, bissap, Egyptian pepper, nutmeg, turmeric, as well as an incredible selection of peppers (Timut, pink berries, black or white pepper from Madagascar, black pepper from the Comoros, long pepper from Java, salted pepper from the Côtes...) As a true purist, Farhane grinds and creates her own blends: West Indian, tandoori, madras, zaatar, massalé, Thai, colombo, raz el hanout, gourmansio... but also blends created especially to make children love vegetables.

Focused on well-being through food, the store also offers health mixes and aromatherapy products. Authentic, the point of sale is decorated with jars filled with creations and nuggets unearthed by Farhane. In order to educate about flavors and uses, the house offers many animations and tastings.

What seduced the jury: a niche business, expert with a beautiful history of family transmission. A return to the roots of the grocery store around its flagship product: exceptional spices, sourced with care and passion, and advice. A nod to the apothecary grocers as well, with a true vision of well-being and health thanks to the virtues of certain plants and spices.

Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie is a story of passion and family that began in the Halles district. In 1970, the young Dominique Loï took over a family creamery on rue Etienne Marcel and became a wine merchant. In 1989, he moved his business to rue de Montmartre in a splendid art nouveau style store dating from 1894. Today, his daughters, Lucie and Fanny, have taken over the business, bringing a touch of modernity without denying their father's gourmet values... especially since some of their employees have been part of the adventure for 40 years!

Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie is also one of the few delicatessens in Paris to continue to produce a large part of its products on site and in an artisanal manner, recognized as "Artisans and quality producers" by the Collège Culinaire de France. In terms of products, the house offers the great must-haves of the delicatessen, both fresh and dry products, by honoring the know-how and the French terroirs: homemade duck foie gras, smoked fish, fish eggs and caviars, traditional homemade pork meats, a very nice selection of cheeses from small producers, an assortment of ducks in jars or preserves, a range of truffles and other wild mushrooms, condiments and jams. Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie also has a fine wine, champagne and spirits cellar, but also a catering section with a selection of cooked dishes, as well as a "Bistro" restaurant next to the delicatessen.

Because of its positioning, the house does not only offer local products but is truly committed to selecting, directly from the producer, products that meet sustainable environmental standards. Throughout the year, tastings and events are organized at the points of sale to create a social link within the neighborhood. Finally, Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie offers a click & collect and delivery service in France and Europe.

What seduced the jury: a beautiful family history with a traditional address in the Halles district, the old "belly of Paris" that still exists! An approach to the business that combines a fine grocer, a caterer, a food craftsman and a restaurant owner with a passion for promoting know-how, local produce and simply good food.