You would be forgiven in thinking Le Vendome is a hip home accessories store if you were passing by, but delve a little further inside and you should be pleasantly surprised. Le Vendome is actually one of Jeddah’s oldest French patisseries (founded in 1979). They have recently had a facelift and with a new location and range of products, they are now re-launching themselves as a gourmet delicatessen.
The location couldn’t be better, having recently relocated to Diner’s Square, (home to Restaurants such as Muchos and Balsamico) Le Vendome’s new interior will likely strike a chord with the younger crowd that frequents the area.
The modern and minimalist design sets it apart from other patisseries in town. Clean cut recessed shelves house a handful of carefully selected products that are unique to the store. Alcove lighting, a pristine black counter, and deep purple surfaces make you think you’ve arrived in an exclusive designer boutique, and you would almost be right.
There is actually a designated area at the back of the store with a large display window, which will house everything from wedding dresses to cakes, and will be a point where aspiring fashion designers can display their work.
The products are shipped in direct from France, these include creative gourmet jams and spreads, including more unusual varieties such as Lavender, Chestnut, Fig and even Marron Glace! For those searching for party food, Le Vendome also delivers here, with a selection of savory pastries, nibbles and even smoked salmon.
Browsing the shelves, a white squeeze tube caught our eye, this sweet chestnut spread (or ‘creme de marrons de l’ardeche’ — to be precise) is a recipe created by Clement Faugier in 1885 in Privas, France. Faugier started one of France’s oldest chestnut-based foods companies, creating unique products based on his own recipes. The brand is now well respected around the world and the creme de marrons is a delicacy not to be missed. With a hint of vanilla, it should go down well with kids and adults alike, and is great with ice cream, yoghurt, crepes or simply on toast.
It doesn’t stop there, if you are an enthusiastic cook who likes your kitchen looking a bit more contemporary than the norm (like something out of a Gordon Ramsay episode perhaps), there is a diverse range of ingredients available in carefully designed transparent packaging. As much care appears to have gone into the design of these glass bottles as the contents themselves.
Jars of rock salt mixed with herbs, tapanade, balsamic vinegar, pesto the list goes on... you can even pick up some olive oil housed in a spray pump for a different take on cooking. Fruit syrups are also available in pump bottles that look more like soap. This range could help put a creative flair back into the kitchen, a flair that Le Vendome are hoping will inspire others to take up cooking in Jeddah.
However the Pièce de résistance at Le Vendome has to be the cakes and pastries. These come in individual slices, and also as full-blown cakes if required. We loved the raspberry tarts which were fresh, creamy, a pleasure to eat. Others worth trying include the chocolate and nougat cake slices, along with the blackberry and mixed fruit concoctions.
Hampers and gift baskets are also available, and in partnership with a local florist, flower arrangements are also available on request. If you fancy something a little different and are open to exploring your senses, Le Vendome may be just the place for you.
Tel: + 966 (0) 2 692 4606
Address: Diners Square on Malek Road
