When first our olfactory glands were assailed with a distinct maple syrup smell last October, we chalked it up to a renegade pancake house. When the summer heat underlined the presence of every garbage can and unwashed miscreant city-wide, we donned our most sensible tank tops and breathed through our mouths. And on Monday, when the scent of gasoline lingered like a black, menacing cloud over our fair city, we closed our windows (it was 70 degrees, after all) and tried to maintain our balance despite the dizzying noxious haze.
The nasal assault has, however, had some positive upshots, turning our thoughts, and the thoughts of our clients, to more fragrant times. And now that the gas has subsided (blame it on Jersey!), we’re happy to share some of those soothing aromas with Frog Blog readers.
"I'm often aroused by smells that both attract and repel. Who can resist a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc from either Marlborough in New Zealand or the Loire Valley in France. It's marked by green, grassy and herbaceous aromas, and in the most extreme examples might have un peu de peepee de chat (yes, that does sound better in French!)"
“My favorite smells are coffee and hot chocolate. They bring me back to chilly winter mornings and make me feel cozy and warm.”
- Gypsy Gifford: Chef, Rain
“There is a scent in the air, an all-encompassing feeling, at 5:30 a.m. in early September in Southern California. The air has this heavy feeling, the cool, late summer night holding on just before the break of dawn; the hot sun pushing it's way over the horizon of fruit trees; there is a scent in that air; it's the scent of fresh fall blossoms (SoCal blossoms year-round), it's the scent of cool ocean breeze mixed with late summer dry earth; it's the scent of dew on citrus trees in the morning; it's also the scent of change, of fear of a new year, of excitement, of playfulness, of heading off to a great new day, of being with family.”
- Nicolas Ronco: Owner, Yelo
“The sensual scent of jasmine reminds me of summer in my native Tunisia, where posies of jasmine are tucked behind ears and peddled on every street corner.”
- Olivia Chantecaille: Creative Director/Co-creator, Chantecaille
“My Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask and Le Jasmin Eau de Parfum, are redolent of my favorite scent. Jasmine has incredible an euphoric quality that I find so soothing.”
“DOP Italian tomatoes for my sauce brought to a boil with a sachet of garlic and fresh basil. The scent wafts through the whole restaurant and hits you right at the door. Also babies smell pretty good too.”
“I can’t get enough of the smell of a product called Lotion by Yonka Paris. It’s a toner made with a variety of essential oils and has a truly decadent, delicious aroma.”