A French pastry of the highest order.

Strange thing. About Cedric Le Cuyer. I had trouble getting his name straight. Even when I inquired.  He glossed over his name. As irrelevant. Finally, I asked for his business card. Tucked the card in my pocket. Without a glance. Assuming that solved the name problem. But no. The next day. I looked at the card. And found no name. Maybe Le Cuyer was overly modest.  And didn’t believe in brandishing his family name. Of course, I knew he was a tour guide. Operating Normandy Excursions. A godsend, too. With abundant knowledge of his cherished and history-rich Normandy. Speaking impeccable English.  He had a car, too. And offered to drive us around. Almost seemed too good to be true. But no reason to be concerned. Le Cuyer’s services were affordable and reasonable. Turns out. Everyone we met in Normandy.  Made Cristina and I feel comfortable and at home. The Normandy populace admires and appreciates Americans. For their steadfast roles as allies and liberators during World War II. They still post ‘Welcome Liberator’ signs in windows of bistros and stores.  Going out of their way. To be Normandy nice. Obviously, We were being blessed. Staying five memorable days.  At the three-star Bayeux Hotel. Owned and run by members of the Le Cuyer family. By the way, a stay at the Hotel Bayeux is worth it. If only for the buffet breakfast. That features French pastries. That exceeded anything I could ever have imagined. Believe me. I shall return some day.  To sample a new pastry.  Called the Cedric. Yes, that’s the assignment. That I’ve left.  For new-found dear friend Cedric Le Cuyer.  A creation of a new French pastry of the highest order. --Jim Broede