Beauty and the Beast

 

Today we have two perfumes that couldn’t be more different.  Let’s start with Beauty – Parfums de Rosine’s newsest release, Rose Praline.  Notes of cardamom, bergamot, rose essences, Geranium, Rosen, grated chocolat, Lapsang Suchang Tea, Ambra, sandalwood, musk, cocoa make up this scent.  It’s a little bit of a departure for Rosine. I’m not sure they’ve done a rose gourmand before, have they?  Now, just as my bias, I love rose perfumes as much as March doesn’t.   But only when they are done right, and I’ve been a big fan of the Rosines for a long time because they are so darn obsessive about roses and have tried about every treatment possible.  I’m anxious for them to get to a wheaty/bready/hay rose next – I mean, they should, shouldn’t they?

But let’s look at this one instead of the one I want them to make. It goes on somewhat sweet, with that little girl beautiful dewy rose quality, slightly candied, like a sugar crystal rose or wedding cake rose… but with a tartness.  Just when I’m thinking ruh-roh, this may be too much, that crystaline quality starts fading, and I get tea and a little cocoa and chocolate rolling up, and I swear, there are moments when I think it is a Montale and some oud and chocolate is flipping around in there, but that can’t be.  The chocolate and tea are not overpowering, but has this very subtle quality that takes the sweetness down to the proper notch.  Okay, it’s still a candy rose, but one that has a nice dark chocolate and a cup of tea sitting by it for a proper scented meal.  I really like this, and I’m not sure why since it really shouldn’t be something I like, but Rosine tends to make these things usually work out for me, no matter what, and it is just sweet and lovely.  If you’re not a fan of the rose or gourmands, keep walking, but if you like either the rose or gourmands, give this a sniff.

Now let’s take a look at the beast – Social Creature’s newest creation, Frankfurt Kitchen. Made to celebrate the independence of women, I presume from the kitchen, it has notes of resins, peppermint, coffee and osmanthus.  That line-up of notes sounds pretty good.  And it is, ohmy, resiny beyond belief, with a big peppermint thrown right in the middle of it.  Those two things pretty much drown out the coffee and osmanthus, though the coffee is there if you like it burnt.  But there’s something somewhat compelling about this, even though my nose is complaining bitterly about it.  It feels much more masculine and leathery, like I’ve had my chaps on for a couple of days.  Do I get any kitchen out of this? No.  Mostly leather – rough leather with a little mint.  It’s sure not uninteresting and mellows out to something I’m pretty much compulsively sniffing.

One hand — all sweetness and confectionary light.  Other hand — leather pants with a melted peppermint in the pocket.  Oddly enough, I like them both.

Drop a comment to be entered in a drawing for a sample of each.

  • Esri Rose says:

    Ooh, I hope I’m not too late to be in the drawing! Frankfurt Kitchen sounds kind of bizarre, but also intriguing.

    I love gourmand perfumes, and I’m still searching for the perfect rose scent. Maybe this is it.

  • elve says:

    Frankfurt Kitchen sounds interesting. Enter me in the drawing, please 🙂

  • Nancy says:

    Hey, I’m happy to share, I’ll take the Rose Praline (yum) if anyone wants the cowboy dinner (oops, Frankfurt kitchen)–please enter me in the draw if it’s not too late, thanks!

  • dinazad says:

    Now THAT sounds really interesting – both of the thats. If I’m not too late, please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

    P.S. The Perfumed Court order has arrived (yay!) and is in the process of being loved to bits. Thanks for speedy delivery!

  • Sanya says:

    The rose praline sounds delicious! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

  • vidalicious says:

    I like weird and oddly compelling. Kinda like Sushi Imperiale, which to me smells like grape KoolAid and vanilla ice cream, and thankfully not like sushi…
    Sign me up for the drawing, please!

  • Christine says:

    They both sound interesting. Please sign me up!

    (And also, Happy Early Thanksgiving to you and the family!)

  • Tara says:

    Hmm, roses and chocolate? Saffron notes smell like that to me, especially in Montale Red Aoud.

    As for Frankfurt, Micallef did a custom scent for the Albrecht Parfumerie in Frankfurt a few years ago, called Ville de Francfort. Very appropriately, it smelled like diesel bus fumes. (ducking and running)

  • sweetlife says:

    Big Rosine fan, and who couldn’t use a bit of chocolate around the holidays? Please put me in the draw.

    Patty, do you know whether this one is slated for U.S. distribution. I waited in vain for Kashmirie…

  • sara says:

    Hi Patty–I am always interested in what those Rosine folks are up to–I would like to be entered into the drawing. Thanks!

  • Eva says:

    Hi Patty, I am stil searchig for a rose that I will love. Please enter me in the draw for the Rosine – it sounds wonderful. Thank you.

  • violetnoir says:

    Patty, they both sound different/weird enough to pique my curiosity, so please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

    Hugs!

  • Elle says:

    Was glad to see Agritty posted about Schutte-Lihotsky. 🙂 Have to confess I’m somewhat (understatement) obsessed w/ German modernist design from the 20s. She was a brilliant woman and if we ever build our own home, I seriously plan on incorporating her ideas in our kitchen (also some from Erna Meyer’s Stuttgard kitchen) . Incredible space efficiency w/ a drain board on hinges so it can be put back up against the wall, a spice rack built in to the wall next to the stove, multiple work surfaces that pull out like drawers and so many other delicious, streamlined ideas. OK, must stop daydreaming now. I was tempted to get FK just because of what they’d named it after, but, as much as I adore my leather scents, I’m very equivocal about peppermint. Especially w/ leather. Does *not* sound instantly fab to me. The Rosine, however, does sound wonderful and like something I could even risk an unsniffed purchase on. I won’t…but I’m tempted.

  • ajk says:

    Roses and chocolate…maybe it’s cliche, but those are two of my favorite things. Please enter me in the draw!

    Neither wieners nor Modern cabinetry put me in the mood for perfume, and I’m not sure I can pull off smelling like leather chaps, but I’ll try anything (at least)once. The peppermint might be nice.

  • Linda says:

    Oh, these sound fascinating. I would love to try them. My brother is on a mad, mad mint spree in his scents, and I’d really like to run the Frankfurt Kitchen by him. 🙂

  • Elizabeth says:

    When I read the name “Frankfurt Kitchen,” I thought it would be the scent of a stereotypical German Hausfrau. Sounds like it’s just the opposite of that! 🙂

    Rose Praline sounds lovely, and it’s the only Rosine that I haven’t tried yet. Please enter me in the drawing.

  • Janet says:

    I love Lapsang Suchang Tea and peppermint so either would be fine with me!

  • Disteza says:

    Ooh, would love to be entered in the draw. I’ve been on a layering kick recently, and the idea of a gourmandy-rose has me itching to try it with something, and I’m optimistic about the Frankfurt Kitchen. Mint and leather–all you need is some rose and you’d have Black Rosette, which smells awesome on me, if only for 20 minutes before fading to nothing.

  • tmp00 says:

    I think I’m more in the kitchen on this one than in the garden, but I’ll reserve judgment until I can smell them. Which i hope will be soon!

  • rachael says:

    I would love to try both of these–the rosine because it sounds like something I’d love, and the Frankfort Kitchen because I can’t even imagine what it actually smells like

  • helenviolette says:

    Sounds like a great pair to try together 😉

    would love to be entered in the draw…

  • Teri says:

    I just picked up a bottle of KM’s Gourmandises at Lucky Scent’s recent half-price sale. It’s very much a praline rose and I’m enjoying wearing it, so I think I might really like the Rosine. As for Frankfort Kitchen….as a good German American girl (kinder, kirche, kuchen), I think it’s a matter of ethnic pride to give it a try. lol

    Please enter me in the drawing.

  • lunarose says:

    hi! want to come up with a smart comment to be entered in the drawing (yum!) but am in the middle of capturing resident cat (aka ‘the bouch’) for trip to the nice lady vet……wish me luck!

  • MollyG says:

    Oddball fragrances like Frankfurt Kitchen are totally up my alley! I’d love an opportunity to give it s sniff. As for the Rosine… rose isn’t a huge favorite, but the cardamom, geranium, chocolate, and tea make it sound fun and interesting. Please count me in for the drawing! 🙂

  • Linda B says:

    Gosh, being an English major all hopped up on caffeine, I just can’t let it go…..2000 et une Rose. There, that’s fixed.

    Now, I also had to research the Rosine I tried–it was the Roseberry. It should so be my thing and yet, yuck.

    Thanks…

  • Linda B says:

    WOW! Frankfurt Kitchen has caught my attention–although I’m not a big fan of mint in my scent, I am intrigued with the mix of it and the leather. Love that leather.
    The Parfums de Rosine–meh. Love the roses…2001 et une Rose is my all time fave and yes, I am hoarding the drops in my original bottle–lol. I’ve only tried one of the Rosines (and blocked out which one-haha) and it turned very strange and almost sour on me. But, I am willing to give the house another shot.
    There’s my 2, maybe 3 cents and would love to be entered into the drawing!
    Happy Thanksgiving to all…

    Cheers!
    Linda

  • carlene says:

    Rose Praline sounds delicious and everything, but burnt coffee and chaps? I’m so in.

  • mj says:

    I’m seriously drooling over the Rose Praline. But I’m deeply curious about both…

  • SMY says:

    These sound so intriguing! Please enter me in the drawing!

  • Magpie says:

    Oh, gosh…rose that’s Montale-ish? Yes, please enter me! 🙂

  • Karen says:

    I don’t know if I have the patience to get through Rose Praline. But I’m very inrigued by your description of Frankfurt Kitchen. Osmanthus, peppermint, burnt coffee and leather! Who woulda thunk it?

  • Kathy says:

    I’m feeling so out of it as far as new niche scents is corncerned – thanks for the heads up about the Rosine – it sounds right up my alley.

  • Lora says:

    Ooh, these both sound interesting. I *think* I like rose, although I’ve not had much success finding a rose perfume I love. I haven’t tried the Rosines … this would be a good start! Please enter me in the drawing.

    Thanks!

  • Marsi says:

    Rose Praline sounds divine. Please enter me (whoa, that sounds a little forward, no?) in the drawing!

  • Eileen says:

    Hmm.. how could you have picked two more diverse scents? The Parfums de Rosine and I usually get along pretty well, though I tend to favor the straight-forward, no frills ones. But I’m open-minded — maybe a gourmand-ish Rosine will open my nose to more gourmand-leaning scents in general..

    The Frankfurt Kitchen sounds like it would either work or fail spectacularly. From your description, it may work! I’ve not tried anything by Social Creatures. Looking them up, I found Robin’s comments at Now Smell This (Oct. 17, 2007). Must check them out!!

    Needless to say, please enter me in the drawing!

  • Morgan says:

    All your resins are belong to me! Hyper-nerd alert?
    Either way, thanks to agritty for the edifying information, I never knew. I’d love to be considered for the Frankfurt sample. I think a rose would be better appreciated by someone else, though.

  • Shelley says:

    I like a well done rose, and have been known to visibly recoil at a bad one. Sure do understand how both a Jekyll and a Hyde can have their appeal… :>

    A note of burnt coffee in the Frankfurt kitchen, eh? Wonder if that’s how it’s “cooked” in a Frankfurt kitchen… 😉 Thanks for letting me know about both.

  • erin belieu says:

    This is my first time commenting since I discovered the wonderful society you have here so please pardon any gaffes while I learn the customs–

    I’m wondering if anyone can point me to any posts or other writing about the relationship between the name perfume makers give their scents and the wearer’s expectations of that scent based on the metaphors used. As a poetry professor, I’m fascinated by this relationship (as in the Frankfurt Kitchen scent discussed here). Also is there a good book to get me up to speed on all the different elements of scent? Every time I see a word like “oud” I’m scrambling for a definition. Is there some fragrance bible I should know about?

    Thanks for your patience. Love this site.

    • Patty says:

      Welcome, Erin! I’m not sure I can answer your first question, but the new Roja Dove book has a lot of information in it that you’re looking for, plus a lot of perfume history that you might find interesting. I’ve got a link to it over on the right, to the Amazon page it’s selling on

      • Erin says:

        Brilliant. Thanks so much for the response. My first order from your decanting service is on the way and it’s ridiculous how excited I am to try out all the smelly goods.

        Am I right in thinking this could become an addictive habit? Yessssss….

  • Liz says:

    smells yummy!

    great blog, btw, I just stumbled upon it recently. 🙂

  • sherobin says:

    I love rose, mint, and leather but am very picky about gourmands. The only Angels I liked were the Rose, Violet, and Lily, so maybe this Rosine might be nice.
    Please enter me in the draw.

  • Melissa says:

    In theory I like the idea of a candied rose, as long as the candy has some deep dark chocolate notes. Wait, did you mention oud? Or was it your (or my) imagination? Like Louise, I prefer my rose scents with some oud, saffron, spice, amber, etc, but rose with dark chocolate and tea does sound quite nice. As for Frankfurt Kitchen, this one sounds too strange to pass up.
    😕
    Please enter me in the draw.

    • Patty says:

      I swear, I smell something Oudish. It’s probaly the mix of something, but it’s got that gourmandy spicy thing going on. I’m a huge fan the longer I wear it.

  • GalileosDaughter says:

    I’m a huge fan of the house of Rosine. Even the ones I don’t particularly like, I can admire for their composition and quality. My favorite is probably Rosa Flamenca. I know that Tania says it has a turpentine note and Olfacta above talks about solvents–I just don’t get any of that, all I get is a beautiful orange blossom/rose combination on a slightly powdery, light sandalwood base.

    Frankfurt Kitchen sounds so intriguing! But then again, I happen to like the smell of burnt coffee.

    • Patty says:

      I never got the solvent from Flamenca either. all the rosines are happy with my skin, for which I’m grateful. They are just so darn easy to wear for me.

  • Francesca says:

    I like rose fragrances, too, but it has to be the *right* rose. Maybe Rose Praline is one? And I like resin, too. So I’m curious about both of these.

  • Olfacta says:

    I’m just beginning to explore the Rosines. Tried a sample of the Flamenca last night, and found that solvent-like mid note to be disconcerting, but it morphs into something ambery and beautiful. Um…Frankfurt Kitchen? Who was it said “sausage?” But hey, I’ll try anything; please enter me in the drawing…thanks!

  • agritty says:

    I love the idea of Frankfurt Kitchen perfume! Nerd Alert: The Frankfurt Kitchen was designed in the 1920s by Greta Lihotzky as a means of rationalizing and streamlining labor in the kitchen. It was very popular and there were many of these kitchens built around Germany in the apartment blocks popping up everywhere in the pre-WWII period. I would love to win a sample!

    • Shelley says:

      Uber-Nerd Alert: While Greta was designing her Frankfort kitchen, similar research and design in the US resulted in the “hygienic kitchen,” which included white tiles that are ubiquitous in kitchen concept to this day. Some elements of the “unified design” concept can be found earlier in Hoosier cabinets still found in many homes (though perhaps no longer with the flour dispensers). I find myself also thinking of the Youngstown Kitchen sink/cupboard my Nana had in her house, and which I also had in my previous house. All metal cabinetry with porcelain sink. They were installed in a lot of American homes post-WWII, but were more cabinetry than overall concept like Frankfurt implies.

      I’ll write about perfume below… 8-|:) 🙂

      • Musette says:

        ooh! I had one of those in one of my recent houses in Chicago – the guy who lived there hadn’t ever renovated (he was 96 when he sold me the house). At some point somebody’d painted the cabinet a streaky mint green to match the plastic tiles on the walls…..the whole kitchen was mint-green…..every square inch of it! :-&

        Alas, I am no student of metal cabinetry history so I tore it out with abandon! < :-p ps. to P: I think Frankfurt Kitchen sounds very interesting...would love to be entered in the draw! xo>-)

  • rebella says:

    Since I am one of the last remaining housewifes in Sweden I think I could need something to keep me satisfied in the kitchen… I guess I get it all wrong now, but after all what else can a desperate housewife do? :d

  • Louise says:

    Hmmm, after my new found love of roses in 2007, this Rose Praline number may be alright, after all, though I prefer a deep oudy or spicy rose. While I admire many Rosines, I only wear Kashmirie on a regular basis, loving it’s saffran especially.

    Frankfurt Kitchen sounds like it may be just weird enough for me
    8-} Resin and peppermint-gah? or great? @-)

  • mi-cuit says:

    Yes, please. 🙂

  • zeram1 says:

    I’ve been waiting for some of the newer Rosines to be released globally. This one sounds intriguing indeed. Please enter me into the drawing as well.

  • carmencanada says:

    Don’t count me in the draw, I can get the Rosine at the shop — I’m not sure I’m curious about a gourmand rose, but like you, I think they do lovely stuff, no a dud in the bunch. And… why Frankfurt? I was expecting, well, a *sausage* note… I can’t imagine a more unappealing name for a fragrance, and Social Creature has never shown up on my radar, should it?

    • Patty says:

      You know, I’m not sure. This is the only one I’ve smelled. From what I can tell, they are unusual and off the beaten path, but I’m not sure that translates into commercial or even wearabl for all of them! I think they may be worth sniffing at least because they aren’t mainstream

  • Alica says:

    I love almost all scents containing rosa accord. Thank you for including me in the drawing.

  • joe805 says:

    Sure, enter me, please! Not sure about the Rosine, but “Frankfurt Kitchen” sounds like something I need to try based on the name alone. Love that. It sounds like some strange, minty, cousin of Dzing, once removed.

  • UMA SRINIVASAN says:

    Rose Praline sounds like a must try. Being from India, I love roses. We use the really fragrant roses indigenous to Tamil Nadu to accessorise our hair, along with jasmine. Need I say how good we smell!
    Please do consider me for the sample draw.