Maille, the French vinegar purveyor has been around longer than the United States has been a country, but they just opened up their first shop in America on Columbus Avenue and 68th Street, and it has mustard on tap. Maille, founded in 1747 in Dijon has served as the official supplier to King Louis XV of France, Queen Victoria, Catherine II of Russia and King William IV of England.
Right now, on tap are a variety of mustards made with white wine. There’s also a stand where you can try more than 15 of their specialty mustards including flavors like Celeriac and Black Truffle, Saffron and Isigny Sur Mer Crème Fraîche, Gingerbread and Chestnut Honey. The store is beautifully merchandised, turning something as simple as mustard into a luxury item. Also available are vinegars, oils and gherkins. You can buy vinaigrette shakes and specialty mustard spoons (yep).
For the recent launch, the product offering mirrors exactly what is available in the stores in France but the merchandise will evolve o ver time based on demand here.
This small two-block stretch of Columbus Avenue has become a verifiable “Little France” with French brands like Le Palais des Thes, L’Occitane, Sandro and Maje. On a visit, keep your eye out for some of the narrowest stores in the city. Also check out Soho’s own “Little Paris.”
