I watched the spectacular Bastille Day parade on the Champs Elysées (from the comfort of a big, cool home in Normandy), for the very first time this year, and was entranced. I grew up on military bases and am no stranger to brassy uniforms, fighter planes, salutes, and elegantly proud looks. But as in so …
As spring progresses, the itch to plant seeds and tend a garden grows. I have windowboxes – one of the few in my building to do so. In it I have the herbs necessary to make dishes taste fresh and delicious, and edible flowers to enjoy and use for garnishes. And I show you how …
Go to Recipe Go to Video The first time I visited a farmers’ market in France was on rue de Buci, in Paris. I was on an errand for one of the chef’s at La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine, fresh off the plane from Seattle, jet-lagged and shy about my French. But spinach was on …
Go to Video This year, we attended the Taste of Paris, one of many events organized in Paris around gastronomy and the culinary arts. Temporary Grand Palais The “Taste” is held at the Grand Palais which, for now, is closed to the public. Given it is Paris, the people in control said to themselves, “We …
Go to Recipe Go to Video I got to the market at 8 a.m. and, as usual, I wasn’t the first in line. I had barely enough time to contemplate what I wanted to put in my basket, what would compose my menu for the next several days, before it was my turn. I saw …
Go to Video Oh how I love the “marché alimentaire,” the farmers’ market. In Paris, in Louviers, in anywhere I can find one! The market is the theater of life, brought together in all its variety both in the vendors who hawk their wares, and the customers of every ilk who stroll through, rush with …
French Markets and a Few Paris Restaurant Suggestions Read More »
There are smiles on Parisian faces, everywhere. The difference from confinement to de-confinement is patently obvious. People are simply thrilled to be able to sip a coffee at a café, to have a beer a Spritz or a glass of rose on the terrace. Paris has become an outdoor dining room, and everyone wants to …
Go to Video Oh! The croissants of France. When you bite into one, it shatters wonderfully buttery crumbs all over you, which is the first sign that you’ve got something fabulous in your hand. If it doesn’t shatter, take another bite but beware – even in the City of Light there are less than fabulous …
Go to Video The Quatrehomme cheese shop on rue de Sevres in the 6th arrondissement, has felt like home since I discovered it a couple of decades ago. I’m sure it is the luscious and complex dairy aroma which enfolds when I walk in the door, along with the singsong “Bonjour” from whomever is behind …
Go to Video Le Jardin de Boucicault is one of more than 500 small parks sprinkled about Paris, each of which contributes to the green soul of this most beautiful of cities. The parks (called “jardins” or gardens), no matter how small, has a play area for children, ample shade trees with benches under them …
