Thursday, September 26, 2013

The Paris Gourmet - Trish Deseine


All August and September I've been sitting like a hen on a golden yellow egg waiting impatiently for it to hatch. I've been dying share with you Trish Deseine's THE PARIS GOURMET just out on Tuesday. True, I missed the pub date because I couldn't figure out how to present this absolutely essential foodie guide to Paris. I couldn't figure out what to draw either obviously.

These 208 pages are so filled with useful information I've decided to give you bite-size posts on various and sundry. One post will not to do it. Just this little paragraph on Belleville, where I'm living at the moment has opened so many doors for me.

Imagine your best friend has a best friend in Paris. 
Imagine that best friend is happy to share with you all of her secret sources and tips after living in Paris more than 25 years (Trish is Irish) and in the most fun and direct way as if you were sharing a coffee in a café and chatting away like bosom buddies.

Trish Deseine has many terrific cook books out there on chocolate and caramel and entertaining and she's had cooking shows on French television. She's an absolute pro in the foodie French world.

Trish lived for a while in Belleville and the village atmosphere comes across. Nobody was shaking a finger at me for shooting in their windows here at Fromager Beaufils mentioned in her book.

Trish's book made me more adventurous and confident to go into new places and get acquainted. Much thanks to Trish I ventured into Epicerie Provencal and became fast friends with Geraldine who is happy to guide me in the mysterious ways of olive oil and jambon.

I know after I visit a patisserie like the excellent Ble Sucre (mentioned in Trish's book)

That I can run to Geraldine and share whatever I bring like Ble Sucre's delicious Pomme tarte tatin. You need a friend like that in Paris if you're going to survive and not balloon out and take off.

Plus Geraldine is letting me give her daughter watercolor lessons...sort of a test run. M. is a fearless and bold blobber. None of this would not have transpired if I hadn't read The Paris Gourmet.

This book has become my go-to Paris bible. If I'm heading off someplace foodie I check the book first.

I walked right by Poissonerie Lorenzo in the past at marche President Wilson.

And missed out on their glorious displays like this perfect checkerboard of salmon. Their Breton lobsters are jumping all over the place.

Along with all restaurant and food shops and markets, there are pages and pages of how-to secrets only a savvy Parisian knows. How-to shop at a marche, how-to be a good dinner guest, restaurant rules, the art of food shopping, on and on, good stuff you need to know.

Of course the early bird catches the peppers at Joel Thiebaut's vegetable stands at marche President Wilson.

Trish even tells you the proper way to drag your shopping trolley (always behind you. Never on the side or in front). Who knew?

Because of The Paris Gourmet I've become much better acquainted with Marche d'Aligre.

I often head over after a visit to marche Pres.Wilson. The atmosphere is completely different, more down to earth. Venders shout all kinds of enticements,
"One Euros, One Euros"
"Vous desire chere Madame?"
They insist you taste their produce. Prices are lower too. I love the warmth and friendliness of d'Aligre.

There's a section of entertaining recipes as well for home cooks. Even for armchair travelers reading The Paris Gourmet is a terrific way to immerse yourself in all the food treasures Paris has to offer. I'll be back with more soon I promise. It's a must-have in my opinion.

19 comments:

  1. How fun..The book must be.. a must have:) Lucky daughter too..VERY lucky daughter.. love the boy w/ the larger than he market bag too.
    You're Le "Energizer Bunny"~
    Have a good weekend..

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  2. Carol, that book does look like a wonderful source. Thank you so much for your introduction...and of course, for all those photos of pastry and markets.

    I agree that Mlle M is a lucky young lady to have you showing her the way into the wonderful land of watercolor painting.

    xo

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  3. Looks like an interesting book! Ble Sucre has the best Koign Amman and madeleines as well.

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    1. Very dangerous information to Koign Amann lovers !
      SOS

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  4. your post on The Paris Gourmet. Fantastique! Where can I buy the book in Paris? Do you think WH Smith have it?
    Many thanks for the great advice. I find that you are always in the know about things, while I'm totally clueless - until I get your posts. But by then, I've missed the event/market/exhibit/fete, etc. The Duck thing? I saw posters for that everywhere and had no clue what it was - until I got your post. The food fete on Alma (right in my neighborhood)? No clue until your post. What guides or sources do you use to get info on what's happening?
    Julie

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  5. Géraldine- EpicerieProvencale2:21 PM

    incroyable et magnifique ce commentaire du livre de Trish avec a nice "focus" on Belleville et un trés joli "clin d'oeil" à la Miss Macha...merci mille fois pour elle et à nouveau le joli commentaire sur ma boutique!

    Géraldine

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  6. Hi this books sounds brilliant ,, can you let Julie know that it is on the UK WH smiths website ,..

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  7. Sybil, artist8:47 PM

    Your have a fluid way of writing, I enjoyed reading it. I like how you incorporate your sketches into your blog. Nice wall pieces to perk the interest. Have been working on finishing touches to my paintings. Have decided that I need to carry a small sketch book with me to try quick ideas as you do. Keep up the good work.
    While in Paris I really savored the taste of a breakfast crepe made to order at the open market on Sunday in the Bastille section of Paris. Hope you have had a chance to try it.
    Sybil, artist, cyclist

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  8. Just ordered her book.
    Thanks for the informative review.

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  9. That's what I call research!
    You're very lucky to have found the book & that neighborhood. Lots of delicious looking food there :)

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  10. This looks like a fabulous book! I have to get a copy so that I am ready to try some new places on my next trip!

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    1. You'll love it or I'll eat my chapeau

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  11. This looks great Carol, thanks for the headsup! I know I'll need to read this before the next trip.

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  12. Yet another one to add to the shelf -- it looks terrific! And good luck with the watercolor lessons!

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  13. Love this blog. An love being in Paris, of course.

    Sabrine

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  14. I jumped online and ordered this book because who couldn't use another foodie book about Paris! It's a fun, well-organized food tour through Paris and the dog-eared pages are adding up fast! Thanks for the rec. x Katie

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  15. Scrumptious photographs, but I'm afraid I have to admit that I cannot buy or eat a fish that still has its head on it.

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    1. Of course they remove the head before selling silly.
      That's so you can look it in the eye to check for freshness...
      Ugh ;(

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  16. Reading this post makes me feel exactly like that furry guy outside - looking in!

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