The Paris Gourmet 2

More from Trish Deseine's THE PARIS GOURMET on shopping in  the marches.

This time the Sunday organic marché Bio at rue Raspail, 75006. If you go on tuesdays and Fridays the organic producteurs will not be there.

The first thing to greet my eyes coming up out of Metro Rennes station were these enticing Provencal cotton quilts.

Two steps away this fabulous nutty, figgy bread.

But the lines were too long. French lines are probably the only thing keeping me from blowing up and floating away. Even the credit card machines tell you to be patient and wait...

Pick out your oysters...

And they will shuck them on the spot for you to eat straight away. It's oyster season again!

Natural/ organic wines seem to be preferred over anything 'industrial'.

Look you can grow you're own kale for a mere 18 euros.. You lucky USers, gather your kale while you may in big curly bunches for a song.

Definitely the tomatoes are better here than in the supermarche.

And the jams/confiture

Another landmine for me especially when the titles are handwritten or the jam is liquidy if you turn it upside down - a sign there isn't too much pectin (so industrial). This is strictly my biased opinion but Trish's yellow book will guide you to all the right places. Then you decide based on your own taste buds.

Yesterday I went back to Marche Grenelle to see if the Apple Lady from the Loire vallee was back. Of course she was.

I couldn't resist her mini noisettes/hazelnuts I hope from her own back yard. She counted them out exactly on the scale. Heaven forbid I should get an extra one for my 2 euros. Still her mini pears are deliciously ripe and ready to eat today.

Trish says,
"Only touch the produce if you're invited - and be gentle. Sometimes you will be invited to choose your own fruit and vegetables, sometimes this will get you into big trouble. Go with it. Poking, prodding and squeezing is frowned upon - unless you buy of course'. The Apple Lady has remaindered fruit on the side and you can help yourself.

"Steal me a grape - and no one will mind'"says Trish. "It is acceptable to steal a grape or a Mirabelle and try it without asking the seller. I've no idea why this should be. Do not, under any circumstances try this with other fruit".

 I've become a fearless grape thief in Paris thanks to Trish. Her book has given me the bravado to taste and try many new foods. Certainly a visit to a marche in Paris is essential to understand what's in season and what you should be ordering in restaurants. They are joined at the hip. Well the good ones are.

"Parisian dogs can go to markets too. Dogs are fine, but remember the size limit is set at cocker spaniel or Kind Charles. Nothing bigger".

I suppose bigger hounds of Paris will have to browse or lecher vitrine... Whatever Trish says goes in my eyes.