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| My collection of free samples |
Yesterday Solli, my partner in crime, and I
Took RER B out to Parc des Expositions for first day of SIAL.
This is every bit as big as Maison&Objet, i.e. massive, held in the same venue.
We started out in Fruits & Spices, where I needed to pick up my ticket 🎫
Oh my, so many absolutely yummy exotic things to taste from
India, Iran, Brazil, Chile
This is what REAL cinnamon looks like from Ceylon/Sri Lanka. Pale toast color, tightly furled, very delicate. We managed to convince them to give us each one cinnamon stick 🙏
Many US States were there with dried wild blueberries, dried cherries, cranberries, pecans, pistachios. So many samples.
Solli only eats ‘organics’, so often politely declined.
Meanwhile I’m nudging her and whispering,
“Just Take It! I’ll eat them” 😂
Somehow we escaped out of there and walked across to Hall 1 for Savory Foods (see mini map above)
Italy 🇮🇹
Solli said Garofalo is the absolute Best pasta! She lives half the time in Italy. They were passing out cooked samples with baby green peas. Italians love those tiny peas. I grabbed one of course. 😀
Greece 🇬🇷 tasting samples from Mavrommatis. They make the best Greek yogurt you can find in Paris. Made in France 🇫🇷 from Greek cows 🐄 by the way.
Germany🇩🇪
I brought home a carton of ‘Instant Pasta’ with truffles like Instant Ramen but so much better.
We are going back tomorrow. I completely missed the France 🇫🇷 area!
I hope you got a vicarious thrill dear PBers ❤️😀 
The presentations of samples! I love those square white plates. My world seems too limited. But it is sauerkraut making time at my neighbor's condo. It can be a get together for men. Love that.
ReplyDeleteLove ❤️ Sauerkraut and wish I knew how to make it - supposed to be easy !
DeleteYum! I want to try everything especially the cinnamon stick!!! 😋 Take care, from 🇨🇦
ReplyDeleteI tried most of them once I got the shot…no complaints at all 😋
DeleteI went to one here in California that was huge with so many samples I was shocked; I had no idea there would be barbecue, chocolates, cheese , bread, cookies!! I attended after being given a ticket by a buyer to help him so many vendors assumed I was going to buy massive quantities potentially. There was even an almond grower from Tasmania. It was overwhelming but a once in a lifetime experience. This looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThe instant truffle pasta sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteIt was surprisingly yummy 👏 I added parsley etc
DeleteOMG if I could just fake a professional ID and teleport over I'd be in heaven! Thanks for your fab description!
ReplyDeleteThis looks fabulous. I used to go to the San Francisco one which was also huge. I didn’t think Americans would bring their foods. If it isn’t organic it’s full of pesticides.
ReplyDeleteThe US had plenty organic there
DeleteWow! Another weekend, another food fair! What a lucky ducky you are, Carol! I sure do wish some of those products were sold in the US…especially that truffle pasta. Enjoy your samples!
ReplyDeleteI wolfed down quite a few samples once the drawing was done, but plenty to savor for later. The French section is waiting
DeleteFood Heaven (and overload). You go to the best places.
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard work Suki..a lot of footwork is involved. Then much sleeping 💤 is required.
DeleteWow! Huge exhibition and I love the measuring spoon you got with the sample of hazelnuts from Oregon USA 😀 👍
ReplyDeleteI do hope you get to the French food booths and share with us !
Isn’t that spoon a hoot? I never saw a measuring spoon I didn’t love ❤️ Anyone from Oregon to explain the necessity of this instrument?
DeleteLiterally it must be an advertising item someone managed to sell the Hazelnut Board! Just a way to give the clients something with their name on it! Most of us have measuring spoons in our kitchens so there is no other reason for them to be passing it out (imo). Anyway, who needs to measure chocolate hazelnuts when you are just popping them into your mouth! hee-hee!
DeleteChocolate hazelnuts? That sounds yummy 😋
DeleteI find the prices for entrance fees too expensive.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a biannual event only open to professional buyers, not the public. The largest food fair of its kind. They come from all over the world to attend. Maison et Objet is the same.
DeleteHow much is the entrance fee?
ReplyDeleteNot sure…60 or 80€
DeleteJust had to say how I love opening your envelopes and how the perfume sample always sends me swooning. A little Marcel Proust scent of memory happening there. Phyllis
ReplyDeleteWow! This is epic! Though everything does look tasty also a bit overwhelming, where can you get a cup of tea to have a break and recharge? 😆
ReplyDelete