12 things I love about living in Paris

"Everyone complains about the weather but no one does anything about it".

 

So what if it's grey skies in Paris most of the time. 

"Frankly my dear I don't give a damn".

I don't miss the verticality of living in New York City.

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On the other hand I'm nuts Paris horizontals. Things are on a more human scale.

Pastries are lined up horizontally.

Same goes for chocolate bars and yogurts. They still put me in a trance-like state. Very calming. No need to buy. I get off on reading the labels.

I've fallen for vanilla beans. You can reuse them over and over in your hot chocolate in the morning (even when they dry up rock solid). 

And then put vanille in your tea at bedtime. Or anywhere else for that matter sweet or savoury.

Butter used to be one stick of Land O'Lakes sitting in my freezer 6-8 months. Not anymore thanks to Beillevaire Fromagere.

 

Vermont Cheddar, I've forgotten all about you. There are 300+ cheeses to love in France.

 

Seasonal fashion trends used to be more prominent at PB.

 

Now I'm consumed with what's to eat in season in the marché

 

I ate so many fresh, ripe apricots last Spring, I got a rash and had to wear long sleeves all Summer. It was worth every scratch. Will I ever learn moderation here?

 

GO TO THE MARCHÉ! If you want to see what people are wearing (Raspail on Sunday). What they are eating(far more important). 

What to eat in restaurants (they buy what's in season).
To practice your French.  For so many reasons the marche is one of the best, free experiences you can have in Paris.

 

As for the Metro, I've learned how to push with the best of them. It is the fastest way to get around Paris.
 

Till I learn to ride a bike.
 

Wednesdays are when new movies open in Paris. I read the Metro posters with great anticipation, then the reviews and sometimes I remember to go. Mostly I miss things. There is so much to do in Paris. DON'T miss 'Les Garçons et Guillaume, Á Table' Great fun.

Yesterday I BAKED. This is major milestone. Much thanks to Jill of Mad about Macarons. Her Tarte Tatin d'Oignon Caramelises was so easy and too good not to try. The other day I made Charlotte's Magret de Canard, also easy and trés delish. So yes, I'm still loving Paris for too many reasons to count.

BONNE 2014 PBers. Stay tuned.
 

Markets of Paris

Paris marche are one of the best things to do on a Sunday.
 

I seem to return to the Raspail Bio marche every Sunday.

It never disappoints for pure visual beauty.
 

Chef Marthe pointed out the best purveyors for herbs and olive oil. Having a knowledgable guide makes a huge difference.
 

The new 2nd edition of Markets of Paris is the next best thing. Now lighter weight so easy to bring along. I know I will in July.
 

I'm loving the new organization. It's set up by arrondissements rather than Paris Central-East-North-West etc. like the last edition. So much easier to find exactly the marche you want. Crafts, antiques, books and fleas are included. In the back is a list of marche open (44) on Sundays.

There are maps front and back of the book.

Maybe because I run so much during the week, I like to relax a bit on Sundays and go to the food marches. I'm such a creature of habit going back to the same place over and over. A good reason to take a tour like Paris By Mouth to marche Bastille to try someplace new.



It's always a good to get there early before the good stuff is gone.

Look for sellers with long lines.

Like this fish monger - I learned that from Phyllis but it's common sense.

I'm captivated by the kitchen gizmo man (I love my herbe-chopping sissors)
 

A woman at the next stand tells me I should buy this goat cheese (only available that week). Course it was all gone. Still a la prochaine/next time as they say.
 

I ♥ this dryed fruit and nut bread.

I only buy radishes at the marches.

I knew M. would have that bread at lunch later. She lives near Raspail marche - Lucky duck!
 

You'd think the way Parisian dogs are so often off the lead they could hold your place in line while you shop elsewhere.
 

Always a slew of French kiddies at the marches.
Take a look on Amazon  at the newest Markets of Paris.Maybe next trip I'll visit some new marche with this in my valise. Why do I always go back to the same marches?