Paris Cheese Map

The Paris Cheese Map is getting enveloped right now. 

Inspired by a cheesy French napkin I've been saving for just such an occasion.

I made all the fromagiers holding giant hunks of cheese. 

I've yet to find the names all for the geometrical cheese shapes. Do you know them? I can tell you the striations on top and bottom are from the straw they rest on. They are turned constantly while aging, somewhat like Champagne bottles . 

Today I went into LAURENT DUBOIS at Mutualité. They're known for their unusually flavored and shaped cheeses. 

B's 80-something mother called and said, "You better start eating in the Blue Zone if you want to live to 100. I think we watched the same program - DAN BUETNER chatting on Amanapore and Co. The gist is you eat mainly grains, seeds, nuts, beans and greens. No wonder my 6:30 AM Breakfast Club is in such good shape dining on flax seed/oatmeal. I wish someone would tell them there is NO dinner service. 

Yesterday I made a 'Blue Zone' lentil salad c/o THE LITTLE PARIS KITCHEN cookbook by Rachel Khoo, who used to live in a tiny walkup studio in the 19th arrondissement. 1cup washed French lentils in 2 cups cold water + a bay leaf, some thyme, salt and cook for 12-15 minute. No overnight soaking. Add greens etc. plus a dill dressing.

Watch the fun VIDEO. When I wrote the book review in Feb 2013 I had no idea I would move into Rachel's tiny walk-up 6 months later. 

Here's a tiny patch of those fab Portuguese tiles in her kitchen we shared. I could have stayed but I found my current castle in the clouds and moved on. Rachel moved on to Sweden and is still turning out ingenious cookbooks  by the dozens. 

By the way Blue Zone regime says no dairy allowed. I shall ignor that rule. I'll bet these Jura cheese chips are not on the menu either but girls just wanna have fun.

 Have a good, safe weekend dear PBers.