The Products of France

So many people think Paris is such an expensive city.

It is, but compared to NYC, it's a bargain.
Especially when it comes to food.

Specialty items in France are much less expensive than at home, especially compared to Whole Foods.

My greatest pleasure while in France is to shop at the supermarché.
As soon as we get off the plane, we walk to the supermarket and get supplies before unpacking.
It's tradition.

French yogurt, the best butter of your life w/ a bit of fleur de sel, and a baguette at the boulangerie on the corner, and always sardines.

Sure, I love the fresh air markets, but then I have to cook.

The Franprix by our apartment is new and beautiful.
They have amazing wine for 9 euros (and that's an expensive bottle), and excellent quality cheeses for a supermarket.
Same goes for their rotisserie chicken and potatoes, all in one container to go.

High quality products for a fair price.

I always bring home a bunch of canned and jarred goods, that I can't find at home.

Maille mustard (moutarde) is the real thing here. It is made in France.
For some reason the stuff we get at home is made in Canada.
Can you tell the difference? I can.

Jar of moutarde, 2 euros.

Bornibus is an old mustard company in France, from the 1860's, and I love their condiments, especially their poivron and aubergine spread....which is just roasted red peppers and eggplant.

Try it with some hard to get RODEL sardines or thon (not available anywhere in the US).....only the Grand Epicerie sells it, and it is worth the trip to the store to find it. David Lebovitz writes about them here.

Then there's all the saucisson.....the dried cured salamis......so many to choose from, and so good. I bring home a bunch in my luggage.

There are salts, and nougat, and more tuna....and more tuna......btw, I love tunafish in the can.

G. Detou in the 2eme, is the address for the best selection of canned thon and confit de canard in the city.

It is a specialty shop for baking, carrying all the necessary ingredients one would need to excel in patisserie.
A very special place to visit.

I think my favorite product brought home from this trip is the Moutarde Violette for 4 euros. It is made by an old French Company. It is a condiment made with grape must and is wonderful.

Since I have been home, I have used it on roast chicken sandwiches as well as a delicious saute of broccoli, red grapes and leftover chicken.
Add in a little chicken broth to the pan and at the end finish w/ some fresh rosemary and the violet mustard.
Fantastic.

And the best part about bringing home these treats, is when you eat them at home, it reminds you of Paris all over again.

:)