I don’t usually like to write about our market. Even though it is the largest in Provence, the subject somehow seems trop facile and a bit cliché. But, today my haul just made me so happy that I had to share it! My panier or basket was so heavy on the way home as it was filled to the brim with goodies.
The perfume of the tiny Gariguette strawberries was matched by the Herbs de Provence mixture on top of the super fresh goat cheese. When I saw the sprinkles of lavender, c’etait vendu! Similarly, I couldn’t stop inhaling the warmth of the bread stuffed with green olives and pistou. Tiens, I think I need to go rip off a hunk of that right now!
Over the past two years, I have become increasingly attached to the lovely woman who sells her freshly made Vietnamese delectables. Spicy samosas, crackly shrimp nems, bouncy shrimp bouchons and the not to be missed crab farci. She grew up in Saigon during the war and Remi thinks that might be the reason why she is especially kind to me, her American client, often putting a little something extra in my bag. Today it was the crunchy shrimp and peanut salad.
And she wasn’t the only one that was generous! Yes, the flower vendor sneaked in a small bouquet of peonies, again without saying a word. They are on my desk and the roses, bought for my honey because I was a brat last night, are on the dining room table.
The oysters and a bottle of white Côte du Rhone are chilling in the fridge. We will have a late lunch, a feast of Saturday treasures!
Simple pleasures but nonetheless real and to be cherished…
Oh, I don't know Sanda, there are wonderful eats all over! I am always so impressed by how much the US in particularly has changed in regards to their eating habits in the past ten years–and that hard work is paying off. I love and miss the wornderful fusion mix that can be found in the States.
Merci Victoria–good to hear from you!!
Ohhh, I so envy you having those French markets! Such wonderful choices. So much better than driving to the local Publix, filling up a cart and taking "groceries" home in plastic bags. But it'll bebetter here in a few weeks, when fresh produce begins arriving at farmers' markets.Things are changing now as more people realize eating fresh is better. Soon my market finds will resemble yours. No, not exactly true; you are in France, after all!!
The food you are able to buy in your market take my breath away. They all sound so delicious and genuine — no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup. The vendors sound so kind and generous as well. You are living a life most would treasure. It is a pleasure to taste the food and smell the flowers through your words.
All the best…Victoria
Oh my, I do think that we would get along really well…something to think about, especially as Remi has photo shoots coming up in Antibes which is closer than farther to you!!
Warmer weather and greenhouses are the key! The pistou was indeed fab. Come visit…
Good, good reminder Brooke! I fear MOST of my daily life isn't so thrilling but true, I should let you all decide that. 🙂
It's a choice, Karen and it isn't always easy! But for moments like the market it really is a great pleasure. Arles has two markets–the big Saturday market but also the Wednesday work-week market. Both have different sellers and personalities.
Wyn, I think that you would be so inspired by all of the colors! Especially at this time of year.