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…
Delicious! Feel the aroma…
And roses… Wonderful image.
Thank you Heather for lovely comment on my blog.
Please DO post more photos and stories about your market! Our wallpaper could be another person's dream. I love the French custom of throwing extras in the bag. It happened to me today. My favourite vegetable and fruit vendor, Romy, sneaked some of the first basil of the season into my bag. I made pistou for lunch with it. Little things…
Wish I was there…thanks for sharing your photos of my favourite market and food vendors, its the second best thing to being there! Is the old lady with the goats cheese back? She wasn't in Tarascon over the winter months…..
Perfectly said everyone. And yes, Sharon I can be a brat! We all have our off days–luckily for such nice people to swerve me back on track. And yes, the flower guy definitely has a crush I think! :O I think that I will take Remi with me next time…
Hello Heather
I have just had lunch but now find myself wanting some of your finds. How kind of the Vietnamese lady and the Florist. These acts of kindness can truly make ones day and make us realize the goodness of people.
Have a glorious weekend
Helen xx
Oh, now I really need to find a flower man that likes me as much as yours likes you hahaha! Thanks for leaving me such a sweet message on my blog. You're such a sweetheart!
~ Clare x
Sigh….and I have felt so guilty lately for not preparing dinner more often (or at all to be honest). I can now honestly blame it on the dearth of French markets in the neighborhood.
I'm going to share this post with my dear Paul. Not that he needs convincing, but yet one more reason to move to France.
I would love shopping a whole lot more if I could buy some of those wonderful treats. We all have our moments of being a brat it's called life and I'm sure Remi has forgiven you.
Enjoy your feast!
XX
Debra~
trôp facile ?! – doesn't exist in blogworld
a FREE bunch of peonies ?! – the man has a crush on you
lavender on goats cheese ?! – any day
you a BRAT?!! – I don't believe a word of it
have a lovely weekend and don't eat it all at once
Sharon
xx
I'm glad you decided to write about the market; your simple treasures look like grand treasures to me! What lovely pictures, and I swear I can smell the lavender, strawberries and roses!! Mmmm…