Home > April in Paris > Archives > 2008 > October > 24 > Entry
French Market Tour with Le Cordon Bleu Master Chef
The open air markets of Paris represent the gastronomic soul of the city, according to Le Cordon Bleu. Paris boasts 82 markets and we would visit one this morning with a Master chef as our guide.
Primary colored tents lined the French street brightening the overcast skyline. Walking in between the rows of produce and amazing food displays, it was as if we had walked behind the curtain, if you will, of an amazing performance.
The shopkeepers were no doubt ‘characters’ with their joie de vivre and robust pride for their goods. Each shop was full of energy displaying, butchering, wrapping or sampling their wares. Some stores had been owned by the same family for many generations, creating a rich heritage and way of life.
Endless time and doting care went into the meticulous presentation of the merchandise. The farmers laid out their bounty of grape varieties and root vegetables and cherished each piece of fruit as if it were their last. To quote Sacre Cordon Bleu, “to the French every tomato is an heirloom tomato.” Vibrant splashes of natural color washed over the scene in every direction. Moving through the market, each shop displayed their offerings in their own signature way. Huge displays of whole, fresh fish, glistened full of color as the fishmongers prepared the fish according to the customer’s specifications. The patrons waited patiently as the butcher finished butchering a hen or leg of lamb so intricately, it was a work of art. The customers did not mind waiting in the aisles painted with red, blue and green striped backdrops. Why not wait kindly, when the best of everything is right here at your very whim?
Fresh sausage was being made in the charcuterie shop. French favorites such as terrines, galantines,pates and confit were flaunted, as well. The Middle Eastern area paraded homemade breads such as Indian Paratha , Afghani Naan, and Turkish Lavash—all unique, aromatic and rustic. Across the way, an artisan specializing in dried fruit offered me a fresh, ripe date that was still on the cluster— absolutely the divinity of fruit. Long tables featured an abundance of fresh olives. Gorgeous bread, regional foie gras, exquisite Perigord black truffles, homemade honey from Provence and fresh-cut exotic flowers by the bundle, lined our passageway. Chestnuts, mushrooms, pumpkins and figs received an encore on the stage today, as the season’s best hits.
The chef was definitely the star of this outdoor performance with his vigor and penchant for storytelling. As we passed the fresh oyster display, he was reminded of a story. Apparently, years before, he had purchased some in-season, high quality oysters from his favorite local market. He wrapped the oysters in seaweed, boxed them appropriately and shipped them to a friend in America. A few weeks later, he received a thank you letter. ‘Dear Michel, I received your package. Thank you for the salad. I thought you should know, there were large rocks in it!’ The chef shrugged dramatically, making a face as if he was speechless. He laughed first and loudest and we all followed with laughter, as well—partly because of his story and partly because of his theatrics!
Learning from the French Master chef to choose the best local ingredients in the French market and to create a seasonal French menu, we all left the market with more intellect and the insatiable desire to experience more of the French culture. As we made our way back to Le Cordon Bleu Paris, I held the bar in the subway and reflected on the simplicity and pure pleasure of the marketplace. Glowing with contentment, I smiled gratefully and closed my eyes to savor the moment.
Comments
By snd
October 25, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this
April, I’m excited you are learning so much about the things you love…keep us updated.
By TP
October 27, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this
April, Wow it sounds so exciting~I wish I could be there with you right now. Love the pictures keep them coming.
By Renaye
October 27, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
April i am so proud of you….going all the way to Paris…I know your having a blast and have some fun for me lol!!!!!
By J'Nai
October 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Right on! More pics! More pics!