If there’s one thing I admire about the French, it’s their obsession love of fresh, quality food and bread.
Fresh Coquilles St Jacques (Scallops) in their shells at local market
Markets are bustling with shoppers even on a cold, crisp Wednesday morning where parking spaces are fought over and pedestrains race across the street to purchase their warm baguettes for lunch.
This baker has the best grainy baguettes in the area.
As soon as you step inside the boulangerie, the movie unfolds. Steam-clouded windows and the aroma of fesh, golden loaves, bring you into another world. During a ten-minute wait in line, you can watch the baker open the oven and place baguettes on a metal shelf.
Behind the counter, his wife and her assistant smile and chat with each customer.
The baker and his wife treat each customer with the same warmth and attention they give to their craft.
Another bakery with creamy eclairs, and tartes aux fruits.
Bread is purchased daily; a must in French society, hence the importance of relationships between the baker and each customer. In a way it’s a form of therapy for the customer, where for several minutes a day, you can share stories about your family, your health or ask questions about which type of bread goes with a camembert , saumon fumé, (smoked salmon) or pâté de foie gras. Even in a city like Paris, the store owners value relationships with their customers. They pay attention, remember who you are, and show that they care.
Bon appétit
Another fish stall with fresh oysters and mussels. Wish we had seafood, this fresh, in southern California.
