Another market day….

Posted on April 23, 2026 by pianomd

The weather is absolutely gorgeous – just what the song April in Paris promised – temperature in mid 60s, sunny, a light breeze- simply wonderful.

We are having guests for drinks tonight and so I headed to the market early to buy a few more nibbles to add to what I already have from Picards- the famous frozen food store found all over France.

On my way to the market—the Eiffel Tower clear in the distance.

I knew exactly what I wanted and so headed first to the bread man and then to the Italian vendor who has the best small onions marinated in balsamic vinegar and oil

I headed over to the fish vendor for a slab of smoked salmon and saw these small shell fish that I didn’t buy but might next week just to see what they are.

These look like scallops – I’m not sure what I’d do with them but I might give it a try.
At this stand the young woman was selling only tomatoes. This is half of what she had.
At another stand there was all kinds of Middle Eastern food including pastries, skewers of meats and chicken and various sandwiches. Below you see the young man preparing the dough for breads that will be cooked with various toppings on the hot metal cooker — round and in the shape of a dome. The only other times I’ve seen one like this was in Beirut and recently in Watertown at a Persian restaurant.
I was hoping we’d get out again to get these for lunch but we ended up eating the kebbe I bought. They were very tasty.
Back in the kitchen – fresh milk from the “Vielle Abbaye” – the old Abbey and good for the heart. Although the fat content isn’t listed it is supposedly “half crème”. I also bought little pots of chocolate mousse from this same vendor — one was shared after lunch. Soooo good!
On the way back to the apartment I passed our pharmacy which is now on reduced hours. The owner has had a small heart attack but the employee I spoke with yesterday assured me he was coming back soon. I told her to pass on good wishes from the American lady – he’ll know it is me.
Almost to the front door.
I’m about to enter with my trusty shopping cart.
This is most of what I bought. That’s a little lemon loaf on the left. Can’t wait to try it

Yesterday we went to our local brassiere for an early dinner. The proprietor and waitress are accustomed now to seeing us early and know we have come “pour manger” (to eat) and don’t even ask any more. As you know the French don’t eat dinner until 7:30 or 8:00pm.

Brassiere Segur
When we arrived- no one was there.
A little later a few customers showed up for coffee or a beer. If you sit at a table the price of the coffee nearly doubles.
The couple behind George were having coffee and a pastry.
Our. Dinner started with an appetizer of white asparagus and prosciutto which we shared. Followed by a flat steak smothered in onions and fries ( I asked for mashed but they didn’t have any)
We finished off with an apple tart with a very thin crust.
Headed home- George is waiting for me to get across the wide thoroughfare.
Almost home- this is the ground floor of our apartment building. The Boulangerie (bakery) is long gone – now an apartment. But the store front has become a bit famous- the backdrop for a Chanel ad.
Unknown's avatar

About pianomd

Retired medical doctor; a proud grandmother; have degrees in music, medicine and medical anthropology; love to travel. Live with my husband in New England and Paris. Love music, used to play the piano, and love to think of myself as a writer... but that remains to be seen.
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9 Responses to Another market day….

  1. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:
    April 23, 2026 at 11:55 am

    You have certainly opened my eyes to how you two live over there. When and how did your life in Paris begin?

    Reply
  2. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:
    April 23, 2026 at 1:30 pm

    Looks fabulous! Wonderful to have such beautiful weather and such delicious food!

    Reply
  3. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:
    April 23, 2026 at 4:03 pm

    So heavenly just to see your photos and read your delightful captions! Next time you go to Paris can I meet you there??!! xoxo Claire

    Reply
  4. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:
    April 23, 2026 at 4:19 pm

    Thank you so much for posting those photos- have never been to Paris, nor France. Weather here has been a cold snap, but grass growing, flowers popping out, osprey have returned. Sun shining today- so we are making solar electricity! Joan

    Reply
  5. honeybeesolucky's avatar honeybeesolucky says:
    April 23, 2026 at 11:58 pm

    Wonderful news. Love the photos and fond memories of your neighborhood. Glad u r enjoying the Wonderful tastes,smells,weather in your lovely Paris Home.

    Reply
  6. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:
    April 24, 2026 at 10:18 am

    Thanks for sharing!! Love the adventure of your day!!

    Reply
  7. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:
    April 24, 2026 at 11:02 am

    What a wonderful “day in the life…”! I don’t know whether to be more excited about the wonderful food you acquired or by the energy with which you spend your days! Probably both! How nice you are having beautiful weather this April!

    Reply
  8. jpfhayward's avatar jpfhayward says:
    April 24, 2026 at 12:26 pm

    Love your posting – it makes me feel like I

    Reply

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