"Because a woman loves so many things…"
The timing could not be more perfect. The lull between breakfast and lunch and a great spot for people-watching in this café on the Blvd Saint-Germain.
It is one of my favorite rituals I have living in Paris.
A morning café-crème with my mini laptop and my days’s schedule to plan.
Do you have a morning ritual?
After a delightful chat with Yvonne at Stone Gable Blog, we could not help but talk about the first cover of the very first issue of Belle Inspiration. It was September 2010… can it really be that long? We’ll soon be celebrating our 5th anniversary of celebrating la joie de vivre!
Yvonne was kind enough to write and photograph the cover story for that first issue.
A little sparkle at the Paris Flea Market – Puces de Clignancourt.
This is a drop in the ocean of treasures at this fabulous market.
it is truly unlike any market in the world,
and advertised as the largest!
Paris Travel Groupe specializes in private market tours for friends, boutique owners and designers;
help with negotiation, French language, shipper introductions…
Mention you saw this blog post for a discount!
Private tours of Paris and surrounding areas are also available.
Madeleines are light, fluffy and buttery gâteaux (cakes), much like a sponge cake. The perfect side to your afternoon café or tea, with just the right amount of sweetness that won’t put you into a sugar coma.
Warm, melted butter makes the inside moist and tender inside and tastes divine if you can eat it right from the oven.
These delicious cakes with their distinct shape originated in the town of Commercy in the Lorraine region of France. Madeleines are baked in a scalloped shaped pan mold and the pretty shape makes even the simplest snack a bit more fun.
You can infuse them with a variety of flavors including lemon, vanilla, lavender, cinnamon – your choice, though the original buttery flavor is still my favorite.
The food markets in Paris are a highlight for residents and visitors alike.The food vendors here take their food seriously, and the displays are mouth-watering to say the least.
Many vendors will offer you a little taste – a peu de goût – so you can be sure of the freshness and quality of their products. They enjoy sharing facts and cooking tips so don’t be shy if you have a question.
There is always a breathtaking selection of flowers at the markets that are hard to resist. You’ll soon notice the French carry their wrapped flowers upside down.
The flavors of macarons have expanded from original chocolate and raspberry to salted caramel, lavender, rose, and orange blossom.
The new recipes range from the stuff of dreams to more avante garde tastes Pierre Hermé, the King of Macarons, is famous for his experimental flavors has a version with … are you ready? … ketchup and tiny chopped cornichons (pickles)!
My own palate is much more subtle (boring?!). My new favorite is salted caramel or pistache (pistachio). Which is your favorite flavor?
Photo: Elaine Biss
Chilly temps won’t stop a trip to the flower market is sure to make you feel like tinges of the fever that the season is sure to bring!
Photo: Krystal Kenney