The most wonderful food...

I challenge anyone to go to France and not LOVE the food. Admittedly, there are a few delicacies that would make a persnickety person fidget. Escargot may not be your first choice on the menu, but the no one eats that daily. The thing about French cuisine is that the basic staples in their diet are amazingly delicious.

My first love in France is the baguette. It is light, crusty with a soft center. It has all the qualities that make food fun to eat. When we visit Paris, there are at least seven boulangeries (bakeries) within two blocks. Every morning, afternoon and evening, you can purchase baguettes that were pulled from their ovens only minutes before you arrived. The shops are not large, but always have a steady flow of loyal customers.

Then you have the fromage (cheese). This can be put on the baguettes or eaten alone. Any method will do. You can find cheese at the "fromager" or you go to the marche. You will arrive to find such a large selection of cheeses that choosing one seems an impossible task. In the markets the cheese selection fills an entire aisle. The only aisle that is bigger is the one that holds the wine.



As if these basics would not stave off hunger for the picky eater, you can find the most amazing selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, nuts, and dried fruits at the local markets. They set up stalls the day before and the market covers over three city blocks. Not only do they have fresh food, but you can also find a nice pair of shoes to go with your groceries from an adjoining stall. It is such fun to wander through the stalls. It seems like there is one of every imaginable food available for your to purchase by the kilo. The stall workers call after you as you walk past trying to entice you with their deals. My biggest problem is that "my eyes are bigger than my stomach". :)