I have been back in Paris for just over 24 hours and am still feeling a tad fuzzy-brained. I spent some time with my old friend Jet Lag in the middle of the night, and am not yet completely in this time zone. So please forgive incoherence or typos or weirdness of any kind.
Yesterday I managed a quick trip to my neighborhood Franprix for a few essentials. Guess what? It’s no longer the “stinky Franprix”! She has had a complete makeover and looks and smells infinitely better. Hooray for enclosed refrigeration of the cheese! If I could just figure out where they moved the hummus I would be completely satisfied.
I picked up some gorgeous strawberries and this morning I mixed them with some frozen mango, plain yogurt, and a touch of honey to make a decadent smoothie for breakfast. Twas very delicious.
Hello, lovely.
Feeling fortified, I grabbed my little red shopping cart and walked to the Wilson Market to see what new produce was in season. I found abundant strawberries, happy cherries, tiny bunches of wild asparagus (so cute but not sure what to do with them), rhubarb, artichokes, and eggplant. Here is what i bought:
I don’t know why I never buy prepared food at the market, as it always looks and smells delicious. The huge saucer of paella reminded me of the amazing paella we ate in Madrid, so I bought some. Dinner: check.
Are you as intimidated by artichokes as I am? I love to eat them, but they are thorny and fuzzy and I never know how long to cook them. The market was full of these baby artichokes and I had just read a Smitten Kitchen post on Crispy Frizzled Artichokes, so I decided to give it a try. As you can see, I only bought five, just in case I don’t get it right.
Paris is cool and overcast this morning but the sun promises to peek out this afternoon. I think I will take a nap and hope for a sunny walk when I wake up.
Happy Hump Day, everyone!
Mais Oui Paris 
Please let us know how the artichokes turn out.
Hi Lisa Lakner here in Houston turned me on to your blog. I have been reading it non stop. We leave for Normandy/Paris on the 17th (my parents, sister, and two Stratford grads) And will be staying in what appears to be your hood. (Rue Cirque in the 8th). Any pointers for a whirlwind tour? We will be in Paris on the 21st to 27th. Love your restaurant recommendations.
Bonjour Melissa! What a fun trip for you all! IF you are in the 8th you must walk around Parc Monceau. Also two small but gorgeous museums are the Jacquemart Andre and the Monet Marmottan (16th). The rooftop bar at the Hotel Raphael is wonderful but fills early. It’s next door to the newly re-opened Peninsula Hotel, which is worth a wander around the lobby. It also has a rooftop bar but I haven’t made it there yet. Don’t miss the Luxembourg Gardens and also the new river banks are very lively in the summer between the Alma bridge and the Musee d’Orsay. Enjoy!
Thank you! So excited I feel like we are armed with wonderful insider info. Can’t wait to go to the Wilson market for some produce and cheese.
You love that Parc Monceau, Kate!