Two Opportunities at One Go 1-3-26

We had a sunny morning which was nice, but it’s still pretty chilly in Paris. We could see remnants of an overnight snow, nothing that would rate much comment in Denver but still there were patches in the shade. I’m only noting this because in 2015 we didn’t see this much snow in the entire year. Being Saturday we found that there was a vide-grenier down at Les Halles today and that made it really close to our favorite store for buying edible souvenirs. The store is called ‘G. Detou’ and that is a word play on the phrase I have everything, ‘J’ai de tous’. 

Because of the temperature we took the Metro down to Les Halles and came out of the subway right at the southern end of the flea market. It was nearly as big at the one at Porte de Vanves each weekend and in fact we noticed a number of dealers that we regularly see down there. I think that the chance to do a flea market right in the heart of the city was too enticing since the Porte de Vanves is out at the southwestern edge of the city. Les Halles is a major shopping area and the foot traffic is certain to be higher than out there. We immediately decided on a plan for going through the stalls. Generally we do this so that we each have some idea of where to look for the other when we become separated. Disconnects happen when one of us stops to really go through a booth and the other moves on to something of more interest. It’s not a certainty that we’ll separate but there’s a good chance it will happen. I was on the hunt for cycling things while Deb was looking for anything that might catch her fancy (small & portable). If we were to rate these things strictly from an economics viewpoint we would be pretty feeble. Luckily we derive so much enjoyment from them that anything we buy is just a mental tickle. Today Deb turned up another of the ice tongs that we use for olives and entertainment for our guests. The great thing about it was its price, in Nice we never saw one less than 20 euros, but today one turned up for 5 euros, major score. 💥 simple minds and all that.

We decided to eat lunch before going to G.Detou so hunted a restaurant in the immediate neighborhood. There is a major pedestrian street just off of Les Halles called Rue Montorgueil which is packed with restaurants of all sorts. It is a very popular destination and the prices reflect the same. We looked at a couple and decided on one that looked pleasant and wasn’t overly pricey. There were a number of diners and they appeared to be enjoying themselves. When we went in the host guided us to a table next to a window which we generally enjoy. Today the table was nice but there was a distinct draft coming in through a joint, so I just adjusted so that it wasn’t blowing directly on me. The menu was a fusion of French and Asian influences so for an appetizer we had a plate of nems (spring rolls). Then both of us ordered a bowl of their fish soup with raviolis, thinking that would take of the chill better than many other things. I was honestly hoping for something like the fish soups of Normandy, but it turned out to be more of an Asian interpretation. A thinner broth with distinct ginger overtones and loads of both fish and fresh vegetables. It was quite good and certainly ample. There were at least two and possibly 3 types of fish with cucumber, carrot, green onion and potato for vegetables. The broth was spicy and warmed up us quite nicely. Deb was not able to finish hers so I had to jump in and save the family’s dignity. But it didn’t leave any space for dessert, besides which a cold dessert was not a preferable choice today. We paid our server and walked back across the street to G. Detou.

They specialize in supplies for the food trade but they also sell to the public. Over the years they have become our main supplier for the fois gras and rillettes. We have also bought wonderful herbs and spices, mustard, edible decorations for sweets, dried fruit and other edibles. When we first began going there, you gathered up all the things you wanted to buy and gave them to a clerk behind the counter. They then wrote up a listing of all the things you selected and gave you a ticket. You took the ticket over to a cashier and paid your bill. The cashier gave you a receipt which you presented to the counter person and they gave you your purchases. It was such an antiquated and enjoyable way to shop, then three years ago we came in to shop and they had 

completely changed the process. It was operating like any other shop where you brought stuff to the counter and paid right there. A sad but probably necessary change. Today when we went in it was packed with people and we looked from top to bottom without being able to find any of our potted meats. I was ready to panic but Deb asked where they might be and they told her that they were over in the small satellite shop next door.  So we went over and were able to find most of the things that we always bought. However, there were no pork rillettes, I can’t imagine why they would not carry those after all these years, but they were gone.  Still we did manage to add another large contribution to their revenues for the day. When we finished our shopping we wanted to catch our bus back up to Gare de l’Est but when we got to the stop it turned out that the route was interupped due to a manafestation (demonstration or strike). So we had to back track a few blocks to the Metro station for a line that would take us up to the train station.  From the station we walked back to the apartment. It was a very enjoyable day for us.