A feast of flavour: Is this the best Paris food market?
The marché d'Aligre with David Lebovitz.
Have you ever visited the Marché d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement?
I live around the corner and it fascinates me. There’s the ancient covered market for the butchers, the cheese shops, and the cafes. Then outside there’s the long aisle for fresh fruit and vegetables. And then there’s the flea market and all the curious characters it attracts.
I sometimes visit just to see what’s happening.
But surely it’s a food expert’s opinion we need here, not the musings of some Australian podcaster who visits markets just to look.
I called in pastry chef and cookbook author David Lebovitz to hear his thoughts on it all. He’s a regular Aligre visitor, but he actually knows what to look for and what food to buy.
So this week on the podcast,
and I take a deep dive into the Marché d’Aligre and what goes on there. Listen below or wherever you get podcasts.The chat inspired me to dig out David’s first ever appearance on the show from many years ago, where we put him on the spot for opinions on the whole A to Z of French food. I’ve updated his answers with his new recommendations for B is for Bakeries, C is for Cafes, R is for restaurants, and so on. Read it here.
If you want to visit the Aligre market, remember it’s closed on Mondays.
Me, I went back to the market with photographer
for a closer look - and all the market pics in this post are from her.You know what I like about the markets? It feels like a really authentic Paris experience. It’s not crammed with tourists, it’s mostly locals, and people seem really friendly.
As I mentioned in the podcast, the herb guy gave me my herbs for free when I tried to speak his language. A fruit vendor gave me a pineapple when I pointed out he’d given me too much change.
And after Lina and I bought a bunch of flowers, the flower man (pictured above) gave a small bouquet to the photographer “so she didn’t feel left out”.
Great vibes all around. I’ll almost certainly be visiting on Saturday morning (tomorrow) with a video camera for a live video for members.
Foodie February
Speaking of food and speaking of members, I’ve dubbed this month as Foodie February in an attempt to organize the bonus material I share.
And so on Patreon this month I began with seven restaurants in Paris that I particularly like (together with an inside look at each place, often a chat with the chef, and sometimes a look inside their kitchen!) Click here to read it.
And then yesterday I launched a new idea: Au comptoir podcast episodes. Short, sweet, and lively, like having a drink with a friend at the bar (or… au comptoir). Listen to the first episode here, it’s me and Lina’s honest review of the restaurant Bonnie. The first couple of minutes are free for everyone.
Next episode coming out tomorrow, with extras from David Lebovitz.
If you’re a member here on Substack, I’ll share a post next week just for you where all this good stuff is rounded up and unlocked. Not a member on either? Perhaps today’s the day to sign up and support The Earful Tower. I rely on it.
Have a lovely weekend, if you’re looking to read a book about French food, this is what I’m on and I’m enjoying it so far:
Thanks for reading, Oliver