Riches of Versailles: An Eating & Walking Tour

Text & photos by Brian Pfeiffer. Versailles is one of the wonders of the world and has been for nearly 350 years – and it’s not just the chateau and gardens which were planned to serve Europe’s most magnificent court during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; it’s the town and main food market as well. [...]

Brocantes in Paris

Spring’s triumphant arrival in Paris is evident not just by tulips blooming in the Tuileries but also by the brocantes popping up all over the city. Brocantes are similar to flea markets except that they are temporary. The secondhand dealers are like a band of gypsies. They rove the brocante circuit from one Paris arrondissement [...]

Why shop at farmer’s markets?

Someone recently asked why I bother to shop at farmer’s markets. The question took me by surprise. The answer seemed obvious, and yet I burbled on incoherently. Afterwards I sat down to give it more thought. Here are the top 10 reasons why I shop at farmer’s markets. Which, if any, are important to you? [...]

Lockdown

We are still under lockdown in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as I write. It has been a surreal week. First the horrific bombings at the Boston Marathon, and now a massive manhunt that has everyone hunkered down indoors. Police sirens disturbed last night’s sleep. But it wasn’t until we woke that the news of disturbing developments fully [...]

Let’s Get Fresh

Recent news about customers losing interest in “fresh” produce at Walmart doesn’t come as a big surprise. Any food that’s been in transit for days, then left languishing on warehouse shelves, is going to suffer. Not only freshness and flavor are at stake, but nutritional value plummets too. There are sometimes compelling reasons to buy produce [...]

Best Flea Markets in Paris (and Tip #5)

I was recently interviewed by travel guru Rick Steves (and–yes!–he’s every bit as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as he seems on t.v.). One of the call-in questions came from a woman who is planning a trip with her 15-year-old daughter and looking for something fun to do in Paris when traveling with a teenager. I suggested [...]

Valentine’s Day

Paris is known as the City of Light but its nickname could just as convincingly be the City of Love. A sense of desire prevails. Sometimes it’s satisfied, often it’s not. Lovers entangle in the parks, along the streets, and behind not always clasped shades. The city’s architecture, sculpture, fashion, food and wine, even the weather [...]

Truffle Season (Provence)

My worst memory of truffles hasn’t faded. I was traveling in Italy and bought a bottle of truffle oil as a gift for a friend who loves to cook. An expensive gift, but she’s worth it. I wrapped the bottle inside several layers of clothing and gently nestled it in the middle of my suitcase. [...]

Seasonal Delights at the French Winter Markets

There are a handful of winter market options in New England, but nothing (yet) that compares to what’s available in Parisian markets all year round. Even during the shortest and coldest days of the year, food markets in Paris overflow with fresh produce, cheeses, meats, flowers, and all manner of temptation. Winter markets are especially [...]

Market Updates

I’m recently back from several weeks in France. I gave presentations at the American Library in Paris, the Bloom Where You’re Planted Program (held annually at the American Church), and the American Embassy in Paris. Shakespeare and Company hosted a book signing. At each event, it was exciting to meet so many people who appreciate [...]