Love Fabulous Olive Oils From Provence?

Check out my article on the outstanding new mini-chain of exquisite olive oil shops, Premier Pression Provence. This was just published on the Hip Paris blog.

http://hipparis.com/2010/04/09/premiere-pression-provence-the-new-parisian-mecca-for-fine-olive-oil/

Join Sally to Explore Paris Off the Beaten Path in October

Interested in exploring three terrific 'off the beaten path' quarters in Paris? The dynamic area 'behind Bastille' along the rue Faubourg St. Antoine, around Place d'Aligre and the foodie nexxus, rue Paul Bert, will be the focus of Tuesday, October 13. Lunch at Bistro Paul Bert included.

On Wednesday, October 14, we will explore an entirely different quarter, the charming Batignolles 'village' area and two superb market streets, rue de Levis and rue de Martyrs. A delicious cap to the day will be a chocolate tasting at Natier, one of my favorite chocolate shops in Paris.

And then back to 'bo-bo' on Thursday, the 15. This day we'll explore the 'hot' Belleville and Canal St. Martin areas, home to a remarkable multi-cultural mix and increasingly, home to artistic young Parisians priced out of the Marais. Each day in $450 per person including metro tickets and lunch with wine, and, tastings if scheduled that day. Email me at sally@yourgreatdaysinparis.com if you would like to join us. Six persons max.

Take Paris Personally Now Available As a BOOK!

I am delighted to announce that my popular E-Guide "Take Paris Personally, Discovering Quintessential Paris" is now available as a book. This indispensable Paris guide will get you to your best in Paris on and off the well trodden path. Order from CreateSpace https://www.createspace.com/3386899 or through my website, http://www.yourgreatdaysinparis.com. The E-Guide remains available too. 164 pages of Paris information. Great for gifts, great for you!

Oysters and a crisp white wine are Winter weekend bliss

Here is one of my favorite off the beaten path spots, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. Le Baron Bouge, 1 Theophile Roussel, just steps from the lively Place d'Aligre market and rue d'Aligre market street, is a gem of a winebar. A true 'market bar' of the unfussy sort, shoppers and lucky neighborhood residents spill into the Baron Bouge after marketing to enjoy a glass of wine from a good long list, share a cheese or charcuterie platter and enjoy conversation. There are very few places to sit be forewarned! This is a place to stow those shopping bags, find a corner of an upended wine barrel and soak up the atmosphere. In winter, there is a particular treat in store. On winter weekends an oysterman from Cap d'Archachon (near Bordeaux) sets up long tables outside the Baron Bouge and sells platters of oysters (3 sizes) at prices that border on charitable. You can also buy unopened oysters to take away. A douzaine or half douzaine, some rye bread and butter, a glass of dry white wine and change remaining in your pocket. Heaven indeed. Nearest metro is Ledru Rollin. About a 10 minute walk into the 11th beyond Bastille.