Saturday, January 16, 2010

Finding Temptation

I have two weak spots; kitchen/culinary items and notebooks. The former was tested today.

This morning I made my way to the 2nd Arrondissement to the Librairie Gourmande. I was in search of a French-English dictionary of culinary terms. Two floors filled with books – culinary books. Some practical, others extensive. Translated from English to Chinese; Italian to Portuguese; and all the like in between. Although a modest shop, it was a little slice of heaven. I smiled.

When I popped out of the Metro the streets were vacant. Shops were closed. Luckily the culinary bookstore had just opened. I found my dictionary and started to wander. Hoping I would get lost to learn the streets.
After some walking about I came across Rue Montorgueil, a pedestrian street lined with bakeries, fish stands, cheese mongers, and cafés. These type of streets are found throughout Paris. Some busy only on particular days. While super in their own right, they are all typical. I have resisted taking picture after picture - after some time they all begin to blend as one.
I did happen upon a half dozen, or so, kitchen stores – tempting me to shop. Remaining level headed, I only purchased a fruit/tomato peeler – as suggested by Chef Frédéric in our last instruction. This is different than a regular peeler in that it peels more finely; perfect for peeling lemon peel sans rind, or a tomato negating the need to blanch for peeling. It is an, “economical tool,” as Chef Frédéric described.

Luckily for me this area is a Metro ride away – helping, somewhat, keep my money in my pocket!

1 comment:

  1. We all have our crosses to bear! I like the sound of that tool.

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