One of the hardest things for me about being back in the states has been cheese withdrawal. As you can see, cheese withdrawal no more! I knew the moment I walked up to the cheese counter at the Whole Foods Market Broad Street (WFMBS), that I was in "cheese heaven"...fromage partout, and enough of it French for me to feel right at home. All that cheese, but the best part was how wisely pieces were offered small enough for people to be able to sample and afford. I spent $20 and took home 5 different known and unknown French cheeses.
My biggest concern had been that I wouldn't be able to afford to shop here. I'm discovering that the prices are comparable to the neighborhood stores and the big chains a mile away, but the Circle Food Store will still be best for every day and big shops with consistently lower prices.
The other fun piece is that the staff is so friendly, informed and helpful. I realized I wanted a little pate for a Friday evening get together. I didn't see any wrapped in the cheese section, but when I asked...voila-I got the virgin cut on a beautiful mouse of chicken and goose liver with tiny truffle bits. I was thrilled to see their selection of oils and every market must have flowers! I looked for accacia honey, but didn't find any. When I asked, the young man told me that they didn't have it, but: "Let me write it down and we'll order some. We've been told to order whatever our customers want." How nice is that? Oh, and they have a bike rack!
It's just so much fun shopping there. I'd hoped to be able to shop at the French Market for fruit and vegetables upon my return, but there is very little of that left there now. The brightness, the selection, the color, and the presentation at the WFMBS lend themselves to feelings of market day in France. It's not Cahors or Figeac, but it might just be as close as I'm going to get until I step off that train in Cahors in April.
I leave you with shots of Friday night's spread. As nice as it will be to shop my old market haunts in Cahors and Figeac, I won't be able to carry my friends along with me. Hmmm-maybe some day!
Comments