44 Nights in Paris: Steve

Years ago during my very first visit to Paris, Antoine took me to an extraordinary marche’ in Bastille. I was staying in a hotel at that hour, and couldn’t buy any groceries since I had no kitchen. We bought some fresh strawberries, which we ended up sacrificing at the Parcs de Prince before a PSG-Nantes football match later that day – whole separate story ...

I promised myself I would not be in Paris again without a kitchen to cook in. Et voila, here I was this time, with a glorious apartment fully equipped and pure intention to do just that.

Le Marche’ Bastille on Thursday was extremely special, and my first experience at an open market in Paris the first week after I arrived.

Acting like a child let loose in a candy store with a wad of cash to spend (you will hear this reference over and again in my stories), I first made my way to a charcuterie stall and bought up amazing cheeses and ham. Next was produce which even had passion fruit. Really having no idea how I would use everything, I tried to rein it in a little.

There was even what I call a stuff stall, that had utensils and other, well, stuff, other than food. I liked the low prices so I bought a fine mesh strainer and a small grater, to further equip my little Paris kitchen.

Having seen a glorious seafood stall upon my arrival, I opted to make fish my final purchase and I called this one just right. The last stall at the end of my rounds was a splendid counter of fresh catches.

A very kind and curious fishmonger named Steve became my new best friend. In his very best English, he helped me select a halibut-like choice which amazing price astounded me. He said it was from Brittany so I was immediately smitten. He further made me promise that I would come every single Thursday to shop, so that he could practice his English.

I wish I could report that I did just that, but I only actually returned a couple more times, but that had nothing to do with dodging Steve’s charms. I really wish I had returned each week. I hope he knows, on some level, that he was one of the dearest people I’d met in town. His kindness and generosity meant a lot to me, my being in town alone and speaking very little French.

This same fish I did buy over and again when I returned to his stall, at which times I noticed that he told all of his colleagues about me. I am not sure what he said, I hope that it was complimentary!

A new signature dish was what I divined with this fine catch, in a sauce of fresh lemon, butter, and thyme – three ingredients that are easy and delicious to come by in France. My dinner guests absolutely loved it, and so did I. Stand by for that recipe in a future post.

My meeting Steve was one of the pure inspirations that truly belongs in one of my stories. He made my experience in Paris all the sweeter.