This morning was one of the much-anticipated Aix Market visits just down the street from our apartment. This market is held thrice weekly and includes multiple farmers selling produce, cheese vendors, charcuterie vendors, a fish monger, several boulangeries, fresh olives, tapenades, etc. We manage to escape with just some olives, a tapenade and four of the most perfect peaches I have ever seen. Can’t wait to eat them.
There are also vendors selling prepared foods, it was hard to pass up the guy selling the sizzling Paella, and there is some consensus that it might be a Saturday lunch thing to bring home. Additionally, there are many blocks of vendors selling all kinds of textiles, clothing, Italian leather, etc. The market is probably close to a mile in distance and on both sides of the Cours Mirabeau and side streets.
We stopped for lunch at the Brasserie Leopold and were quite entertained by the head waitress. She speaks multiple languages and it was interesting to hear her talk to the group of Japanese folks sitting behind us. I order the Saint Victoire summer salad (sounds small) – however, an impressive boat of a salad with watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, fresh greens, shrimp, tomatoes and jambon. Way too much to eat, but what I managed was wonderful and fresh. I had started with a glass of Rose from Cassis and attempted to order a second. The head waitress insists that I should have a local wine from Cote de Provence. She brings a sample, I should, of course, agree that it is superior. Would I care for a glass? Mas Oui.
Since it starts raining, we decide to order dessert and wait out the rain. I had a lovely napoleon pastry thing with fresh raspberries and Dick has pear & strawberry sorbet and pistachio ice cream. Luckily, the desserts are small portions.
It’s a quiet evening on the terrace and we’re too full of lunch to go out for dinner. Later, we have some snacks to accompany our wine. Good day.
M.
We’re just a few short blocks from one of the wonderful Aix markets. It’s a big one with blocks and blocks of fruit & vegetable mongers, food trucks, and crafts. Some great smells and great looking produce. Our restraint is admirable. The next market day is Saturday and we’ve already planned our weekend meals to take advantage of the shopping opportunities then.
Oddly, there is a short burst of rain. It’s the first rain since we’ve been if France! The Leopold is a welcome harbor (just in time for lunch) and we both enjoy some fantastic salads (huge, but with incredible jambon, melon & greens from the nearby market).
Our late afternoon is time on the balcony for researching our touring options for the next few weeks. The sun returns and it’s sunglasses, vino, & thoughts about days to come.
D.
