Someone mentioned Maille mustard. They have their own store in Paris and sell dozens of different flavors in small jars that pack in small cartons of 3. My daughter's favorite is the parmesan. But don't buy the Dijon, as I have seen that at US grocery stores.

Someone else mentioned persaillotte. I believe that is the parsley and herb seasoning I saw recommended several years ago. It is available in several brands,is very inexpensive, and not readily available in the US. I am not much of a cook but brought it back for friends who want more!

Here is the Pylones site with photos, just to get an idea:

http://www.pylones-usa.com/pylones/f...p?page=1&new=1

Ekscrunchy~ Thanks! Now that I see the items I do remember a tore! We bought bird magnets for sewing pins. They are very cute gifts!

sorry --a store--

The Maille mustard that is sold in the US is not the same as sold in France.

Thin

I just ate dinner and used a product I brought home from the Pays Basque that I am sure you can buy in Paris: Puree de Piment D'Espelette--puree of Espelette peppers. This has an incredibly complex and wonderful taste---I am about finished with my jar and will be ordering online soon:

http://www.formaggiokitchen.com/shop...oducts_id=1948

that's a shop near me. He changes products alot so don't delay. He no longer carries some of the joel durand chocolate products nor some of the Provencal olive oils.

I am officially STARVING after reading this thread. Thanks for all of the wonderful information everyone. Having just returned from Paris last month, I won't be back for awhile, but the internet will make a fine gastronomic stand-in until it's time to go back. Bon appetite!

PS- StCirq: That terrine sounds magical. I just bought some violet jelly online, and I fully intend to copy yours. I hope you haven't mailed out for the copyright just yet ;)

ekscrunchy...

why did you have to go and show this link ????

http://www.formaggiokitchen.com/shop...oducts_id=1948

DANGER !!!

:)

If you buy something at the Maille store they also give you sample packets of all different kinds of their mustards. I'm still working on mine. Granted, it's not a lot of mustard but I've used it is sauces, marinades, and salad dressings. It's been very fun, and sob, I'm almost out.

I crave more soap from Fragonard. The fragrance lingers in my bathroom until the bar is used up. Nice linens to take home, too. Cherry preserves from Le Madeleine or Fauchon. Dipptique(sp) candles.

p.S. Hediard...near Le Madeleine.

That Espelette puree is so good it is scary! Sorry!!

You can buy the puree and other Espelette pepper products at the two Parisian outposts of Pierre Oteiza (his store may be where you bought yours, eks, in Bayonne?) They sell the gelee, the puree (5.70), the moutard and even sea salt with espelette powder. They also sell the wonderful black cherry confiture from the Pays Basque village of Itxassou.

Again,
www.pierreoteiza.com

Is Piment d'Espelette spicy or sweet, as peppers go?

I get the dried mushrooms (cepes, chanterelle etc) that ekscrunchy mentioned at G Detou at 58, Rue Tiquetonne in the 2nd. Very reasonably priced but don't use your fingers to point. Also get fabulous almond paste there.

AjPeabody,
The piment d'Espelette is hot, as in spicy, and a teeny, tiny bit goes a loooong way! A 250 gram package will last for a long, long, time, believe me!

I broke down and bought some eiffel tower keychains from the dude's out in front. That was last year and I'm still carrying it on my keys. And I have gotten a ton of comments on it. I will be sure to buy several next time. I also like to pass out vintage post cards. My DF put her's on the fridge to remind her of Paris.

AGM~I bought almond paste one trip a few years back, but did not know what to do with it! Tell me please!

Creme de cassis from France is sooooo much better than in the US.