Two of my friends left Paris recently. One to the Loire Valley, which while it is not that far away it is still the country and I think that if I lived in the country, I would easily forget about anything and everything happening in the city. The other friend is moving back to America, the west coast at that, and I have no idea when I will see her again.
So we scheduled a final farewell, last lunch at what once was our weekly lunch spot of Holybelly, where we talked books, projects and life (this was when you could still somewhat easily get a seat there during the week!)
And for this lunch, I escaped the 17th for the first time in a long time. I played hooky on finishing my book manuscript (yes, I am writing a book!) and took the day to lunch and explore a new shop selling local, seasonal produce, flowers and cold-press juice, L’épicerie VéGéTALe.
I spent the rest of the afternoon, enjoying the late autumn sunshine and exploring the vegetables that owners Zoé and Guillaume sourced from local, French farmers. Having previously worked in creative positions in the fashion industry, the details of the store are simple, rustic and beautiful. They are two very fabulous people. Zoé even wears high heels to work while lugging around crates of heavy squash, apples and cabbage. Their passion and dedication to bring the best vegetables, fruits and flowers to the people is apparent. They will do whatever they can to live up to this promise.
It was obvious that this new shop was not only for the young Parisian as quartier locals were equally interested, buying various fruits, salads and roots, clearly intrigued by the variety of foliage on the sidewalks. As for the cold-press juice? I think it will take a few trips to get the dames to try it out, but I have a hunch, Zoé and Guillaume can convince them.
Read more about L’épicerie VéGéTALe in my article for HIP Paris here.
L’épicerie VéGéTALe
51 rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 75011.
Tel: +33 (0)6 73 35 62 11
awww. Most of my friends have left Paris (and France) now, too. Guess that happens… I come and go as well… guess it’s time for us both to get out there and meet new people! :-)