Dear Friends,
I just “discovered” the Galeries Lafayette Gourmet Food store! While Lafayette Gourmet caters to Parisians, for tourists looking for delectable gifts for foodie friends, it’s a one-stop shopping destination with thousands of food products – a majority by famed French producers: fine chocolates by Jean-Paul Hevin, macarons and pastries by celebrated chocolatier and pastry-maker Sadaharu Aoki , posh preserves and confitures, Iberian cured meats…
Bamboo Napolean anyone?
Plus, for less than 10 euros, you can queue up with local Parisians at one of the many counters to order a quick lunch or déjeune. The hard part is choosing which counter; I couldn’t resist a Bocadillo of Bellota-Bellota cured ham with manchego cheese on an Eric Kayser roll AND a fresh papaya slaw from the popular Asian counter. I watched as Parisians by the dozens selected from the many varieties of dim sum (steamed dumplings were labeled raviolis); take-away for dinner after work maybe.
Once I satisfied my appetite for food and people watching, I could concentrate on my search for non-perishable gifts for my food-lover friends. I decided on salt verte (mademoiselle sold me on its subtle citrus flavor) packed in mini reusable glass jars.
I even contemplated bringing along a wedge of cheese and an Eric Kayser baguette for a snack on the plane, but thought better of it 😉
Blue cheese wrapped in foie gras! (bottom far left)
One could spend all day here – once you’re over the food floor – there are five or six other floors under a dramatic glass and steel art noveau dome jammed with every designer and haute couture brand imaginable!
Don’t miss the panoramic view of the city from the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette – take the escalators in the Lafayette pour hommes (men’s) building. Hot tip from Sarge who works with my husband in the Paris office!
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
40 boulevard Haussmann75009 Paris
Neighborhood: 9ème arr. http://www.galerieslafayette.com/
I read your wonderful postcard while enjoying my morning oatmeal. I was transported and actually believed I was having a deliciously fresh and chewy baguette. I also left some room for a pastry to go. Dani and I went to a fashion show at Galeries Lafayette, and this brought back some wonderful memeories. Thanks.
Patti – I’m OK with exploring on my own, but it would be so much more fun with a fellow food lover 🙂
I loved going there just to eye all of the food. It was the first time in my life that food was more exciting than clothes!
What a fantastic food tour of Galleries Lafayette. It reminds me that I have to get back to Paris one of these days… it’s been too long! Meanwhile, I’ll have to live vicariously through your splendid photos. Thanks!
I love exploring gourmet shops as well as outdoor markets. They have some good ones in the states, however this example leads me to believe that the Paris ones would be a much more exciting experience. Thanks for sharing.
It is a very good thing GL has such fabulous food and gelato – otherwise I think my family would have abandoned my there!! Your post brought back so many happy memories of our Paris trip – loved shopping at GL for dinner and for “souvenirs”!!
Can’t wait to hear more about your trip!!
Just wrote a note to myself…a definite must for an upcoming trip 🙂 Thanks for the tour!
So jealous right now!
I love this post and all the gorgeous photos:)Thank you for sharing with us! xx
I love this. Thanks for sharing.
All those food photos drive me insane! I want to try that bamboo Napolean!
I LOVE Paris. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and your adventure.
Beautiful photos and an admittedly envious heart. I’ve not been to Paris and that craving is only stronger now.
Gorgeous photos Priscilla. I am insanely jealous of your travels! I would be a jet setter if I could. Once the kids move out, it’s game on! 🙂 Love the pics.
xoxo
Heather
Oh wow! I am sooo jealous right now.
Did you go to Paris again??!!! So jealous!
Wow, what a great post and photos are absolutely amazing!Have a fantastic time!!!
Ohhh I wish I can be there! This place reminds me of Japanese department store underground. There are 1-2 stories of food related stores like this in every department store. Once I get in, I want everything there…
PLEASE tell me you have a salt giveaway planned??? : )
I don’t think you would be able to drag me out of there…wow! I bed you could explore for days and never get bored 😉
What a wonderful post. The photos made me ache for Paris. Nicely done.
OMG, I miss Galeries Lafayette in Paris!!! That’s one of the places we go for a quick lunch without breaking the bank. I also like to go to the Grand Epicerie for non-perishable gifts, also to Fauchon and Hediard, but the latter two are so expensive compared to Galeries Lafayette! Sigh…I miss Paris! I’d go again in a heartbeat!