Beiträge von Hannala
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7 Rue Abbesses, 75018 Paris
Hannala
am 7 August 2008
(aktualisiert am 19 August 2008)
Now that I live in Paris, I have a lot of anxiety when I fly back to the U.S. It seems that, once you live in a place in turns overly romanticized and yet also vilified by Americans, they all want you to bring a piece back to them.
Problem #1: Paris is NOT flashing plastic Eiffel Towers or gaudy polyester scarves or cheesy berets.
One of the most succinct ways to represent Paris (to me at least) is the FOOD.
Problem #2: Unfortunately, customs doesn’t allow me to bring the most fabulous foods (I’m talking about YOU stinky cheese, foie gras and duck confit!) back to the U.S.
Fortunately, I have found the solution to BOTH Problem #1 AND Problem #2:
Ets Lion (aka Lion Père et Fils, Établissements Lion) to the rescue!
This cute shop, located a stone’s throw from the Abesses Metro station, is amazingly NOT TOURISTY in a touristy area (down the hill from Sacré-Coeur). From the street it appears to be a garden shop, but inside lies fabulous artisanal edibles from every region in France:
• Salted caramels
• Spices by the gram
• Fleur de sel - both plain and flavored with herbs and/or spices
• Plain and flavored mustards and honeys
• Jams in pretty jars and fascinating flavors
• Jewel-like dried fruit
• Luscious olive oils
• More flavors of vinegar than I ever thought possible
• Individual servings of pain de épice
• Buttery cookies
• Delicate licorice and violet candies
• Etc., etc. ETC.!All of these gifts are allowed by U.S. customs!* Yay!
There is also a very small selection of gardening supplies that are perfect for an apartment dweller like myself - window boxes, small wood-handled pruning shears, seed packets, watering cans - all managing to be somewhat rustic without being that cheesy version of French country so often found in tourist shops.
The friendly proprietor spoke some English and was very happy to help me select the perfect gift or allow me browse on my own to my heart’s content. He even beautifully wrapped one of my gifts gratis and gave me a little licorice candy as we were exchanging goodbyes.
All in all a fantastic place to buy gifts for family and friends AS WELL as a little something for myself!
(I knocked off one star because is it a tad pricey - just remember that it’s more of a gift store than a food store)
*Note: Always check the U.S. Customs site to ensure that regulations regarding importing food to the U.S. from France have not changed