I'm learning that around here, the most economical, and by far the most fun, way to shop is the weekly markets. At home in Los Angeles we went to our local Farmers Markets regularly, even though the price of the produce often took my breath away. I had to choose carefully, and hold my breath while I cooked my small, precious ration of organic greens.
Here it's the opposite. The grocery cost a fortune. The freshest and cheapest way to go is to memorize the schedule of your favorite sellers, and show up early. We went to the Wednesday Market in Uzes for the first time this week. It's bigger than our little markets - even the Friday one, which can get downright rowdy for our tiny village!
I expected the fish stand to sell beautiful seafood paella from an enormous shallow pan, and the honey and lavender stands to draw the tourists (I'm such a snob!). The kids and I bought pears and apples from one stand, and onions, leeks, and carrots from another. We found our favorite little rounds of goat cheese (we like them best aged for 4 days), and the first strawberries of the season - tiny and wonderful! I meant to photograph it all and post a nice little cliched Market post.
Then I saw this guy. He plays like a god!
;)