From Tulips to Testicles: Le Plein-Air March Bastille Has it All

Nature's graphic patterns, missed splendor when flayed and fried.

One of my biggest indulges during this time in Paris has been Sundays spent at le Marché Bastille, one of the city's largest farmer's market. Today was my third Sunday in a row, and I made the most of it since it is my last (at least on this trip!).
This is nothing short of heaven on earth. Everything unimaginable is available, still smelling of wet dirt or already cooked and ready to chow. Yes, that includes everything from freshly cut local tulips to bull's testicles.
Ok, so Andy and I feel the same about Borough Market in London. But given the tall and endless piles of shellfish and stacks of cheese here, this might just trump that favorite spot. And it's just minutes from where I'm staying. The only thing missing today, in fact? Andy (who's back in L.A. sleeping as I write).
Forgive me for the extended album. This is actually only a fraction of my snapshots!

Just one of several booths offering such treasures from the sea.
Great gambas!
Oursin Bretons
You can almost still smell the dirt on this mache.
Bastille Plaza in the distance.
Fungus among us.
Food of the gods.
Lucques, the best olives in the universe, bar none.
Pistachios
Will make the roof of your mouth itch in delight.
Since I was a kid bocerones en vinagre a la espanola have been my favorite.
Chevre to die by.
Poulet complete
Pomegranites
The ouefs have the sunniest yolks.
Belons are Andy's favorite (and mine).
Escargot
Langoustines mounded a couple of feet high.
And, finally, the tulips and….
…the bull's testicles. Bon appetite!
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