Walking into Terra Gourma, an épicerie-restaurant-apèro purveyor in the 9th arrondissement, you feel as if you've already been there. And maybe you have been to their shop in Levallois-Perret on the edge of Paris, but if not there's a jolly welcome that's a bit rare in Paris.
Delicatessan fans will be in heaven with over 200m2 of beautiful jars, bottles and tins to peruse. Personally seeking out the finest providers from across France, and beyond. To boot, these artisans have chosen to work with Terra Gourma exclusively; meaning there are some products here that you won't even find in France, let alone Paris.
Organic loose leaf teas for cellulite, to flat tummies and a calm night's sleep; to bottles of green beer made from a plant that's found in the Alps; and a spectrum of coloured jars filled with sea bass & truffle pâté and cod rillettes. Plus the unique designs and presentation means it's a feast for the eyes too.
Once you've filled your shopping baskets with delicious produce, you can fill you stomach in the intimate upstairs restaurant.
Co-founder Laurent, with perriwinkle blue eyes and cheeks as rosy as if he's been out in the fields, smiles while pouring us a ruby coloured wine. Ideal for staving off the chill that the June (?) showers have just drenched us with. There's not a huge menu, not that you won't have trouble choosing. They try and use as many products from the shop as possible - so the ham 'chips' in the paprika poached egg, rocket, tomato and potato salad, comes from the cold meats section; and the duck parmentier (France's version of a shepherd's pie) is made with the duck confit from one of their south-western providers. The food isn't overly fancy or technically refined, but it is good. And will fit the bill when you're craving something homemade.
Paris visitors, this is a one-stop shop for souvenirs that are actually good. No one wants anything Eiffel Tower related, trust us. Pick out a tasty Comté, or authentic saucisson - Terra Gourma will vacuum pack these for the road. Happy faces (and tummies) all round.