HEAT!

A store called Grand Frais opened recently in Narbonne, a 35 minute drive from our village. They carry 3 or 4 kinds of chili peppers, as well as an amazing selection of "exotic" fruit and vegetables. This place is fantastic!
I know it seems strange to get so excited about this but when you've been living in rural France for the last 3 years after having lived in San Francisco and Seattle and New Orleans, getting hold of these "exotic" fruits and vegetables is like finding the holy grail. It has allowed me to crack open my dusty copy of Rick Bayless' Mexican Kitchen cookbook and to start making some of the Asian recipes from Mark Bittmann's The Best Recipes in the World, a new acquisition.

They even have okra! I haven't seen okra in 3 years. We hosted a curry night last Wednesday with 6 friends and I made Bhindi Masala in honor of this exciting purchase. I'll be making gumbo soon, if the filé powder I've been keeping isn't completely stale.

Thank you Grand Frais!