Inspired, ready for spring

When I left for Europe three weeks ago, Cincinnati was having a cold spell. Farmers markets, you-pick farms and fresh produce were far from my mind. I wanted roasted veggies, hot tea, spicy soups.
The weather in Paris, by contrast, was warm and sunny. Walking down the street near our hotel in Montmartre, the produce stands boasted ripe, sweet tomates cerises; giant, perfectly displayed strawberries with an intoxicating fragrance; and crisp white asparagus almost an inch in diameter.
Each morning and afternoon, my sister would impatiently drag me past. We had no kitchen (quel dommage!), so I could look but not cook, sadly enough. Rach also got sick of me taking pictures of food in France. (She's a foodie, but she only likes to eat it, not write about it, cook it or photograph it!)
We did buy a few things for picnics -- one day in the Jardin de Luxembourg, where my sister was attacked by pigeons, and another day at the Place des Invalides.
A few days later, when I made it to Tours to visit an old friend, we had a light lunch of Poilane bread that a third friend had brought from Paris and fresh cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor. A drizzle of homemade (!) mayonnaise, a sprinkling of salt and pepper. There was nothing better!
This weekend's weather forecast isn't very sunny, but no matter. I'm headed to Findlay Market. And in the mean time, don't forget to send us your picks for you-pick farms!