Nice cheap souvenir: Bottle of Pastis
Nothing tastes better or more provencale, than a glass of pastis in the afternoon, before a hearty dish of bouillabaisse, or after dinner. For the love of Cheapo, when in Nice, please bring home a bottle of this delectable aperitif from the south of France.
Cheers back home
In 1915, absinthe, sometimes known as the “green fairy,” was banned in France. Pernod Fils and Ricard reformulated a drink without the illegal wormwood using less alcohol and more star anise and sugar. The strong liqueur is generally mixed with water, five parts to one. Clear on its own, pastis clouds when you add water to it. Use ice with caution as the cubes have a tendency to crystallize the pastis.
Though popular all over France, pastis is heavily associated with the lifestyle of southeastern France. You can pick up a bottle at almost any grocery store or supermarket. A 70 cl bottle will cost about €10.
NOTE: Americans may bring home 1 Liter of alcohol without paying any tariffs or taxes. More bottles may be brought back for personal use, but you will have to pay a tax. Read more on the US Customs website.
While you’re at it…
Pick up a bottle or two of rosé wine. With an emphasis on Mourvedre grapes, up to 80 percent of the wine manufactured in the Provence region is the charmingly pink-colored rosé. And don’t worry about rules governing what months are “okay” to drink rosé… it’s always a good idea, as far as we’re concerned!
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I have not been in Paris for maqny years?? Where can We get a nice Bouillabaisse and perhps a Pastis? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
I am very happy that I found your blog. Keep up the good work.
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Tom, I’m sure you can eat a delicious bouillabaisse in Nice too. But I’m from Marseille, so I couldn’t resist to drop a comment. 🙂
Meredith, you’re right too. I also recommend avoiding the restaurants in the Vieux Port area. They don’t serve fresh bouillabaisse and are too expensive.
Although, I do not recommend dining on boullabaisse near the waterfront/port area in Marseille. It’s a total tourist trap, where they charge way too much for food and bring very little to the table.
Try “Cafe Turin” in Nice for amazing bouillabaisse and fresh seafood.
Thanks, Marion. Indeed, I’d suggest dining on bouillabaisse and pastis in both cities 🙂
Tom
Great idea! Pastis is good, but do not forget that bouillabaisse and pastis are from Marseille, not from Nice. 🙂