Maison Vauron's 'Market Day'

I've mentioned Maison Vauron a couple of times lately. I have to admit that I love it there. Jeanne and I fell in love with French food when we were on our honeymoon and that appreciation has not diminished over the years. And the fact that the Maison is so authentic and accessible makes trips there almost irresistible to me. 

I signed up on their contact list shortly after discovering them and recently received an e-mail notice that their 'Market Day' was approaching. I had to get there. Jeanne had intended to come along but the weather that Saturday morning was terrible, with rain and even hail squalls moving past about every 45 minutes. She decided to put up her feet, grab a book to read, a cuppa to sip, and stay warm, dry and contented. 

I put on an extra layer of clothing. With my collapsible umbrella in my back pack, I went off to do battle with the elements. As it happened, I stayed dry. The squalls of the morning made one more attempt at dampening my enthusiasm but I was already on the train and safe when it came. The weather had calmed by the time I arrived in Grafton, and though I had to step over plenty of puddles, nothing more from the sky was added. 

So, here is a quick look at the market day. The place was packed when I got there at nearly noon. There were good smells everywhere and a festive atmosphere prevailed. There were plenty of dispensers of toothpicks available which allowed the unlimited spearing of cheese and sausage samples. And there were bread slices and pates. My kind of place. 

And that was just downstairs. Upstairs there were twelve wines to taste. "Oh my, I think I'm going to like it here," was my thought as I surveyed the scene around me. 

Coming 'round the corner from Khyber Pass Road, this was the view.

Lots of traffic in and out. I had been striding right along since I had de-trained at Grafton Station, but now I shifted to my lowest gear, my market-shuffle, and eased my way into the throng. 

Easing into the market was a little like penetrating a Gungan force field on Naboo. (Star Wars, we watched it recently with the boys) Trying to crash through is impossible, but entry can be gained by moving through the force field very slowly. 

Quite a fancy crepe being created there...

Ah, here it is. I could smell this rotisserie from down the street. 

A nice big chicken sandwich with a layer of cole slaw will insure that the wine I'll soon try won't go to my head. 

Too bad my lady wasn't with me. I could have bought her some flowers.

Heading upstairs.

I apologize for the quality...low light. Lots of glasses stand ready for the tasters and cases stand open for people to choose from. 

Music and wine. If there had been chairs here, they never would have gotten rid of me.

I never did taste all twelve wines. 

Lots of room to eat whatever you've purchased. 

The non-alcoholic wine was being sampled with equal interest. 

After doing all the sampling I wanted to do, I made my way to the section of the racks that offered brandies, Absenteroux, specialty liquors, and such. I told the sommalier there that my wife sometimes liked to sip some sherry before bedtiime. I asked him what French product she might like instead. He dashed away again to his hidden fridge and came back with a taste of Pineau Des Charentes. Although it's a bit sweeter than I like, I thought it was just the ticket for Jeanne. Here's a description. http://www.wineandmore.co.nz/shop/aperitif/boutinet-pineau-des-charentes-/ She's having some as I write this. Anyone who would like 'just a little something' in the evening might like this. 

It seems to me that Maison Vauron is the perfect sort of wine merchant. They have been without exception ready to listen to my questions and then suggest what might meet my expectations. (and better yet, let me taste it) 

I also heard about (and tasted) some Picon not long ago. This is an orange-based bitter that is often added to beer, especially I'm told, in the north of France. Again, here the link.  https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/7540/picon-biere-liqueur-bitters  Interesting stuff. I have a bottle on order.    -djf