So French, so delicious - Maille mustard on tap at their Paris boutique.
Count on the French to elevate mustard to couture status! I promise that you too will become mustard obsessed after visiting the Maille Boutique in Paris (6, place de la Madeleine). For most Americans, mustard is reserved as a condiment for sandwiches, pretzels, and hot dogs but the French incorporate it into their recipes to add complexity and flavor. Established in 1747, Maille is France's leading producer of mustard, vinegar & cornichons and is the number one brand of imported mustard in the United States.
You've probably seen Maille at your local supermarket but that will not prepare you for the wide variety of unique flavors available at their Paris boutique (they also have a location in Dijon). Saffron, raspberry, fig & coriander, mango & Thai spices, coconut & spice; Maille has an endless variety of creative mustard blends and they introduce new combinations on a seasonal basis. One of my favorites was their mustard with balsamic vinegar & honey - just add a little olive oil and you have a no-fuss yet delicious salad dressing. I spread the parmesan & basil mustard on a crusty baguette with some thinly sliced ham for a fabulous sandwich. And, I also mixed a teaspoon of the parmesan & basil mustard into scrambled eggs for a little kick. At the Maille boutique, they serve breadsticks with the mustard samples and that makes for a pretty tasty snack.
For a truly special mustard, you must try Maille's moutardes fraîches à la pompe made with Chablis, Chardonnay, or Vin Blanc. The mustard is pumped right before your eyes into an elegant earthenware crock. Don't throw the crock away once you've finished using the mustard in all manner of delicious recipes - just fly back to France for a refill!
P.S. The Maille boutique in Paris is located in a central part of town - just across the street from La Madeleine church and surrounded by chic boutiques and épiceries. Click here for details on where to find a limited selection of Maille products in the United States.
