The food scene in Paris has changed dramatically since 2006, when Markets of Paris was first published. Yes, the same markets are held in the same locales as always—literally, for centuries—but many have undergone a remarkable transformation led by a young generation of purveyors focused, even more than their predecessors, on local and organic (“bio”) produce. Markets of Paris, 2nd Edition revisits and updates the entire market scene in Paris, with new entries and new sidebars, including Virtual Markets and Market Streets, Markets Open on Sunday, Artisan Bakers and Artisan Foods, Getting Along in the Food Markets, Brocante Fairs, and more. One of them, Cooking in Paris, gives information about lessons and workshops offered in home kitchens, bakeries, restaurants, and even wine stores.

Updates focus on the most interesting vendors and most unique and enticing offerings to be found at each locale, including prepared food that can be eaten on the spot. In keeping with growing interest in knowing where food comes from, the authors include profiles and photos of farmers and other artisanal suppliers behind the best food stalls.

One of the biggest changes in the Paris market scene in recent years has been the spike of interest in organic, reflected in the popularity of the Raspail organic market. At one time a fringe offshoot of the regular Raspail market, this Sunday market has fully come into its own. It attracts a large and loyal clientele; of three organic markets in the city, it’s certainly the largest and most widely known. Often it’s referred to as “Le Marché Bio,” and many claim it’s the crème de la crème of all Paris’s markets.

Restaurant listings have been updated, too, with 15 new additions that have been chosen because of their new-generation chefs’ approach to fresh ingredients or their proximity to featured markets. A new section titled If You Have Limited Time directs the visitor to the most interesting markets near his or her accommodations. Another section, Practical Suggestions, addresses common questions such as where to get local currency, which map of Paris is the best and most convenient, and business hours for different kinds of shops, stalls, and restaurants. Finally, the book has been reorganized by arrondissement to be more user friendly, and it has a brand-new look with all new photos and a refreshed, modernized design.

Dixon Long is the author, along with Ruthanne Long, of the first edition of Markets of Paris and of Markets of Provence. He is also a novelist and short story writer, as well as dean emeritus and professor emeritus of political science at Case Western Reserve University. He has lived in Paris and Provence.

Marjorie R. Williams has been attending farmers markets since her childhood in York, Pennsylvania. She is a writer and photographer who is passionate about farm-fresh foods and creative local businesses. Her work has been featured in Edible magazine and travel blogs. She has an MFA in creative writing and held executive editorial positions with major publishers. Williams also writes short fiction and is a book coach. She and her husband have lived in Paris and reside in Massachusetts.

"This is the book I wish I had had with me on my last visit to Paris. I'll just have to return to Paris armed with this guide. What a great lens to view this magnificent city through - plus I love the way it just slips into a pocket." —Deborah Madison, author of Local Flavors and Seasonal Fruit Desserts

Meet Marjorie R. Williams and Dixon Long

Meet Marjorie at one of these events in the Boston area:

Saturday, May 19 from 11am-2pm
Formaggio Kitchen
244 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA

Tuesday, May 22 at 7pm
Newtonville Books
10 Langley Road, Newton Centre, MA

Thursday, May 24 from 6:30-8:30pm
French Cultural Center
53 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA

Wednesday, May 30 at 7pm
Wellesley Books
82 Central Street, Wellesley, MA

Thursday, June 14 at 7pm
Marjorie will be joined by Béatrice Peltre, author of La Tartine Gourmand
Porter Square Books
25 White Street, Cambridge, MA

Thursday, June 21 from 6-7:30pm
Cambridge Center for Adult Education
42 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA

Meet Dixon Long at one of these events in the Bay Area

Saturday, May 19 at 4pm
Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore
2904 College Ave, Berkeley, CA

Saturday, June 9 at 4pm
Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera, CA