Amid all of the Covid-related lockdowns, the legendary Hôtel Nord-Pinus (Les Maisons d’Arles) opened a crisis grocery store in the hotel’s right wing, selling vegetables grown at La Chassagnette garden-cum-restaurant – since it too was closed as a result of all the government restrictions. What began as a pop-up stand has since become a permanent fixture of the hotel, and the boutique now offers up a selection of local products, while also allowing for a few more distant escapades (ingredients from Japan and Greece), under the watchful eye of Armand Arnal. You’ll find shelves stocked full of La Chassagnette’s extremely rare honey pots (€12.50 for 250 g), ox terrines from Maison Perez (€7 for 170 g), along with Bongran rice (€7.50/kg). Other options from here and elsewhere include: olive oils from Vinsobres (Domaine Chaume Arnaud, €28 for 750 ml), Gard treats with Japanese influences from Biomomo, coffee beans from Marseille roaster Moka, and sensational natural vinegar from La Guinelle (€14 for a half-liter of rosé vinegar). // D.S.
Hidden gem: The soy sauce from Igeta Shoju, fermented for three years in Izumo cedar barrels (€11 for 100 ml).
