Authentic black olive tapenade in Paris 17th: how to recognise it and where to find it
Black olive tapenade is one of the staples of Mediterranean cooking. In Paris 17th, a lively district between Batignolles, Ternes and Épinettes, the choice of delicatessens and Italian restaurants grows every year. But how do you tell a real artisan tapenade from a plain industrial spread?
To choose a tapenade worthy of the name, always go for a short ingredient list, with no additives or preservatives, based on ripe black olives, extra virgin olive oil, capers, anchovies and sometimes garlic. Italian artisans rely on southern olive varieties such as Carolea or Nocellara, known for their melting flesh and intense aroma. Discover the black olive tapenade with extra virgin olive oil for an experience close to that of the best Italian tables.
The best places to enjoy an Italian tapenade in Paris 17th
Italian delicatessens and local markets
In the 17th, several delicatessens carry quality Italian tapenades. Look for the specialist shops around rue de Lévis or the Batignolles market, where you will find products sourced directly from small producers. Local markets are also great places to meet passionate artisans.
Restaurants and Italian-style aperitifs
Some restaurants in the district serve black olive tapenade as an antipasto or with drinks, often alongside fresh bread and a drizzle of fruity olive oil. Do ask where the tapenade comes from and which oil is used, so you can taste the difference: an organic ripe fruity olive oil or an organic green fruity olive oil lifts the black olive and brings out all its softness.
To take away or to give: the spreads gift set
To carry the experience home, put together an aperitif board with a selection of Italian spreads. The set of four tapenades lets you mix things up and makes a food gift that takes people travelling.
How do you enjoy tapenade the way they do in Italy?
The basics of a good tasting
- Take a slice of sourdough bread or a lightly toasted focaccia.
- Spread a generous layer of black olive tapenade.
- Add a drizzle of good olive oil and a few capers.
For a more elaborate version, serve the tapenade with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian cheeses or whole olives. Also discover the sun-dried tomato tapenade to vary the flavours at your aperitifs.
The perfect match: olive oil and fine food
Tapenade gains in intensity when paired with an olive oil with character. Paris restaurateurs often go for oils made from Italian varieties, sometimes even available in large formats for the catering trade. To go further, explore the professional range for cafés, hotels and restaurants that want to offer authentic products on their menu.
Focus on one variety: Carolea, the black olive of Calabria
Carolea, the emblematic black olive of Calabria, stands out for its melting texture and its aromas of ripe fruit. Used in the best Italian tapenades, it is harvested fully ripe, which gives it an inimitable softness. This variety, little known outside southern Italy, is prized by artisans for its ability to bring out the taste of extra virgin olive oil.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you buy real black olive tapenade in Paris 17th?
You can find artisan tapenade in the district's Italian delicatessens, at the markets or online from Italian food specialists.
How do you recognise a real Italian tapenade?
Check the ingredient list: a real tapenade contains only ripe black olives, extra virgin olive oil, capers, anchovies and sometimes garlic.
How do you serve tapenade Italian-style?
Serve it on fresh bread or toasted focaccia, with a drizzle of olive oil and a few capers to lift the traditional flavours.
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