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« Previous EntriesSpring greetings
Thursday, April 26th, 2012Bonjour, mes amis! The month of April means more than just strawberries, asparagus, and torrential showers spiked with hail (seriously, Paris, what is up with the weather this year?). It’s also time for another edition of my newsletter, which I just sent! You can find it here, and subscribe here. I share a few stories, [...]
How do you choose books?
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012Last week, the New York Times had an interesting debate about blurbs (i.e. those words of praise from other authors that appear on the back of a book), asking: “If so many books are being commended, are they all commendable? [Are] blurbs on book covers still meaningful or have [they] become just background noise?” I [...]
The French Chef
Friday, February 10th, 2012I’ve been writing about boeuf bourguignon this week, which has made me think about Julia Child. Have you ever seen the very first episode of The French Chef — Julia’s television debut — where she cooks boeuf bourguignon? It’s a little choppy, full of useful tips, and very compelling. Watching it, I felt inspired to [...]
Winter blooms
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012We’ve been experiencing glacial temperatures the past few days, which is very cozy as long as you’re inside, next to the radiator, covered in blankets and wearing two sweaters. But there are some benefits, according to this article from Le Parisien — among other things, the cold ensures that ornamental bulbs like tulips, crocuses, and [...]
Marché aux puces
Friday, February 3rd, 2012As a child, I remember spending hours and hours waiting while my parents shopped for antique furniture. They used to bribe me with Famous Five novels, but those books had no chance of lasting long enough for my speedy eyes and their lengthy negotiations. As I sat in dark corners illicitly popping bubble wrap, I [...]
You’ll take Manhattan
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012We bought a bottle of Canadian rye whisky a few months ago, a tall handsome flask. But my husband (hereafter referred to as Barkeep) was only drinking it small nips when he felt very cold, and I don’t like whisky, so when we had some friends over for dinner — cocktail-enthusiast friends — I proposed [...]
Carnet de cuisine
Friday, January 13th, 2012A few months ago I had dinner with a French friend and he showed me something really cool — his mother’s dinner party notebooks. For years — decades, even — ever since she was a young bride, his maman has kept a record of every dinner party she’s ever thrown: guest list, menu, recipes. As [...]
Galettes and other greetings
Friday, January 6th, 2012I can’t believe I almost forgot to post today about one of my favorite pâtisseries: la galette des rois! Today is Kings’ Day, which means aspiring royals all over France will be tucking into frangipane-filled puff pastry, hoping to find the fève in their slice. The lucky recipient is crowned king or queen for the day. [...]
On beans and the new year
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012I’ve been writing and receiving cartes de voeux over the past few weeks — I send New Year’s cards because I’m ecumenical like that — and one of the things I’ve noticed is the difference between French and American messages. My American friends and I tend to offer best wishes for good health, happiness, perhaps even prosperity. [...]
Joyeuses Fêtes!
Friday, December 23rd, 2011Chers amis, happy holidays! And greetings from Southern California where I’ve hopped to spend a white (if by white, you mean the color of my skin) Christmas with my family. May 2012 bring you much happiness, good health, absorbing books and delicious meals shared with all the people you love. And, as always, thank you [...]
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