If you were to tell me in high school that, after graduating college, I would pack up and move abroad, I would more than likely have laughed in your face. My image of post-graduate life involved hole-in-the-wall NYC apartments and cubicles, not working abroad. But I suppose life can surprise you when you'd least expect it because, as … Continue reading 10 things France has taught me about food
As a little girl, France meant 1 thing: Paris. Outside of glowing images of the Eiffel Tower, bustling bistros, and baguette, I'll admit I knew very little. My horizons were broadened once I began studying French in school and even more so when I spent a semester at the Sorbonne. But only since packing my bags … Continue reading a taste of Saint-Malo
It dawned on me the other day that I've been learning French for about 10 years now. My reaction to this realization? I'll refrain from any cliché commentary on how fast time seems to pass and focus instead on the overwhelming wave of pride I felt wash over me. It has taken a whole lot of … Continue reading musings on French terroir
They say the Provence region of France is blessed by the gods. I'm inclined to agree. With sun-soaked hillside villages overlooking sweeping lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards, "charming" is certainly an understatement. In fact, I think "enchanting" is more appropriate. We stationed ourselves for the week in Avignon, a medium-sized city in the Vaucluse department. Medieval stone … Continue reading a taste of Provence
When it comes to coastal cities in France, La Rochelle is a must-see. Commonly referred to as "La Ville Blanche" due to its characteristic limestone facades, this port city sits in the Poitou Charentes region of southwest France, a short 2-hour drive from Bordeaux. La Rochelle boasts a rich history as one of France's principal seaports from the … Continue reading a taste of La Rochelle and Ile de Ré
My kitchen here in France is the farthest thing from fancy. It's an industrial, stainless steel setup complete with two hot plates, a sink, a refrigerator, and a mini oven that looks deceptively like a toaster oven but lacks the ability to toast. And that's about it. No microwave to be found. Of course, I … Continue reading Lately on Instagram: no microwave, no problem
When I think of Paris, I imagine cast-iron balustrades bordering the Métropolitan signs of the subways stations, wrought iron balconies, elegant cream-colored stonework, and wide boulevards lined with independent bookshops, cafés, and boulangeries. The Porte de Clignancourt area of the city doesn't necessarily fit this description. Situated on the northern periphery of Paris, this diverse neighborhood is … Continue reading a taste of Paris, featuring sustainable urban farming
Picture this: someone blows up a pig intestine like a balloon until it takes the shape of a sausage casing. Then he/she stuffs said casing with more chopped up (and very well rinsed) intestines before tying up both ends with string, cooking it, slathering on some mustard sauce, and calling it andouillette. Now picture this: Jacqueline … Continue reading a taste of Lyon
I'll get to the oh-so-delicious food I ate in Annecy in a sec (and if you're here just for that, feel free to scroll down). But first, allow me a moment of non-food commentary. Because I just traveled solo for the first time, and it's worth a paragraph or two, don't you think? I was never … Continue reading a taste of Annecy (and traveling alone)
When it comes to food, the French know what they're doing. No surprise there. La gastronomie of France, in all its seasonal, locally-sourced, fresh-from-the-market brilliance, was one of the main reasons I wanted to move back here for an extended period of time after college. And since arriving, I've been doing my best to absorb everything about French … Continue reading 5 healthy breakfasts to start your day off right
