About

My name is Stéphane. I am the Son, Grandson and Great Grandson of Bordeaux Wine Merchants. My Dad wanted me to become a Lawyer; I wanted to be a Chef. I kind of won on that one… After one lousy year of law school I was off to Lyon (Eastern France, near the Alps) to study cooking and Hotel Management with Paul Bocuse (for the younger readers, Paul was the Alain Ducasse of the 70s).

I soon discovered that if cooking was a passion, I was not born with a high level of tolerance for the physical and mental abuse it took to become the great Chef I aspired to be.

I was hired at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta right after graduation with a Master’s Degree in Hotel Administration in my pocket. After a few months there as a server, I was offered a position in Human Resources where I spent the next 10 years. At that point I had worked at 7 Ritz-Carlton properties and had become Area Director of Training and Organizational Effectiveness for Northern California.

Missing family and friends and wanting to start my own company, I moved back to France in 2005. I started a very successful Bed & Breakfast in the family home near Saint-Emilion and ran it for the next six years.

Then, in January 2011, disaster struck. I had to undergo open heart surgery.

I came out of the ordeal with a new take on life, convinced of the following:

  1. We REALLY can die at any time. I know what a huge cliché this is, but I have seen the tunnel and the light and everything (I haven’t really seen the light but I’m sure it was there somewhere…)
  2. Family is everything. EVERYTHING!
  3. Not one minute of our life should ever be wasted on things or people we don’t truly appreciate and are energy suckers. These people and situations are to be avoided at all costs!
  4. We must feed our minds and spirit with the things that we love the most. Mine are food (mostly eating it) and photography. I am a very visual person…
  5. Karma’s a bitch! Do the right thing!!
  6. Whoever we are, we were born to shine a unique light, big or small, upon the world
  7. Making people feel important and strong through genuine care and personal attention helps you get closer to them and them closer to you. That is how you create a meaningful life and legacy.

So here is my little blog. I will use it to share all the things I love the most. I will try to make it more than just food and pretty pictures. I have a lot to share about what I think it means to feed/nourish oneself and others.

I believe that with the proper food for our body and soul, we truly become invincible!

345 thoughts on “About”

  1. Bonjour Stephane, Your blog is beautiful! I am Chinese, but I am definitely a Francophile. There is something so special about France – the language, its culture, its people, and of course, its food! I wish I could join your workshop, but my son, Jr. just arrived 9 months ago… Looking forward to reading more on your blog. Cheers, Mrs J

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    • What a nice comment J. I am sure your son takes a lot of your time and energy :) Visiting China is one of my dreams! Chinese food is my absolute favorite. The problem is that the only good Chinese restaurants in Europe are in London. We have a very good Asian market in Bordeaux so I try to cook my own Chinese food. I am a big fan of Dim Sum ;) Thanks for dropping by my blog! I do enjoy yours ;)

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  4. Thanks for liking my post! I have to say, I really enjoy your blog–from the beautiful photography and the scrumptious food to your way with words. I look forward to reading more!

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  5. What an interesting life story! Thank you for your like on my Veggie post, and for drawing my attention to your blog. All the best, Magdalena of Migratory Habits.

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  11. Very pleased to have found your sight. Your point of view is identical to mine. Looking forward to reading more of your posts. By the way, the still lives at the brocante were not in the least dull, but your mother was an excellent addition to the set.

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  17. Thanks for subscribing to my blog, Stephan, and I have read your story! I think we all are due to receive a diagnosis of some sort when we get old enough! (I just recently received mine :-) ), but there isn’t much to be done really? One may only hope that there is more time left whenever you get the thoughts, and one day eventually there isn’t. That’s life! Nobody has ever survived! :-)
    But what the heck – It’s up to each one of us to make the most of it? Right?
    Some things you die of, and other things you may die with your diagnosis. And the time will NEVER be right! And if I can’t do much about it but live, that’s exactly what I’m gonna do! And that’s what we all ought to be doing!
    Back to blogging: There is about 1500 large photos of Norway and Norwegian nature on my blog, and there will be new pictures posted just about every week. Enjoy!

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    • I am so sorry to hear about your bad news. I do hope you are feeling good enough though. As you say, we will all die one day. Maybe today… All that counts is how we enjoy the moment! I absolutely love your blog! My nephew’s wife is from Norway. It is my dream to visit one day. All these colorful homes, the green landscape… The food is amazing too! Henriette (my niece from Norway) brought some salmon as well as dried lamb meat last Christmas. It was absolutely delicious! Please be well my friend. I will buy you a cup of coffee when I finally get to come visit your amazing part of the world :)

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  18. Oh dear – I can see I’ll have to come back for a proper visit when I’ve more time to do more than just look at your scrumptious pictures. This is a sit down at the kitchen table and watch, listen and chat (and maybe keep up the wine in your glass) type of blog that I just adore. And there you are, in Saint-Emilion, my father’s favourite place on earth, I think – or certainly among his all-time favourite occasions (the mornings he spent tramping the vinyards at dawn, communicating – without French – in the mysterious language of wine growers … ) and so precious to me because for once I was there too, having an adventure with him. Look forward to delving in the months ahead. :)

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    • What a kind comment! I am so glad you like my little blog. Maybe you’ll visit St Emilion again. Someday soon I hope… I truly enjoy your blog as well! Very peaceful and inspiring…

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  21. Stéphane! So absolutely wonderful to meet You! And delighted that you enjoyed the quote, yesterday. We share passions! Looking forward to receiving notice of new posts from you. And, I may just have to head south, to visit Veranda on Highland. ;-)

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  23. I guess your talent for listing comes from your cooking passion: once more, here’s a list of perfect ingredients! You make me want to apply myself to follow recipes, al least this time! :-)

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  24. Thank you for liking my blog. Like many others, I have learned the hard way about how anyone can die at any time (my beloved husband, aged 40 in a car crash) and so I appreciate your openness and honesty on this. You have inspired me to spread the word.

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  26. Stephane, thank you for visiting my poetry-hiking-mythology blog. I’m so glad your “like” led me back here to discover your beautiful blog. I really appreciate your bilingual writing here; I enjoy trying to read French, but I have much to learn.

    Like you, I was supposed to have been a lawyer, but my heart led me to poetry instead!

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  27. Hi Stephane! This page is so meaningful and necessary because sometimes we forget what is truly important in life. Your blog seems wonderful and I’m looking forward to see what else you write about. My boyfriend is French so I’ll also be looking here for clues on the French things I’m supposed to be cooking :)

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  30. Stéphane, thank you for visiting my blog and stopping by “End of summer scramble” post. It’s given me the opportunity to have a look at your delightful blog. I love the photography!

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  31. Thank you so much for visiting Find the Details and liking the post on Red’s fascinating art. Your blog is fantastic: wonderful recipes and great photography! I hope to have some more design news for you soon, till then, all the best, FtDx

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    • Thanks Jon! I really like your blog and especially your sense of humour! I am looking forward to reading more of your posts!! Cheers friend!

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  38. Thanks ever so for stopping by again today Stéphane and ‘liking’ my post on this, the first International Day of Happiness. Your posts and attitude contribute to mine everyday :D “vous êtes une source d’inspiration merveilleuse,peut toujours être votre journée remplie de joie mon ami”

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    • Mona, you are so sweet! Your French is very good! I love your blog and I need to take the time I need to make your orange tea cake soon! I love a good strong tea with very tasty cakes. I might actually make my mom’s madeleines soon…. You see, you’re getting me all worked up… ;)

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  40. Hello Stephane. I think I like your About page better than any I’ve read. I love your attitude and I envy your training and experience. I love cooking, and my friends and family pump up my ego concerning my abilities.

    I teach cooking, but it’s for non-cooks to learn how to cook for themselves and their loved ones; nothing they could do professionally. I discovered when people asked me for advice that there was so much they would be able to figure out on their own if they knew some basics.

    I’m looking forward to reading your blog, and I hope to learn a lot from you.

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    • I love your blog as well! Your about page is very inspiring… I do wish I had children. That will probably be my only regret in this life… The basics of cooking are the only thing people need to learn about. Everything else should come from intuition and the love one feels for the people they feed :) I am so glad I found you in this never ending list of bloggers…

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  42. I have been so touched by all that you wrote! Out of my own personal experiences I too understand that “Death can happen to anyone, anytime..” Thank you for visting my blog, I now know yours and look forward to following you! :)

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  43. I learned these six lessons you quote by myself and I understand the meaning behind every word. With your permission I would like to add one more, no. 7 we are all small divinity particles, and we have one mission in life, to love :)
    je vous salute cordialement monsieur Chef, Oana de Roumanie :)

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  49. Bonjour de l’Australie Stephane,
    I loved my exerience in France and especially Lyon which is a beautiful city. J’aime la France. I’m looking forward to going back and experiencing the wonderful culture of your country. I appreciate your passion and creativity regarding fine food. Take great care and best wishes to you and your family
    God bless

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  56. Thanks so much for stopping by at my blog; simply beautiful and healthy living and your visit takes me to your blog. Wow! I really love your blog and I know this will not be my 1st visit but will continue visiting your blog as I really enjoy your articles! Keep it up!

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  57. Thank you for stopping by The Salty Table! I’m looking forward to checking out your blog- and I heartily agree with your list of what is important!
    Best,
    Rebekah @ The Salty Table

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  58. Hi! Thanks for finding and following my blog, which in turn led me to yours which I absolutely love! I love what you wrote on this page. Family is everything! How true that is. I look forward to reading more of your work and seeing more of your pictures! They’re beautiful.

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  62. Oh you are just going to laugh at me! Until just recently, I had always thought you were married to Francesca who is in Italy and who has Flora’s Table! Oh too funny! I thought you had your business in St Emillion and her’s in Italy! I have to tell her this as she will just really laugh! We have been communicating quite a bit!

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  65. I don’t have an award to hand out today, but I can say I LOVE your blog. Reading your thoughts after heart surgery, made me think of mine 6 months ago. WE ARE ALIVE and isn’t it wonderful? :) Thanks for visiting my ‘place’ today and liking it. Happy 2013

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    • Thank you so much! It made me smile when I saw your xray. It reminded me of the first time I saw all the hooks they had left in my sternum:) As you said, we are alive and that’s all that matters:) Thanks for coming by!

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  68. Dear Stéphane, I am going to echo what others have already said. You have one of the most beautiful blogs. It is truly a virtual hard copy coffee table book. You have covered variety of subjects followed by beautiful professional quality photos. How lucky we/your audience are, to have a front seat view, to be amused by your world. Thank you very much! Fae.

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    • Why Fae thank YOU so much for reading!! I must say that my conversations with my readers is even more important to me than the blog itself. I get to meet so many different people with similar interests and so many great ideas and opinions to share… So welcome Fae and I hope you continue to like what I post. If the quality goes down at some point, I count on you to let me know:) All the very best!!

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  73. Thanks for stopping by my blog and checking out my Chocolate Peanut Butter Bowl! Your blog has a ton of great recipes and ideas. Definitely love the bacon flowers you made.

    -Christine

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  78. Hi Stéphane – I’ve taken the liberty of nominating you for the Blog of the Year Award, 2012, because it’s one I think my readers would enjoy! To check out where I promoted your site, go to http://cookupastory.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/help-im-drowning-in-too-much-sugar/. If you’d like to participate in this activity, you can learn how at http://thethoughtpalette.co.uk/our-awards/blog-of-the-year-2012-award/. Happy New Year and all the best for 2013!

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  87. What an amazing ‘About Me’, and what a great career and life you have had so far! I am so flattered that you stopped by my Blog, so thank you! After interior design, food is my second love, so I will definitely be stopping by your Blog more often. Merry Christmas!

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    • I love your blog! You have such great taste. From the floral background to the great photos… I am a very visual person too. So I’m right there with you, except that food comes first and interior design second (close second:) Merry Christmas!!

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    • Thank you again Francesca! I am very honored once again:) I need to set time aside so I can forward the awards. It is a wonderful thing, and I want to take the time I need to properly respond to them and forward them to the right blogs… I think I’ll do them all at once in the new year:) Thanks again!!!

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  89. I came over because of Jeanette but I think I will stay for a while. There is always an adventure waiting around the next corner. And I think that I just turned it when I met you…

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  92. This is a most wonderful blog you have created here, Stéphane. As a blogging neophyte, I am in awe of what you are achieving – how do you find the time? I applaud the fact that you have a bi-lingual narrative going on, your wonderful use of photography and the fact that you so tastefully and unobtrusively manage to tie your blog in with your business. And your recipes look amazing – I am seriously intimidated! I look forward to reading more. Best Regards.

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    • What a nice comment! Since my B&B is only busy during the tourist season, I have more time in the Winter months. But now it is more a routine really. I take a lot of pictures and I always write down ideas as they come. I have a list of about 2 or 300 ideas for posts so I’m never out of ideas. Sometimes I just pick a picture and write a post about it… Blogging is also great therapy:) It is so wonderful to “meet” people such as yourself who are passionate about the sames subjects. The rule is: there is no rule. If you write about something you love, you are bound to attract people with similar interests… Anyhow, thanks for the comment and good luck with your blog. I will be following you:)

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    • I’m glad you’ve joined my little “community”… I just love to share all these delicious things:) :) I’m getting really really fat though:)

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  98. After reading your interesting and inspirational story here, I am thinking you must have been in the mood to go slumming it a little when you read and liked my blog post about using a can of tomato soup and carton of sour cream to make a beef dish, lol! I have a feeling I may learn a lot about the finer points of cooking from your blog and look forward to seeing more of it! Thanks for the like of my post!

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    • Hi Becky, I actually enjoy your blog very much. I loved the photo your friend Kay took of the Amish. It reminds me of a trip I took many moons ago to Wisconsin. I was then employed at The Ritz in Chicago. Beautiful memories:) I hope you come visit my blog again soon! All the very best:)

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  106. I love your outlook on life, Stephane! I don’t have enough “traction” to compete in your game, but Saint Emilion is my favorite town in France (La Garde Freinet is second). My blog is on healthy foods and lifestyle, so check out some of my recipes to keep your heart ticking along nicely for decades to come!

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  107. Hi Stéphane!

    I love what you have going on here, and I’m so pleased to find it today of all days because I was just gifted with Julia Child’s French cooking masterpiece, and I’ve got it on my nightstand as we speak. I’m totally into French cooking right now, and I’m so happy to have a blog to follow now. Any suggestions for a great French style salad to serve with Boeuf Bourguignon?

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    • Hi Sarah (or is it Francisco?). Thanks for your kind words and welcome to my French heaven!! I met Julia Child at The Ritz in San Francisco a few years before she passed. She was a great lady and her book is certainly a great read:0) Regarding Bourguignon, if you HAVE TO serve salad with it, the simpler the better. Just greens with a tiny bit of light vinaigrette. I would not serve salad with Bourguignon. Just rice, pasta or potatoes. People should be able to focus on your sauce and nothing else. In France, salad is served as an appetizer, with the cheese course or after the cheese is served right before dessert. We never serve salad with the main course (in a traditional dinner setting that is). But I guess that’s what’s great about food; you can serve whatever you want with whatever you want. The only rule is that you like it:0) That being said, I would not serve salad with Bourguignon:0)

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  109. Thank you for the inspiration and thank you for visiting my blog! I really appreciate it because it led me to yours :) I too have a degree in hospitality and tourism management.

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  111. Thanks for viewing my blog. Look forward to future post’s from your blog. I invite you to sign to follow savorthefood.wordpress.com it’s Free.

    Thanks again for your time and consideration.

    Chef Randall
    savorthefood.wordpress.com

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  112. Thank you for visiting my blog recently! I spent a lot of time enjoying yours this evening-I’ve always loved the idea of French food, but it’s always felt a little intimidating, but your blog and pictures have inspired me to try some of the recipes you’ve posted. Can’t wait to read your future posts!

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    • You are so kind! There’s really nothing to be intimidated about. French cooking can be very simple (as long as you like butter, cheese or olive oil:0). It’s also an acquired taste. The best thing you can do is try it in restaurants first and buy a few books. The courage and inspiration will come! Thanks for visiting and giving some of your precious time:0)

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    • Well thank you very much for your kind words! I am glad you found my little blog and I hope you’ll enjoy my posts:0)

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  118. c’est un plaidoyer pour la vie et une expérience riche d’enseignement. Je partage tout à fait cet avis. Il faut bien vivre à tout prix car c’est la plus grande des richesses. Très beau blog que je découvre avec beaucoup de plaisir :) . Encore merci d’être passé et bonne semaine.

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  119. Great writing, great photography, and great looking recipies. My high school French is long forgotten, thanks for the English! We share a little besides a WordPress blog, a history of open heart surgeries (two here, now a third looming for an aortic ascending anureysm), and a realization there is more to life than career.
    Keep up the great writing,
    Brian

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    • Everything will be fine in the end! Have you seen that movie, the Most Exotic Marygold Hotel? In it, the main character says:”Everything will be fine in the end. If it’s not fine, it is not yet the end!” Keep preparing and eating good food with your family and friends. There is nothing more important!!

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    • Well thank you, but I must say you are being a bit hard on yourself. I absolutely love your blog! The pictures, the writing, everything about it and you spells honesty and soul. I’m not only following you, but you also are in my side bar!! I hope you come back often. I will visit your blog often!!

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  127. Oops, don’t know if my last comment went through or not…
    Your blog is like a breath of fresh air! I spent a summer studying at Université Lyon 2 back in 1997 and have been dying to go back to France ever since. I, too, am a lawyer who has always had passion for food and culture, so I will definitely be back to read more! Please post more photos of France!

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  128. Bonjour, réconcilier la france avec le reste du monde avec de bonnes recettes, ça c’est une bonne idée ! D’ailleurs je pense qu’on devrait remplacer les ambassades par des blogs culinaires. Merci pour ce blog mis dans mes favoris.
    Bonne route !

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    • You are too kind Paula! I think today I will post my favorite duck confit recipe… Have you entered the game yet? It’s still OK to enter…

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  135. Thank you for stopping by my blog and liking a post! I am new to the food blogging world and was very impressed with your about me section and the honesty you went in to giving your background. It is very inspiring indeed and I look forward to reading more up on your blog.
    On another note, I had studied abroad in Paris during college and fell in love the the city and the food !

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  138. Hi there, thanks so much for liking one of my posts, I hope you’ll come back and visit me at smashedalice soon! Your ‘about’ section is really quite uplifting and I wholeheartedly agree with your new outlook on life!

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  140. What a wonderful philosophy you have:-) Thanks for sharing your passion (and “takes on life”–those are awesome) with others. Appreciate you stopping by foodforfun’s turkey 2.0 so I could look you up.

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  141. I am thrilled to have found your blog, it is truly lovely. You have a beautiful story and I can’t wait to read more. I spent some time in the South of France in 2004 and will go back someday as I absolutely fell in love. I look forward to discovering more about your B&B and the food that you cook, maybe even trying a recipe or two myself. Blessings to you.

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    • Thanks so much Danielle. Your comment means a lot to me. You should try one of the recipes. Most of them are really simple and will wow your family and friends:0) I am so glad you found my little blog in this ocean of blogs:0) I hope you come back often!!

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  144. After reading you bio, I see you’ve been in a ton of Ritz Carlton properties. Ever visit or work at the Amelia Island property in North Florida? That little island is my favorite in the world.

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    • Absolutely! I stayed there years ago for a conference. It is a beautiful area. Do you live in Florida? I think Amelia is a great mix of Georgia and Florida in its spirit…

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      • I lived in North Jacksonville and worked at Amelia Island Plantation for 4 years. It was like my 2nd home! It is a good mix of rural southern charm and island life. I am currently living in Oklahoma City and missing the palm trees and ocean pretty bad!

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    • Oh my God darling!!!! Thank you so much! It is the first time someone nominates me for anything (besides employee of the year at the Ritz years ago:0) Thank you so so much!

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  146. I’m gonna have a great time reading through your blog, the first impression stuck me here wanting to discover more….I love your country, been there several times on vacation and planning to be back even more….maybe next time in your area. Keep up the good work!

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    • Well thanks a lot Gracie! I am so glad you like my little blog. I put all my love of food and France into it. Keep an eye open for the contest that I will post later on today. Thanks again. All the very best!

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  147. What a wonderful about! Please take a look under my archives on the the subject ‘what happens when we die” about near death experiences. People who have shared your experience agree with everything you say! Looking forward to reading your blog!

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    • Thank you so much for your kind words Cindy! I will go see your archives for sure. Thank you for following my blog. I am now following yours! All the very best.

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  148. It’s true, good food here in the Uk has had a renaissance. Our local pub is really really good. My friends who live in the Cevennes were bemoaning the quality available in restaurants near them. Why do you think this is? Is it because France has been slow to move with the times? I miss Asian food the most not living in London anymore, I just have to make it myself! I did have some fabulous Vietnamese food in Paris once though. If I’m ever in Bordeaux I’ll be sure to look your place up!

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  149. Coming from a family of francophiles I’d have to agree. Both my mother, stepfather, brother, sister-in-law and niece found the grass so green that they left the UK and settled in Burgundy! My brother gets to eat in a Michelin starred restaurant every week as part of his job – sigh, what a chore :)

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    • i’m glad your family enjoys living in France and many of my British friends live here as well, but I must say that I for one think that the level of excellence in the culinary British culinary world has risen quite a bit in the past few decades. Some of my favorite restaurants are in London. As a matter of fact, France is way behind in terms of fine international food. For instance, it takes a lot of effort and quite a bit of money to find descent Chinese, Japanese or Indian restaurants in this damn country… So my friend, I agree that your brother & sister in law are lucky, but I wish I were visiting and eating in England more often:0) And don’t get me started on the British amazing countryside! Come visit me in Bordeaux. We’ll exchange recipes:0)

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  150. Your blog is lovely and your philosophy about life is spot on!! I can totally relate about law school except I went for 4 years (part time, while I worked and was a single parent! So I had 4 miserable years, not just one). You seem to have definitely followed the right path :)

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    • Thanks for the lovely comments! I don’t know about finding the right path, but we all have to survive and get better somehow:0) All the very best!

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  151. Hi thanks for dropping in to my cow ‘n nature (and random cooking posts) blog. I guess me not recognising either Paul or Alans name outs me as a very part-time gastronomer! I am in total agreement with your life list, all of which I’m working on :) I only quibble with the invincible bit…I think (because I’m a thinkingcowgirl) it’s enough to make the best of the life we have left.

    Regarding your latest cheese post…haha, only in France would you see such a cheddar being made a fuss of. We don’t appreciate it in the same way….!

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    • Thank you for the comments. Cheddar is really exotic for us, so I guess we do enjoy it more. Funny how life is. Is the grass always greener on the other side?

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    • Thank you so much for your kind words! I will read your blog and follow it very carefully. I am sure we can share a lot of great recipes and ideas!

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    • Great! It’s always such a pleasure to meet other bloggers with the same interests. I am following you, so I’ll keep reading your great posts as you write them. All the best!

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  154. Hello Stephane. I am in love with your blog and the pictures of your amazing food. I’ve already sent your blog to friends so they can enjoy it too. Found you through Stacey (in Ireland). Can’t wait to see what you come up with next to tell us. Laura

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    • Thanks for the kind words. I love this blogging thing. It opens my life to the world in ways I never expected it would. Getting to share with people such as yourself truly is a blessing! Come back tomorrow for my take on French Onion Soup:0)

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  157. Quel bel univers ! je vous retourne le compliment pour les photos, j’y reviendrais certainement, mais là, c’est le moment incontournable du marché où je m’empresse de “structurer” ma semaine culinaire, ma culture générale attendra !

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  158. Merci pour la visite à la compagnie des lutins. Si un des lutins devient quelqu’un d’aussi passionné que vous, ça me ferait plaisir. Si une de vos recettes peut être faite par mes petits lutins, ce serait génial aussi. Vous avez l’air d’être quelqu’un de bien. :)

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    • Merci! Je vais publier des recettes faciles et amusantes pour les petits dans les semaines qui viennent. Mes amis qui ont des enfants ne savent plus quoi leur faire à manger…

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    • Well then you guys need to come over. We’ll go for a photo (and food shopping) safari together. The Farmers’ Markets around here are ideal for that. Thanks for reading! All the very best!

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  160. Thank you, Stéphane, for your kind words but… mind you, we could really take you up on your kind invitation the next time we go to Italy for a while (most likely next Summer)! We’d both LOVE to come visit you and spend a few days. We’ll be in touch about this next year and see if we can make it happen.
    Regarding your idea for the blog game, it is really interesting and given the beauty of your B&B I believe it will engage many bloggers! Let me just give it some thought regarding the technical aspects and then I will send you an email with whatever comes to mind.
    Thank you again and let’s keep in touch.
    So glad I found you and your blog! :-)

    Reply ↓

    • I’m glad I found you as well! I’m off to the international culinary book fair in Périgueux this morning. I am so excited. I hope to meet great bloggers and get tons of ideas… Let’s keep in touch and let me know if you have ideas to drive people to my little blog thing. I really want to do this full time. Now not only am I addicted to food and cooking, but also to blogging…

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  161. First off, thank you very much for liking my restaurant review: much appreciated :-)
    Secondly, wow: you have a wonderful bilingual blog with many mouthwatering recipes! Also, congratulations (as a photographer) on your food photography: it is very nice, appealing and well lit.
    And, last but not least, oh man! You studied under Paul Bocuse?!? I can only imagine what an unbelievable experience that must have been! To me it sounds like being a close disciple of Mahatma Gandhi! :-)
    Finally, since my other passion is wine (a few months ago I passed my sommelier certification test): of all places, you are in St Emilion!!! Oh man, the jewel of the Rive Droite: I wish I could teleport me to your beautiful B&B and I were affluent enough to bring a bottle of Chateau Ausone to share with you over a recipe of yours while you tell me a few Bocuse stories (I am sure you will have a few!) I bet Francesca would love it too.
    Oh well, enough daydreaming :-)
    Take care

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Stefano, Thank you so much for these great comments! I love your blog as well and the description of it by your wife is really well done. It makes people want to meet you both and have dinner with you guys:0) My Grandmother was Italian, so even if I am not really good at cooking proper Italian food (I don’t even make my own pasta) I too know what’s real Italian food and what isn’t. I see you are a Sommelier. Boy would you have fun around here if you came to visit. I could take you guys to some of the greatest châteaux in the area. Just St Emilion alone counts about 900 of them:0) Regarding photography, I started a while back but only recently have I found the techniques that suit me best. I guess, as with food and wine, it is a question of trial and error. Anyhow, give my best to your lovely wife and make sure you guys come see me on your next trip home to Italy. I am thinking of starting a game on the blog so people bring me readers in exchange for a few nights stay at my B&B. I have a feeling you could easily win that one. I just don’t know how to put the rules together… Like how can I figure who actually brings me the readers or followers… If you have an idea… All the best! I’ll keep reading you!

      Reply ↓

  162. Hi Stéphane!! Thank you very much for visiting my humble blog! The photos you take are wonderful!! You must also be a very talented photographer. If you don’t mind me asking, what is the brand and model of the camera used to take the photos? Thank you in advance. :)

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  165. Thank you for stopping by my blog. Such a wonderful insight into you. I haven’t written my bio page yet and this is truly inspiring.
    And I am glad you’re not a lawyer. The world needs more color, love and food! : )

    Reply ↓

  166. Wow, what a honest, beautiful introduction to your blog. Thank you for sharing Stéphane. I love coming across other like-minded people with a passion for food, life and design – and it makes it especially exciting when they are thousands of miles away!

    Reply ↓

    • Thank YOU. I’m always so happy when people like the blog and come visit. Please keep reading and posting. I really like your blog as well!

      Reply ↓

  168. This is just such a beautiful chef’s story! I too like you want to create awesome tasting food but also healthy! (I was actually raised a vegetarian so I am still getting used to cooking red meat!) Thank you so much for an inspiring blog with such great ideas and healthy ones too! (I am no longer a vegetarian! LOL!)

    Reply ↓

  170. Hi Stephane thx for stopping by my blog! I feel flattered that a F&B/Hospitality professional likes it.. :) Great blog and beautiful photography! Through your words and photos one can really feel your love for food and life..

    Reply ↓

  174. Compliment for Your blog and what to do , I’ m a relatives of Giulia&Enrico from Italy now your guest. I’ m interesting in your Cooking class, send me news about it
    Have a delicious day
    Marica

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Marika.

      I am so glad I heard about you. Your family is delightful. I took them around the Vineyard this morning and I think they had a good time. I am dying to talk to you about blogging. I am new at this blogging thing. I would like to make make the blog a big success like yours. Perhaps you would be able to give me a few tips. I really like your blog by the way. Very informative! Let’s keep in touch!

      Reply ↓

    • Sorry I did not answer sooner. Thank you for your kind words and please thank your friend for me. I am trying to build readership but it is not easy:0) I am also busy with my B&B in the summer but I will try to post more in the future. Please keep coming back and tell your friends. All the very best.

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  176. Monsieur,

    Love your blog but there is mo way I can cook all these delicious recipes. Really looks like I have to visit you in France so you can cook for me or you come and visit here in Scottsdale…

    Happy New Year to you!

    Christoph

    Reply ↓

    • Thank you Christoph! All these recipes are super easy. Come over anytime. We’ll cook and eat and do all kind of fun things!

      Reply ↓

    • Thank you my darling. I really love writing it. I really want to make it a success!! Happy New Year to you and your many loved ones.

      Reply ↓

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