Over the past few years, I have been surrounding myself with only the kind of people who make me feel alive and happy. My heart surgery was a little traumatic and it made me rethink my priorities. Since then, I got rid of the expensive car (couldn’t afford it anyway), fired a nasty disrespectful client and invested more of my time and energy doing what I love with the people I love.
Maybe it’s because my life pretty much revolves around food, but I find myself doing today what I always wanted to do with all the people I wanted to do it with. All the people in my “crowd” are die hard foodies. My family members (each and every one of them), my delightful guests,my fellow bloggers, my fishmonger and cheesemonger at the farmers’ market, my pastry chef and my baker Sylvain. Even my new gardener can’t stop talking about food… He’s from Côte d’Ivoire so here is some diversity for you right there…
I am not a religious person, but I have my own definition of what to be the chosen ones actually means… I believe that we were put on this earth to make it a little bit better for the next generations. We do this by bringing the right energy to the party. We do this by being kind (ALWAYS) to everyone. We are the chosen ones, the VIPs of this earth, because we care. We care about ourselves, we care about others and we care about living the life we were lucky enough to be given to the fullest. Getting way too philosophical here. All I mean to say is that if there is a group of people that always finds a way to make the world a happier place, it is indeed Foodies!
- Foodies are masters at sharing the joy and the blessings they find in the present moment
- Foodies are curious and love to learn
- Foodies are warm and welcoming
- Although they love a good fine dining restaurant and beautiful surroundings, the best foodies aren’t afraid of sharing a meal on the corner of your kitchen counter either. Casual is the word!
- Foodies are true artists (and I am assuming here that most foodies cook). They actually participate in what I consider to be the highest form of art, and here is why: Cooking is the only form of art that’s all about giving. It is absolutely selfless and ego has little to do with it. Indeed, the more one destroys a cook’s work of art by eating it all heartedly, the happier he/she is. The most honored he/she feels. Do you know of any other form of art that nourishes both the soul AND the body? One that only exists for a few hours (sometimes minutes) yet creates memories that can last a lifetime?
- Foodies don’t take themselves seriously. The ones who do are food snobs, not foodies. I hate snobs!
So here you go my dear friends. We are the best and everybody should know it! (I am so full of it sometimes). But I mean, come on, look at the picture of Mimi trying her new favorite cheese for the first time. Is that the face of someone who doesn’t know how to enjoy life and live in the present moment?
MY FRENCH HEAVEN 
I couldn’t agree more! It is indeed the “foodies”….. 🙂
I love this, so cleverly written. Thank you!
Oh, I am not a foodie. :-). Ha, I have a limited culinary curiosity.
I love all your sentiments here and completely agree with them. Again your images are incredible. You put me to shame! 🙂
Well coming from someone as talented as you, it really means the world!!! The evening light is really special around here. Maybe it’s because of the ocean and the two big rivers… There’s just something special in the air…
I am pleased to say that by your definition I am a fully paid up member of the Foodie club. My cooking perhaps leaves much to be desired, but I do enjoy sharing good food with people who matter to me. And those photographs of Mimi enjoying some cheese…I can so absolutely relate to that. Cheese has to be one of the most enjoyable, adaptable, fastest foods in the world. Need a quick snack? Never mind all the supermarket ready meals, just buy some good cheese and enjoy.
Yep, cheese always works 😉 I know it’s MY snack of choice…
Wonderful post!
Wonderful!
Food is life! You have found that out, stephane. And you are sharing that knowledge with us, for which I am truly grateful! Keep well.
What a sweet comment Janina! Keep well my dear!!
Enjoyed this very much!
Spot on, as ever, Stephane. High time you wrote that book!
Thanks Linda! I’m thinking about the book. I just don’t know what theme people will like… I need a theme… Any idea?!
Your pictures and cooking speak for themselves – they’re all about the people and the place and locally-sourced food. You write so evocatively and your recipes and pictures are so beautiful that I hesitate to offer any advice. But that lovely post you wrote about your childhood might be a good starting point. Are you writing it in English or French? I’d be happy to proof-read if it’s in English as a gesture of friendship (I’m a journalist by profession and I’ve done proof-reading before). Linda.
That could be a good place to start you’re right. Thanks for your kind offer. I’ll write the first chapter and send it to you 🙂
So much love…..really isn’t that what this life is about??!! Living, loving, sharing the joy! Absolute heaven. 🙂
You are so right Wendy! Had I been born a few years earlier I would have been a flower power child for sure 😉
Ha! me too!!! 😉
Hello,
Although we absolutely love eating we are rarely to be found in a kitchen and, increasingly, are becoming incapable of even turning on the oven let alone cooking. But, we found ourselves here, rather like Alice falling down the rabbit hole into Wonderland and have been cosseted and comforted by this delightful post.
You capture the joy of living with these charming photographs. We can totally empathise with you about how a major health incident can make one look at life with a clearer focus and an intensity that was not there previously. One savours every moment, every scent, every taste and one does increasingly feel the need to surround oneself with people of spirit and kind heart.
This is such a joyful post. The food looks totally delicious and, we are sure, tasted divine. Where you lead, we shall follow into foodie heaven. We look forward to many happy returns.
Your camera eye throws such a warm and loving light onto the people you picture – I think that really is exceptional!
The camera is really good because I actually hate all these bastards… Just kidding 😉
:-))
what a wonderful post!
Thanks Leah!
What a wonderful post. The texture in your pictures and images match the words, so I feel like I can hear the chatter and laugher at your party.
I am not a foodie, but I too found myself getting bitter and letting life drag me down. Now I try to be happy and do what I can. Currently at work I have a co-worker who is a real downer and I need to work with them closely… it is hard, but I try and focus on the good things around me. Thanks for the inspiration today 🙂
There is always some asshole around to make our lives more difficult. Karma’s a bitch though. They’ll find out soon enough don’t you worry! Keep focusing on the good stuff and counting your blessings. You’re in the right frame of mind. Be strong! (and eat lots of cake!)
Thanks for the encouragement… it tough some days and you just wish it would go away. Not fair when teaching and 25 little ones witness their antics… teaching them bad behaviour in my opinion. Eat cake… sounds like a good plan 🙂
I’m always happy to see a new post from you as I know I’ll come away happy (and hungry, too.) Just got home a short while ago so it was time for my virtual trip to France. Ahhhhh.
janet
Virtual is becoming real pretty soon though 😉
Nice one – and as always, stunning photographs. Life is too short not to live it to the full, and I agree that food can be one of those memorable and remarkable experperiences. I love your philosophy of making every meal as good as it can possibly be!
😉
bien dit et tellement vrai!
I love enjoying good food, and sharing these moments with friends; I also enjoy seeing posts like this and enjoying the richness vicariously. Your photography shows the love you have for your friends and foods. Totally wonderful post.
Thank you dear Angeline! I am very touched and feel very fortunate that I have so many wonderful people such as yourself to share my experiences with 😉
Beautiful post. And so wise. I agree- our goal is to leave the world a better place, or at least leave it no worse than we found it.
What concerns me are the non-foodies. Those people who believe they have a moral obligation to create food in a laboratory– food made of chemicals so they don’t have to bother eating real food. I believe this leads to isolation and narcissism. Food and table are about sharing, even if we have little in the way of material goods. It’s probably the most basic human part of us and I’d hate to lose it. Here’s a link: http://www.sfgate.com/technology/businessinsider/article/ROB-RHINEHART-How-I-Stopped-Eating-Food-4366931.php
Thanks for the link! Very interesting indeed!
I love this blog post! You have such a way with words! Also, can you share the recipe for the fruit in the glass with the ice cream? Delicious!
My aunt made that. It’s just a citrus based fruit salad with home made vanilla ice cream on top and served with some kind of angel cake on the side with rhum…
Brilliant post – loved it! And yes Foodies are the chosen people, I agree a hundred times over. 🙂
We really are; aren’t we? 😉 LOL
Stephane, You reveal a little more about yourself in each post. The Wife (Sharon to some) practises the philosophy of living in the now. She suffers from epilepsy and the condition and medication play havoc with her longer term memory. She is the most positive person on the planet and is happier than most. I know she is going to love meeting you in July. Already, I find myself thinking that I am going to have to cook for / with you. Really looking forward to the visit.
Best,
Conor
We’ll make sure we create wonderful memories for Sharon! 😉
Not only your foods but also your pictures make people around you so happy. Your pictures have warm hearts. They are so beautiful.
You are too kind dear Jessie!
What a beautiful post. The picture with the steam rising up from the pot is fabulous, as are all of your pics.
Thank you so much Renee!!
bien dit! La verité. Sheila
“Indeed, the more one destroys a cook’s work of art by eating it all heartedly, the happier he/she is.”
so true!
This and your whole post reminded me of one of my favorite movies “Babaette’s Feast”. 🙂
That movie made me want to go to cooking school back in the day. Amazing movie indeed!
Such a beautiful post. Both your philosophy on life and your photographs lifted me to a much better place this morning. Thank you!
Enjoy your beautiful life, family, friends and food 🙂
I’m glad my little post put you in a better place dear Duffie! Have a beautiful sunny foodie day! 😉 🙂
I love this post!! It truly captures the essence of this region and life here!! It truly resonates with me and it’s so beautifully written. Life is so much about loving who we are, who we are with and truly enjoying what we do. For me – it’s been my motto since moving to France – enjoy the region, the food. the culture and the people. I, too, have been choosing to surround myself with those with great energies and those who enjoy life. For me it also about sharing this spirit with my girls. I find with we are truly at our greatest we also have the most compassion for everything around us! It’s so uplifting to read your posts and especially this one!! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself and inspiring others!
Thank you dear Jennifer! Have you started the tours yet? How is it going?!
Yes, I have started the tours…I’m now “on my own” to guide Bordeaux, Marche du Capucins, Cap Ferret and tomorrow – I will be doing my “first” solo tour of Saint Emilion!! It’s been quite an experience and I’m honestly loving every minute!! (Well – except for when one of the tourist knew A LOT more about the war and the Frankton mission than I did!- sort made me really nervous – but all was fine by the end – as he approached me on break and said he was excited by what I was sharing and he was just a war buff!!) I love sharing this wonderful area with everyone and the tourists seem equally excited to understand how France is different…(I’m sure you understand!!). Have a great week!!
You are such a great ambassador my friend! We are all so lucky to have you here to share your kindness and passion…
You truly represent your own warm, honest, artistic intelligence with this post Stephane. I feel priveleged to be one of your chosen people!
You are indeed my dear Sandra. It makes me laugh every time I think of the post and that expression. What a pompous piece that was 🙂 🙂
Thank you for this beautiful post. The food is only part of it. The pictures of the people draw me in and make me want to be a part of your community.
Well, you are dear Angela! You are! 😉 (is it Angela, Angelajean or Angela Jean?)
All three plus some.
Angela Jean is my given name. Angelajean is how it often shows up online as a user name. Angela is what I am called by many (especially when living in a foreign country) but Angie is used as well. Some folks even call me AJ. Don’t you love names?
Wonderful post, very poignant. Oh, and beautiful photos to illustrate it too…
You are too king!
Wonderful lot see all those food loving faces. Lots of joy there…
Joy is all I aim to share 😉 So glad you liked it!
Wow, what a beautiful post! I love the concept here, foodies foodies are indeed wonderful! The photos are inspirational… true artists indeed! 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed it Jannie!
A lovely post full of lovely people. Yes, I agree…I really love the crowd of foodies!
Exactly!!! I may not be surrounded by other foodies like you but I definitely have a group of willing taste testers. And I certainly know how you feel about choosing only to surround yourself with those who also choose you. Life is less complicated that way. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful photos!
Thank you! I agree! The older I get, the less complicated I want my life to be. Tired of fighting! 🙂
Très bien dit Stéphane! I also personally believe that true foodies have the power to change the sad state of our food system and planet, since food can have such an impact (good or bad) on the Earth. That is food for the body and soul at its best! 🙂
I was going to talk about the planet too, but that will have to be the subject of another post. So much to say on the subject!! 😉
A beautiful post. That must have been the Saint Felicien!
I think it was. That or the ceps… 😉
My good friend, Dr. J.D., a renown psychologist, teacher, therapist, and mega-foodie (put himself though graduate school, working in the kitchen at the Ritz for years) coined the term “foodster” to distinguish those dedicated to exceptional food and dining but without snobbery. I like it, it has more hands-on feel as terms go.
As far as the “chosen people” be careful what you wish for….look what happened to the last ones honoured with that distinction!
You crack me up!
Fabulous post–and pics–Stephane! Some time ago, you mentioned the possibility of writing a book/cookbook, and this further proves you have the unique, engaging, witty voice that lends itself beautifully to such an endeavor. When that time comes, and I hope it does, you must promise to autograph my copy 🙂
I’m always playing around with the idea. I am just so nervous about the process. Writing it would be easy enough, but then publishing properly etc… If I invest the time in this, I really want it to be a success. I doubt I am known enough to find a readership… I think success will really depend on the theme I’ll choose…
You never know until you try, Stephane. But I do 🙂 You really must share your talent and passion with all those poor souls who have yet to peek inside your world.
I just need to give myself a deadline for the first chapter… Thanks for the encouragement!!
I LOVE this posting, thank you so much! Beautiful!
You have a wonderful life and your philosophy is spot on. I am so happy that you are alright after a traumatic medical situation. It does put things in perspective doesn’t it? You have surrounded yourself with great friends and family of like mind, thats very important and you are doing what you love. Fantastic post, It was uplifting reading it. Thank you!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post dear friend! The quality and quantity of the energy that we surround ourselves with is so important indeed!!! 🙂