I’m addicted to Le Comptoir. I need my comptoir lunch fix at least 3 or 4 times during a week’s stay in the city. I really do try to go elsewhere but I just can’t stay away from Yves Camborde’s cooking. A problem when I dine at restaurants is this: I have to [...]

Winter lettuces are abundant and ready for the eating, raw and crisp with a simple vinaigrette (extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fleur de sel and a crack of pepper) or topped with a poached egg and a few sauteed lardons.

I am thankful
for airplanes and pilots and hot fried chicken
for open kitchens and French raw milk cheese.
For running water and electricity
for literacy and words and the dictionary.
For my notebook and my pen and the Mac genius bar
even though I would be more thankful if they served cocktails
like Lillet blanc or mad Champagne.
I [...]

I love being in France this time of year when my favorite winter cheese is in season. (The Mont d’Or is best at room temperature served up with a spoon.) It’s also the time to celebrate Belon oysters and Tarte Tatin, clementines and chestnuts, marrons glacés and nougat glacé and salted caramel apples. Champagne, [...]

Even tuna, it seems, can be chic in Paris, especially if you are tuna turned into a Terrine with herbs and displayed at the equally chic La Grande Epicerie du Bon Marché.

More tuna with tapenade and sauteed zucchini and green beans at Le Comptoir.

My favorite remedy for jet lag in Paris is to head straight to 9, carrefour de l’Odéon to LE COMPTOIR, a no reservations lunch spot. You can find past posts here It’s always good to hear that deep weathered voice of France as she smiles, kisses me hello with promises of a table [...]

A note from a friend of mine on the closing of Cottage Living.
Dear Little Sweet Pea:
I heard the bad news early on: The Old Girl fell over and died. Let me say that I was sorry to hear it…You were there from the start…so I can only guess that it is a watershed moment for [...]

Someone sent me this link to Urban Grace Interiors.
And I’ve received many emails about the closing of Cottage Living magazine. Yes, it’s sad. Yes, it seems to be true. We are closing our pages.
It’s been a remarkable journey. I have been fortunate to work with a talented and passionate group of [...]

It’s been 2 days of non-stop dining in San Francisco which included an ice cream tasting (salted caramel, lavender honey) at Bi-Rite Creamery by owner Sam (one of the most passionate and exuberant people I’ve met in a long time), pizza at Delfina, meeting the Tamale Lady at Zeitgeist, BBQ and Sake with Bob at [...]

Day 1 continued: Julio, Thayer, and I are still tasting San Francisco, but took a break at Blue Bottle Cafe where Aaron showed us the art of the Kyoto Drip (photo below). It’s stunning to watch and even better to taste. The choice of single-origin Mexican beans enriched this coffee with deep undertones [...]

Eggs with Buddha’s Hand Zest at Boulette’s Larder, San Francisco
I never have time for breakfast. For me, it’s one of those meals best taken on vacation when someone else can serve it to you, preferably on a terrace overlooking the sea, or in bed after a late-night romp. But, when I’m in [...]

Something sweet to savor in San Francisco at Miette…