No. 359-360: M-F and Hélène: the ladies who (make) lunch and (sometimes) spit wine
Some of my most cherished memories of my time in France are from the kitchen. I was fortunate to learn about and taste all sorts of global cuisine prepared with love in the homes of remarkable women from all around the world. I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend many delicious days shopping for fresh ingredients at the marché and then learning how to prepare them with the lovely Marie-Françoise and a great group of friends. Yes, when pressed, I would have to say that M-F’s approach to real French family cooking and hands on learning marks some of my most memorable days in Paris.
While in Paris, I also had the great fortune of meeting the marvelous and slightly mischievous Hélène, wine aficionado and friend. Not only has she taught me to appreciate good (and not necessarily expensive) wine, she has also taught me to appreciate life as it comes, warts and all, and to always strive to be in the moment. Those afternoons we spent nose in glass, swirling, slurping and spitting wine and strolling along the Seine were some of the best.
Here’s to my culinary friends: the ladies who (make) lunch and (sometimes) spit wine.
Vous-allez me manquer.
Chin chin!
Marie Françoise and Hélène (perfectly bilingual) also cater private dinner parties, wine pairings, birthday and graduations parties in Paris. For more information contact: marie@mariefrancoiseflavors.com
365+ Things I Love About France 