While we’re still young

snacking

In this family we have a habit of finding things we weren’t looking for. Or at least things we didn’t know we were looking for. Years ago we went looking for a hound and ended up with a terrier (which has since multiplied), then we thought we might move to Normandie but ended up in Médoc, I studied finance but found myself in the kitchen. Let’s just say that with us, things happen rather than being planned. Last year we went searching for yellow flowers, which we found, but the flowers also led us to the the château of one of the nicest guys we’ve ever met, Fabien Courrian. Earlier this spring, through Fabien, we found something so special that it might change our lives forever. I am guessing I have your attention now?

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What we found was the greenish-blue door of an old house in the center of a quiet village in the middle of the vineyards. As I walked through that door I had the most powerful serendipitous feeling I’ve ever had – this house was meant for me. As in a haze I glided like a ghost through the vast dark corridors, the shutters kept most of the sunshine out but what little pierced through led my way. Slowly the house unveiled itself and as we rushed to open more and more windows it was gradually exposed. This house was too good to be true. But wait, it gets better. The house was previously owned by a woman called Plantia, a formidable woman, famous for her black dresses and her wonderful cooking. Hmm, black dresses, cooking – it does ring a bell. There is far more to her story but that is for another post, in fact it is worthy of a book, my next one? She ran a restaurant and a hotel in the house, yes it’s that big and as I walked into her kitchen, adorned with a dreamy fireplace, I could almost smell the cooking of times gone by. It’s all so mythical that it makes me feel like I’m right in the middle of an Isabel Allende novel – it really is a house of spirits and my future lies in it.

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To make a very long story short – we decided to buy it, and so we’re moving this summer from our beloved home in the forest to live amongst the vines. It is also the beginning of a new chapter for us in a different way. The house is so grand, so big, with two kitchens, and a terrace on the roof no less, that I can do what I’ve been dreaming about for a while, forever, which is opening a seasonal restaurant (table d’hôtes). It will be the bistrot of my dreams where I’ll serve all my favorite food and source the best products available. Let’s imagine it together. I can picture you walking through the big front gate (that needs to be painted) and I (or maybe Oddur) will greet you with a glass of rosé or perhaps Pineau if you prefer. There might be a little fox terrier puppy fooling around in the courtyard and some folks playing pétanque. You will nibble on the amazing baguette from Soulac and some charcuterie from Louis Ospital. I might give you a bit of tuna rillettes while you make up your mind on the menu and if it was your lucky day, some freshly picked cèpes mushrooms too.

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The menu will be ever-changing but you can rely on always finding my parmentier de canard, my crème fraîche with herbs chicken and my chocolate swirl meringues. The wine-list will be fairly small and personal with a selection of the best wines that have ever graced my table. Of course you will find Fabien’s Tour Haut Caussan, Olivier Compagnet’s Elise, as well as one of my husband’s favorites the Clos du Marquis from St Julien. For rosé, I can’t think of a better choice than L’Ostal Cazes, so fresh and perfect for summer. Some Drappier champagne to celebrate anything you want… And I hope I’ll manage to offer the ’96 Château Lynch-Bages that I had last summer and am still dreaming about.
I am so excited as I write this that my chair has now lifted from the floor and I am floating in air (mythical meets Mary Poppins). And there is more news to tell. As you know I am very fond of people who love food with passion. Now I’ll have a chance to finally meet some of you as I am planning to host cooking ateliers (workshops). We might start as early as late this fall, hopefully the rooms will be ready and we’ll be roaring to go. Of course I will give more details later but I’d love to hear from interested parties. There will be fun and there will be food & wine (too much of both).

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I might be walking on air but I certainly can’t live on it so despite all this excitement this Mary Poppins as been as busy as ever in the kitchen. I’m still under the spell of fava beans – in all honesty I have them every day and sometimes twice. They are the meatiest of vegetables, so versatile and just so good. Last Wednesday I bought all they had at the market but we still managed to finish it in one day. First I made a delicious steamed flan, with peas and asparagus on the side. La douceur ressort dans la vapeur. Then, because Easter is near, I wanted to try something with lamb and ended up including fava beans in that too. The campagnarde sauce is courtesy of my trusted butcher M. Manenti – a bread, garlic and parsley delight to accompany the lamb. For dessert, a fontainebleau so delicate that only the finest muslin can dress it. Who knows maybe you’ll find yourself sitting at my restaurant next summer and I’ll be serving you a fontainebleau with a smile on my face.

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One more month to go till baby arrives!

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Some people find what they are looking for (or not looking for) at the end of the rainbow but I found my house at the end of the alphabet, x marks the spot for me just before the YZ of Saint-Yzans de Médoc. I’ve had it in the back of my mind for a while now to branch out and open a little bistrot. I’ll put all I’ve got into it and give it my best shot. After we’ve restored the gem of a kitchen to its former glory, after some wallpapers have been updated and a few floorboards put into shape, I hope everything I’ve learned about food and cooking through the years will pay off and that my passions will land firmly on your plate. My enthusiasm and spirit for this project is boundless, blind luck and bottomless ambition have merged and it just feels the time is right – while we’re still young!

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p.s. My husband has been listening non-stop to a song called ‘La mia seranata‘ by Jimmy Fontana while he’s been preparing the photos for this post. He says it goes perfectly with the mood of the house. It’s a nice, quaint little serenade, don’t get me wrong I like it, just not twelve times in a row. Nevertheless he recommends you try to find it and play it, in low quality (like directly from an iPod) from another room or even put it inside while dining outside – to imitate the sound coming from a far away old gramophone. So there you have it (yes his instructions are often this detailed).

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Fabien Courrian & Louise. Fava bean flan (right).

Fava beans and peas flans

180 ml/ ¾ ml full cream/crème entière liquide
240 ml/ 1 cup whole milk
2 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
4 eggs
¼ tsp nutmeg
100 g/3/4 cup + 150 g/ 1 cup for garnish fava beans, peeled
50 g/ 1/3 cup peas + 50 g/ 1/3 cup fresh peas
10 green asparagus
A small handful of fresh mint leaves
Lemon zest of 1 lemon
Olive oil
Sea-salt & freshly ground black pepper

For about 4 to 6 ramekins depending in size

Heat milk and cream with garlic in a saucepan, add 100 g peeled fava beans and 50 g peas. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper. Bring to a soft boil and simmer on a low heat for a few minutes, until fava beans and peas start to be tender. Take off the heat. Blend mixture with a stick blender until smooth. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour in the cream mixture.
Prepare to boil the water in the steamer. Pour about half a teaspoon of olive oil in the ramekins and swirl them around so the oil covers the sides as well. Place 2 fava beans and a few peas in the bottom, and pour the mixture in (3/4 full). Place the flans in the steamer, cover and cook for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the flans are set.
While the flans are cooking, sauté the asparagus, the rest of the fava beans and peas in a tablespoon of olive oil for 3 minutes on a medium heat in a pan. Add 2 tablespoons of water and continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until vegetables are al dente. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare a serving plate, unmould the flans using a palette knife, and place the sautéed vegetables on top. Sprinkle with chopped mint leaves, a drizzle of olive oil and a few gratings of fresh lemon zest. Serve warm.

lamb

Roast rack of lamb and campagnarde sauce

Serves 4

1 rack of lamb, about 900g -1 kg/about 2 pounds
650 g/ 1 1 1/22 pounds ratte potatoes
8 garlic cloves, unpeeled
250 g fava beans, peeled
Olive oil
A few fresh rosemary sprigs
A dash of piment d’espelette
Sea-salt & freshly ground black pepper

For the lamb rack

Parboil the potatoes for 10 minutes in a large pot of salted boiling water. Halve them horizontally.
Season the lamb with salt and pepper and sprinkle piment d’espelette. Brown the meat until golden in a large sauté pan with olive oil on all sides and place lamb in a roasting pan, along with all the juices and 6-8 unpeeled garlic cloves (we call them ail en chemise). Scatter fresh rosemary sprigs on top, place the halved potatoes and fava beans around the meat. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt & pepper.
Place in a preheated oven 180°C/ 350 F. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until desired cuisson.

For the campagnarde gravy sauce

Sauce from the pan
120 g/2 cups bread crumbs from stale bread (like baguette), crust removed
60 ml/ ¼ cup white wine
180 ml/3/4 cup veal stock
Sea-salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
A small bunch of parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Process the stale bread (crust removed) until loosely crumbled. Pour the juices from the lamb rack pan into a saucepan, add the stock and cook on a medium heat. Bring to a soft boil, add the wine, salt and pepper, and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Add the butter and take off the heat. Add the breadcrumbs (adjust more or less if you want a thicker or thinner sauce), finely chopped parsley and garlic – stir gently. Pour into a serving gravy dish. Serve immediately with the lamb.

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Fontainebleau

Serves 4-6

Faisselle is made from fresh curds, hand-ladled into colander molds, so the liquid is drained to your liking. If you can’t find faisselle, then I would suggest to use full-fat/whole fromage blanc as an alternative. Let the faisselle drain for at least 4 hours (or even overnight), either in its own container or place it in a colander and over a bowl in a refrigerator. Fontainebleau is sold in French cheese store, wrapped in muslin cloths and placed in a small cup. My favourite ones in Paris are sold at the fromagère Marie-Anne Cantin, 12, rue du Champs de Mars, 75007 Paris.

350 g/ 12 ounces faisselle (alternatively fromage blanc if you can’t find faisselle)
160 ml/2/3/ cup heavy cream/ crème entière liquide (for whipping)
1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise and seeds scraped (optional)
Whip the heavy cream, add the vanilla seeds (optional). Discard the drained liquid and whip the faisselle (or fromage blanc). Fold in the whipped cream to the faisselle (or fromage blanc).
Place the mixture, about the size of a tennis ball) on a square of muslin cloth, join the four ends and twist on top (just like in the photos).
Make a fresh coulis by blending 250 g strawberries and 120 g fine/caster sugar in the mixer. As simple as that.
Serve the wrapped fontainebleau desserts on individual serving plates. Let your guests unwrap the little parcels and serve with strawberry coulis.

fin

614 thoughts on “While we’re still young

  1. Oh my goodness! How exciting!!! How ever are you going to move, remodel the house, open a restaurant AND have a baby, all in the span of a few months. You are superwoman!! I simply cannot wait to see pictures of the “before” and “after” of your beautiful home. And hear all about your restaurant plans. I wish I lived closer . . . at least on the same continent. But, alas, I will enjoy it through the pages of your blog. Blessings my beautiful French friend! I can’t WAIT to watch everything unfold!

    1. Thank you Robbin for your encouragement! Yes it’s a lot on one plate, but it will the most exciting adventure, and we will love sharing every moment with all of you. I hope we will meet soon 🙂 Mimi x

    2. so lovely little treasures hidden in every room ..
      old wallpaper that hides so many stories that you wish you had been there through the years ..
      my motto is that everything happens for a reason always….

  2. A wonderful post, and congratulations on your new home, restaurant, workshops and of course, a new baby! We will see you one day in France.

  3. What a magnificent house and what magnificent plans you have for it. Good luck for the move, the new addition and the next chapter. I will be waiting eagerly for more news so I can plan my trip to eat with you in what I have no doubt will be a very beautiful and very happy home. Exciting!

  4. Dreams coming true are always a reason to celebrate and I celebrate with you and your family. I know your new adventure will be a huge success and I am happy to be sharing it with you. God bless you Mimi.

  5. So gorgeous…I had chills reading this story. I hope you will show how you decorated the house! Lots of love

  6. Belle installation à vous dans ce vieil hotel qui mérite une rénovation !!!!
    I can hardly wait to visit you when your restaurant is ready !!! Wish you luck !

  7. Mimi, felicitations! Your posts are always so beautiful and inspiring, but this one really blew me away! So excited to see all the new adventures from your gorgeous new space!

  8. I’m so excited reading all these great news -amazing house, a dream bistro come true! I wish you all the best and may some day meet you there, tasting your delicious food and drinking excellent wines! My best greetings from Athens, Greece 🙂

  9. Exactly what Robbin (above) said!!! You are an inspiration! I cannot wait to one day visit France and take my family to meet you and taste your amazing food!! xx

    Sweet Blessings,
    Jena

  10. Oh how wonderful! This baby is obviously stirring and is ready to help you with the new adventures. You won’t be ready when I’m in the area next month so I’ll have to return another year … Best wishes for everything!

  11. Wow. “May you live in interesting times”. I think that was written for you.

    All the best, Mimi. You seem to have as much energy as the terriers.

    At the risk of a newcomer being presumptuous, please let us know if we can help.

    Joachim

    1. Thank you Joachim! You made me laugh with my ‘terrier-like’ energy :))) We are so excited to enter this adventure – the house is filled with good spirits, and may I add all bons vivants! 🙂 I can’t wait to share my table with everyone! Mimix

  12. I particularly love the two black and white shots of Oddur pointing (already making plans!) and you sitting in the courtyard (dreaming of what will be!). So lovely to see someone’s long cherished dreams on their way to becoming a reality. I have a chef friend who is opening her long cherished dream restaurant in the vines this very Sunday in Oz. A great adventure Mimi. Will look forward to this next chapter as it gently reveals itself. I’m off to find myself some Jimmy Fontana. x

    1. Thank you Margaret! The man pointing in the photos is our dear friend Fabien Courrian – he knew the house from the past. This is a little dream for us – can’t wait to share the adventure! Mimi x ps: enjoy Jimmy Fontana – it’s been on 24/7 in my house … 🙂

  13. Just reading your words , I feel your excitement. Congratulations, it sounds like a dream!! I wish you all the luck with all the things you are so passionate about and I hope one day in the near future I’m one if those people who can walk through that door to attend your workshops with the same excitement you felt the first day you walk through it for the very first time. :)!

  14. This is so exciting, congrats! I will definitely come for either an atelier or a lunch at your table, AND bring people. Tables d’hôtes are the best French food concept ever, and I trust yous taste completely ! Congratulations on a beaufitul house and here’s to change !

  15. What wonderful news and all the best of luck with your plans to make this dream a reality. I will sign your guest book when I come for a visit to dine in your lovely home and perhaps take a class from you(and perhaps bring home a lovely puppy). So much excitement in your life and so much happiness. Enjoy ! Be well as you countdown to your new bundle of joy.
    With much love and admiration,
    Patricia

    1. Merci Patricia! Your plan sounds lovely – will make sure we have a puppy or two waiting for you then 😉 there are so many exciting things we can do (let’s not start with all those lovely brocantes stores!) A bientôt, Mimix

  16. Listening to that song and reading your post while at work in Salt Lake City, Utah. They do go well together. Worship your blog and for someone that doesn’t cook much at all, I’m inspired to now. Congrats on the house and the future restaurant! Oh, that song just started again. Must be on repeat. 🙂 Much Love.

    1. Haha! Oddur is so happy to hear this! I somehow managed to survive this song (it’s only been on for 2 days non-stop) 🙂 Thank you for all your kind wishes, and I hope to see you one day here in Médoc! Mimi x

  17. Wow………..
    Count me in, I’l drive over from the most Northern part of the Netherlands…but I’ll be there.
    Good for you!

  18. oh my goodness, this adventure gives a new meaning of getting ready for your newest family member. Most pregnant women just wash floors, you have certainly raised that a notch! Can’t wait to return to a cooking vacati

  19. I love to hear stories of women pursuing their dreams. Interesting that you studied finance, I am changing careers from finance to something I think I will love more. I am planning a trip to France and Spain at some point in the near future, and hope to eat at your restaurant some day.

  20. Oh my word I’m so excited for you!!! I am definitely going to attend one of your workshops! I’m so excited! Enjoy your beautiful home! I can’t wait to see all that is going to take place!

  21. Oops, an errant typing finger. Je suis desole’
    Looking forward to a week at your cooking school when you are ready.

  22. How lovely! I would love to come to your workshop (or restaurant!) with my husband sometime. A bit far from our family in the Alsace region, but for sure worth the drive! 🙂

  23. That’s big news! Congratulations! You seem to be good at riding the wave of your life, and that’s wonderful. I am very excited for you, realizing your dreams one by one. Or two by two sometimes. 🙂
    I have had the feeling that the house feels so familiar to you because you have lived in it before. Maybe you are just picking up where you left off.
    I look forward to enjoying a meal at your wonderful bistrot! Because it will be wonderful, I can already see it.
    All the best!

    1. Oh my Monica you make me feel like I am living in a book 🙂 Funnily enough, I do feel incredibly connected to this house, who knows, perhaps I did have a past there 🙂 I just can’t wait to bring back some life into it, with family, food, music, happiness. And it will be a delight to share this with all of you! Mimi x

      1. Well, maybe you were Plantia. You know… cooking, black dresses… It will be interesting to see what happens and how things evolve. I bet they will fall into place like magic. 🙂

  24. Mimi and family,
    This is my first time commenting, but I read every post, some more than once. How delightful to read your words and hear about your plans. I smiled so many times as I read this and could picture you beaming with delight. You are so gracious to your readers and your beauty shines out of every part of you. Thank you for sharing your dreams and plans with us. It is wonderful to see what families can do together. Blessings on this last month as you prepare to welcome a new little one into your joy-filled arms and life.
    With much love from across the way, Heather

    1. Merci Marin, the wallpaper is in very good condition, very vintage indeed! Some we will have to change because it peeling off, and some we will just keep! A bientôt j’espère, Mimi x

  25. That is a wonderful song -La Mia Serenata- and I can see why Oddur associates it with your new house. This new, exciting endeavor will be a resounding success, Mimi/Clara/Blanca/Alba; no doubt.

  26. congratulations, I know your restaurant will be a huge success because you have so many fans. I look forward to seeing the inside of the house. The outside is spectacular in its self

    1. Oh thank you Mimi! I t will be such a pleasure to cook for everyone – simple good old-fashioned rustic cooking in a loving atmosphere. I can’t wait to share! Mimi x

  27. Mimi,
    I have always believed that your dreams will come true if you believe- and you are the perfect example of that. To have the house of your dreams, to be able to have a place to serve meals to others bravo!! I hope that when your house and bistro is finished, I can come and enjoy your food! Be blessed and I send you love and light!

  28. Congratulations Mimi! How thrilling this new adventure must be! I want to hop on a plane to France and be one of your first customers. 🙂 And incorporating one of your classes into a tour of France with a group of girlfriends would be AMAZING!!

  29. How perfectly divine a moment to have found the start of your dream home and restaurant- to start with the bare bones ( good ones!) and build it up the way your heart desires.
    My friends and I have been looking for a reason to come to France and will be delighted to visit as soon as you are open.
    The images were spectacular, your beautiful children, your little fairy princess with the tiara and the views inside the home.
    You have a lot of fun ahead of you and growing family!

  30. Bonsoir Chere Mimi,
    What and amazing journey you’re on, truly amazing. That sleepy little town you’re living in is about to explode!!!! Are they ready??? Have you warned the neighbours??? Ha ha. Your timing is perfect. We’re returning to France next year and Bordeaux is on the itinerary (Mimi, in London is 3 weeks….look out for me waving). The Day’s will beat a path to your door and if you need extra help that night….throw me an apron!!!! So excited for You, Oddur and the children plus puppies. Onwards and upwards!!!! Bises xx Anita p.s. that cut of lamb is just gorgeous….perfect for Easter and perfect anytime

    1. Careful Anita, I might never let you go! 🙂 I can’t believe you will be coming my way next year – it will be so much fun to finally meet! I am so happy for your London trip – did I see a Chelsea flower show ticket somewhere? 🙂 Mimi x

  31. I hoped this was the news when you posted this home a few weeks back! Didn’t think it would include a bistro! I am so happy dreams are becoming a reality for you and Oddur! Simply wonderful! Can’t wait to see the finale! Congratulations!

    1. Thank you Janel! I couldn’t believe it was possible to find a house with a restaurant 🙂 It must have been our destiny, and we will do everything to make it as fun as possible! I hope to greet you soon! Mimi x

  32. Well I think this all makes perfect sense. Pregnancy is a time of creation and you are about to create the house/bistrot/atelier of your dreams! Congrats on your new adventure!

    1. Merci Heather! This pregnancy has been very creative so far, and I am so grateful to have been able to be filled with energy. This new adventure is by far the most exciting one – to be able to share is pure joy! A bientôt, Mimi x

  33. Mimi, this post appeals to me on a deep and personal level..suffice it to say I will appeal to (beg) my dear husband to soar with me across the ocean and dine in your dream come true..
    Each time you hint there is more to the story I envision vines growing .. without end..

    1. Oh merci Nikki, I am so touched! I feel so encouraged by everyone’s kindness – I am so determined to make this all happen as fast as possible! I can’t wait to meet you soon 🙂 Mimi x

  34. Absolutely rapturous. Everything seems to be falling into place for all your talents, and I can only think you’re living in a magical moment in your life to be able to do all this. What a wonderful home you’ve found – and 2 kitchens, love that !! I’m so wrapped up in the building of my little beach house, yet you’ve got me thinking of a trip to Medoc. Congratualtions to you and your family, Mimi – and speaking of family, who’s feet are those peeking out from behind that papered panel ?

    1. Thank you Linny! I hope to greet you soon one day! This house is so symbolic – the space, the kitchens, the restaurant, the history, the hotel (there are even dumbwaiters in the walls to carry dishes etc!). those little feet are Hudson’s! A binetôt Linny! Mimi x

  35. Congratulations! I hope to visit your beautiful new place sometime! If we ever make it to France, I will make it a priority to stop by Medoc! Also, I think you SHOULD write a book about your new home and the lady who used to live there. I would read it! 🙂

    1. Thank you Julie! If you only knew how much inspiration I got from all the stories related to the house! I could write a novel and much much more 🙂 It’s simply fascinating, especially on a culinary level! I hope to meet you soon someday! Mimix

  36. Adding my applause to your wonderful announcement! That would be a dream come true for me to come over for a workshop and bistrot visit – definitely going to make it happen!

  37. I am in awe of you and this beautiful blog you create. Prose, cooking, photographs all come together and transport me to France and into your home each post. It’s so lovely that your whole family has a part in it’s beautiful creation. Congratulations on living a life to its fullest!

  38. Congratulations. Such lovely dreams to come true 🙂 One day, my husband and I will bring our five children to explore his homeland, from far flung Australia, and we will visit your lovely bistro. It sounds perfect: family and food in the Medoc sunshine where i spent many a summer during my childhood. Best wishes xxx

    1. Good morning Jen! Woke up on this wonderful morning feeling so blessed by all the encouragement from everyone! I’ll be looking forward to seeing you, come visit soon – I love to hear that you have spent your childhood holidays here – what a perfect reaso to come back with your kids! A bientôt! Mimi x

  39. Magical, enchanting, dreamy: these are just a few of the words that come to mind. I am thrilled for you and for your family and you can bet it is now a dream of mind to come visit someday. I am an illustrator and photographer and your new home is beckoning me…

    1. Hello again! The house is enchanting indeed – just like Médoc – it’s so remote and raw, filled with surprises around every corners. What I love most are the châteaux, the history… Looking forward to meeting you soon! Mimi x

  40. Congratulations! The photos look gorgeous! Almost as gorgeous as your beautiful food. I cannot wait to read all about your new adventures. Thank you so much for sharing. It would be a dream to come to one of your workshops. Please keep us posted!

  41. Mimi,
    How wonderful.Please keep me in the loop re the cooking classes. Good luck with your new venture.

    1. Good morning from sunny Médoc! I am having breakfast and feeling so incredibly cheerful and excited! I can’t wait to announce workshop dates – we will make it happen as soon as possible! Thank you for your enthusiasm 🙂 A bientôt, Mimi x

  42. Mimi, heartfelt congratulations! The house and area is a dream come true! I would LOVE to come to eat at your new bistrot. I hope that doesn’t mean you’ll have to stop writing your beautiful blog! I would certainly miss it. Best wishes for an incredible future!

    1. Bonjour Becky! Thank you for your kind wishes! One thing is for sure, the blog will always be there, no matter what. I love writing and sharing our stories – it’s how I got the privilege to get to know all my readers 🙂 It will be a dream to greet everyone at the table soon! Hope to meet you! A très vite, Mimi x

  43. Chère Mimi,
    Congratulations on those very exciting news! I live in Luxembourg and constantly travel to France, so I’m definitely looking forward to enjoying your cuisine at the table d’hôtes and the ateliers. Also, I would simply like to thank you for the wonderful recipes you share on this blog! Your passion and talent are inspiring and I truly adore your appraisal of the French culture.

    Mes meilleurs voeux et un grand merci,
    Pauline (Luxembourg)

    1. Merci Pauline! What a lovely way to start my day! I appreciate everyone’s encouraging words – I feel so lucky to have such amazing support. I can’t wait to share my table, to greet everyone and have a good time! A bientôt, mimix

  44. Wow Mimi. I am so impressed. We have spent our lives restoring old places and are finally settled on our beautiful lake in the mountains of NC. We will be in France in 2015 and would love to visit your dream abode and restaurant. Only when you are young can you do this. How true. I wish you energy, passion and love.

    1. Merci Penny, I feel so lucky to have the best readers ever! So incredibly happy to hear you will be in France next year, I will be waiting for you 🙂 A bientôt, Mimi x

  45. Hi Mimi! Congratulations! This is very exciting and such big news! I am also moving to a larger home in the country (suburbs) after having living in the city for the majority of my adult life. I look forward to your posts about moving and exploring your new home!

    1. Thank you Rita! We are thrilled with the news – how exciting for you to move to the country too. It’s a big step, filled with surprises, only good ones 🙂 So happy to share our lives with you! Have a lovely day and good luck with your move! Mimi x

  46. What beautiful news! My husband and I cannot wait to cross the Atlantic and join you all for classes and delicious meals. A bientôt!

  47. Congratulations to You & your beautiful family on this new aventura! I’ve never had the guts to post a comment because your posts and beautiful life just seem surreal, but I loved this post so much that I had to! When my 14 month old is ready to fly from California to France (haha ready?!) it would be a dream to walk through and enjoy a meal with you!

  48. Dear Mimi,

    This is such wonderful news! My sister and I have been following your blog for quite a few years now and I am so excited about the prospect of enjoying your delicious food and cozy home! She lives in the Spanish countryside and I in New York – cannot wait to meet in France at yours!
    Best wishes,
    Barbora

  49. Mimi, I hope you will be in full gear by September when we make our annual trip to France! I would love to take a cook’s atelier with you.
    Lots of luck and success on your new home and new arrival!
    xo Stacey

    1. Thank you Stacey! Ah, so you are coming to France in the fall? That is wonderful! Will do our very best to start soon, even if it’s a soft opening/ start! A bientôt, Mimix

  50. Congratulations Mimi, I am so excited for this new adventure for you and your family! I just may quit my finance job, come visit, and never leave! I’m sure you’ll need a few sous chefs! 😉

    1. Merci Lindsey! Yes, that sounds like a swell idea! Let’s all fulfill our dreams together ! 🙂 Well, why not! Now you’ll just have to visit! Looking forward to meeting you. Mimi x

  51. Wow, what a stunning property!!! Your husband’s photos are outstanding and really capture the atmosphere. Congratulations on such wonderful news — sounds like an amazing adventure awaits! You can count me in for an atelier and visit to your bistrot…I’ve never been to France and would love to come! I can’t think of a better way to experience the French countryside than in your magical world of food, wine and family. Cheers, Mimi!

    1. Thank you so much Trisha! The house is filled with beautiful light, corners, rooms. The kids still get lost in there, but I am sure with time they will all have their secret passages! I am delighted to hear you would like to visit, Médoc is so remote, offering the best beaches, vineyards and wildlife – we are about an hour and 15 minutes from Bordeaux, and from there it’s so easy to hop on a fast train to Paris (3 hours approx). See you soon! Mimi x

  52. Always so inspired by your beautiful writing, family, photos and recipes. And now by your new dream come true. My favorite blog ever–soon to become a favorite destination in France. Wishes for success and great fun in the process. À bientôt!

    1. Thank you so much Carol – today it feels like a celebration, and I can’t believe how lucky we all are to have so many wonderful friends to share this with! I will be delighted to make you discover our region, the food, the people! A bientôt, Mimi x

  53. Congratulations and best wishes on the purchase of your new home and future bistro. I listened to La Mia Serenata by Jimmy Fontana. If ever I am so fortunate to as to dine in your bistro, I hope that song is playing in the back ground. It would be the finishing touch of a wonderful experience. Reading your blog and seeing Oddur’s photos keep pulling my heart to France. But for now I will be content to enjoy the Manger.

    1. Thank you Darlene for such a heartwarming comment! Somehow this song has become the main soundtrack for this new adventure, Oddur even showed us Jimmy Fontana perform on stage on youtube while we were having breakfast pancakes! We will be sharing this new chapter in our lives on Manger, so you won’t miss a thing! I hope to meet you someday! Mimi x

  54. Congratulations Mimi! I am a recent fan of your blog and I am happily addicted. I look forward to every new post and it’s hard to decide where to begin, with the pictures or the story. 🙂
    Wishing the very best for you!

    1. Thank you so much! It is such a pleasure to share our little adventures with you – we chose to live a life filled with surprises 🙂 I am so touched you enjoy the blog, hopefully you will come one day and enjoy the food too! 🙂 A bientôt, Mimi x

    1. That sounds wonderful! We can’t wait to greet you! I wish I could pree fast forward and get eveything ready instantly! Impatient me! Thank you for making my day! Mimi x

  55. Yay! I’m so excited and your place will be my first stop when I finally get to visit Europe. 🙂 I can’t wait for our families to meet.

  56. Congratulations! I am so excited for you and your family. It was thrilling to read and see your pics. You look like you belong there! Your family is lovely and I hope I can come visit you sometime and see you and your family and dogs too! Love to you and hope all goes well.

  57. Congratulations! I love your posts so much, thank you for sharing your love of place and food and family. I can’t wait to visit your amazing new restaurant!

  58. I have been enamored with France since I went last year for my 50th birthday. My sister and I can’t stop talking about it. I am so happy for you! And with that I cannot wait to visit your bistro! Best wishes!

    1. Thank you so much Rae! You’ll see, there will be so much to discover in this exciting region – Bordeaux, Médoc, Cap-Ferret! And so conveniently close to Paris by train (3 hours)! I hope to see you soon! Mimi x

  59. Wow! I’m so excited about your new home, your restaurant, your cooking workshops … you and your family are just amazing! Such an inspiration to little ole me. I only discovered your beautiful blog during Christmas, but devoured every single post in a week’s time and check it every few days to make sure I don’t miss anything. Today’s post is just magical and breathtaking and such a pick-me-up, and I had to make my first blog comment. I only hope one day that I have the fortune of dining at your restaurant–I have no doubt that it will be a tremendous success–and taking a cooking workshop with you. Such a dream! And I just finished listening to La Mia Seranata on youtube. 🙂 Thanks for adding such beauty to the world!

    1. Thank you Johanna! It’s always more fun adding a bit of vintage music to the post! This song has somehow become the main soundtrack! I am so touched to hear you enjoy the blog – it is a tremendous pleasure to share our lives with you here in Médoc. We enjoy discovering new things, and more importantly all the surprises that come with them! We’ll be waiting for you! Mimi x

  60. I don’t even know you, but have been following your blog for about a year now and I am crazy excited for you and your new dream/journey! What a lovely house! I shall sit and dream this Spring about crossing the sea and walking up the lane to your little restaurant, meeting you and sharing a little of your joy!

    1. Thank you for such a sweet comment! It’s wonderful to be able to connect with people, through adventures, food and passion. I can’t wait to meet you! Come over soon! Mimi x

  61. how colossally amazing for you!!!!
    what a dream come true – just like
    a fairytale! you might just have to
    have a small collection of books on
    your new house/family! you could have a one on the history of the house
    and its previous owner (assuming one is already available), one on winery, your dog breed, the country, your cooking book(of course), and even a childrens fairytale or two 🙂
    i’m so happy for you all & you look beautiful! nesting indeed!
    -jo

    1. Merci merci Jo! You inspire to me to write, write and write even more! Thank you! I love all you rideas, Oddur can start on the dogs, the kids and I on kid’s books! There’s certainly a lot of inspiration around us! iI hope you can come to visit someday! Mimi x

  62. Thank you once more for sharing the lifestyle of you and your family and the 2 dogs. (Your dogs are darlings). It’s wonderful to view the surroundings you’re in and scope the most beautiful food presentations. I look forward to your postings. The photography is rich and detailed, vivid and colorful. Merci!

  63. I love your loving your new home and new beginnings. A Bistro…so perfect…so perfect…I hope to share in all the wonder to come through your gorgeous words, your husband’s equally gorgeous photographs, and your children’s magical smiles…dogs too…I can ‘taste’ your excitement…

    1. Thank you so much Cynthia! We are so delighted to share this news, the excitement, the passion – and to be able to share for real, at the table – well that is a dream! Can’t wait to share more, I think we will start by the kitchen! Have a lovely day! Mimi x

  64. You can count me in!! I would love to meet you and visit your charming new home! I am very excited for you, it’s wonderful that you are living your dreams!

  65. Congratulations! I have been reading your posts for a year or so now, and I get a happy shiver of anticipation when a new one pops up in my feed reader. So many beautiful pictures of amazing food, and the area you live in. My husband and I are moving across the world to the UK next month – hopefully we can come over to France and sample some of your delicious food at your restaurant one day soon!

    1. Thank you so much! I am always touched when I hear good reviews on the blog 🙂 It is a pleasure to share – and I hope you have enjoyed some of the recipes! How exciting to hear you are moving soon – exciting times ahead! It will be a delight to greet you in Médoc one day – we are about an hour and 15 minutes from Bordeaux! I am sure you will enjoy the sights! A bientôt, Mimi x

  66. Oh Mimi, this post just made my heart explode! Absolute magic! I’ve made quite a number of your recipes and every single one has been a huge hit with my friends and family. I currently reside in Malaysia, but suffice to say, I will endeavour to make my way to your workshop and bring my girlfriends along. Since we’re still dreaming, I hope to leave with a full stomach, an armful of new recipes…and a beautiful puppy! Congratulations, bon chance, and thank you so much for sharing your beautiful life and wonderful recipes with us!

    1. Ah – thank you so much! I am so touched by your sweet comment, and I can just imagine how much fun it will be to greet you and your friends! Don’t forget I might also take you shopping to all the lovely brocantes stores – so you’ll have to pack light! I hope to see you very very soon! Mimi x ps: so happy to hear you enjoy the recipes 🙂 Merci!

  67. Big congrats! Your writing is as delicious as I know your cooking must be! And beautiful photography by your hubby! What a beautiful family you all are.

  68. Holy moly what amazing news! Gosh I need to come to France!
    If I could haul myself all the way from Melbourne, Australia I would LOVE to take part in one of your workshops and eat at your restaurant. What a dream!
    YAY!

    1. Than you so much! Here I am sitting in the garden, the kids are playing, the sun is shining – I am just about to prepare lunch (perhaps a tortilla omelette or a salade niçoise?)… and feeling so eternally grateful and touched by eveyone’s kindness! I can’t WAIT to meet everyone! A bientôt! Mimi x

  69. Oh Mimi congratulations!! What an exciting year this will be! Births of many kinds 😉

    You and your family were just made for this! I have no doubt it will be even more beautiful than your dreams. Looking forward to the Pineau and puppies!

    Cheers and blessings – Katie

  70. a beautiful post….incredible food. I look forward to eating in your bistro one day next year. Brunie New York

    1. Thank you – I am so touched by your sweet wishes – so much happening, so little time – I can’t wait to hold my little one in my arms! Wishing you a lovely day! Mimi x

  71. Congratulations Mimi! This is very exciting, I would love to make it to your restaurant one day. I made your “potato galette with pea and asparagus” and it was delicious, i had to call my mother and tell her to make it for Easter.

    Merci, pour les delicieuses recettes et les magnifiques photos! Cassandre

  72. Another gorgeous post, my favourite blog by far! Wondering why you have chosen American English though? Always looking forward to your posts which provide me with lunchtime escapism in Australia and will follow the house progress with anticipation. Your porcelain is just gorgeous, is it Herrend? Randi (Danish living in Canberra, Australia)

    1. Bonjour Randi! Thank you so much for such encouraging words! I am so touched. We are delighted to share these new adventures, I am sure they will be quite comical at times! As for choosing American English for the writing, it’s not really a conscious decision, just a style of writing that has naturally developped over the years. regarding the porcelain, it’s from a brocantes store in St Christoly – came from Pauillac but originally from Czechoslovakia (Thun Porcelaine fine de Bohême). A bientôt, Mimi x

      1. Thanks so much for the reply, I will go porcelain hunting when next in Europe. Looks like you’re having a busy day with so many excited comments to your post! Merci! Randi

  73. Oh Mimi…I am so happy for you and your family! I really believe that when things are meant to happen, you will find yourself right where you need to be. Everything about it seems so perfect for your dreams to come true. You have so many wonderful things to look forward to this year and I can’t wait to read about it all.
    I talk a lot about your blog quite a bit to my husband and when I mentioned you may host workshops, he knew I’d be the first one to sign up! 🙂 I may never leave France though.

    Please tell your husband that these photos are so beautiful. Congratulations to all of you! ♥

    1. Thank you so much Sarah – your words are so encouraging and precious to us! Oddur is delighted to hear you enjoy his photography (and what about the song, he asks? 🙂 ) We are looking forward to greeting you in Médoc! So much to share! Mimi x

  74. Quelle rêve. Meilleurs voeux pour tous tes plans! I hope to be able to come visit you one day and loose myself in the beauty of nature through my camera lens. I am sure the Chateau is beautiful. Enjoy every second. Life is short. So live it to the fullest. Nice piece: la mia serenata. So puts you in the mood. 😉
    Thanks for the recipes.

    1. Thank you so much Karine! I am so excited to greet so many wonderful people in Médoc! It’s like bringing a village back to life! Looking forward to meeting you 🙂 Mimi x

  75. Ahh…the young and restless…hope to make it for our anniversary before we get over the hill. So amazing you came across this gem. I am sure your passion will show with every bite your guest will take. Happy Nesting and hopefully a bientot!

  76. We will book our next holiday at your fantastic place. Just what we were looking for. Food with a soul. Congrats. Mandy

  77. It sounds magical Mimi… I am sending you all the very best wishes for a successful venture and hopefully one day, I will walk through the gates to your lovely bistrot and have lunch with you and your family

  78. Simply congrats to be able to make your dreams becoming true… that’s life her too… and hope when you’ll have some time out of “season”… you’d come to Provence and we could plan some “Joyeux Cooking Atelier” together!!
    All the best for this coming summer!! and bravo for such nice inspiring and memorable pics! I’m in love!
    LAU

  79. I’ve been following your site for a while, so I thought I’d say hi. Congrats about the new place! If a life that doesn’t go according to plan could turn out as brilliant as this, it’s well worth it. 🙂

  80. Dear Mimi,

    it is such an inspiration to see someone living her dream.
    This will be all wonderful and I am already planning to visit this mysterious place Medoc next summer or autumn. I wish you all the best and please keep on doing what you are doing, its just the way one should live this life.

    All the best, Carina

    1. Merci Carina! Médoc has so much to offer, the sea, the vineyards, Cap Ferret, Bordeaux… Both summer and fall are a wonderful time to visit. I recently spent a day at the caudalie Spa (it’s 20 minutes from Bordeaux) – it’s a must! Best, Mimix

  81. Bonjour Mimi – and may I add my congratulations to the chorus, I love it when a house finds you…and please would you consider me an interested party? Whilst not as young as you, I am planning for the next chapter of my life to be centred around forming groups of like minded travellers and exploring cuisine and culture in beautiful homes – we are researching our first connection in the Veneto region this autumn, but I would love to bring a group to your atelier once you are up and running…in the meantime, I look forward to following your adventures…a bientot

    1. Bonjour Melanie! That sounds wonderful! I will be looking forward to greeting you and your friends. I love the themes of your travels – food & culture = happiness! 🙂 I can’t wait! As soon as we are ready, I will let you know! thank you for such support! A bientôt, Mimi x

    1. We’re very excited, you have to come and visit soon, perhaps in the fall so we can celebrate the book together 🙂 ? Lots of love to the sweetest family! Mimi x

  82. Dear Mimi. What wonderful news, I am so happy for you. The best things in life happen serendipitously and I love how the stars have aligned for your family here. Your baby is being born into such a positive time, it is just lovely to see how excited you all are. The house is beautiful and the bistro sounds w o n d e r f u l!! We would love to visit, ma petite fille a une grandmere francaise donc tous les etes on va en France pour les vacances et j’aimerai beaucoup faire un roadtrip gastronomique de la France … et l’Espagne un de ces jours! Thank you for these wonderful recipes, I already love your fava bean soup. Felicitations!

    1. Bonjour Philippa! Oddur and I are so excited about all this – here I am responding to all the wonderful comments – feeling so grateful, and Oddur is singing in the kitchen preparing lunch (he’s making tomato bruschettas and fava beans omelette!). We’ll be expecting you here in Médoc, and Spain is just a few hours away (and you can also visit the Basque country on the way!). Can’t wait to meet! Mimi x

  83. Dear Mimi! Thanks to you I feel so inspired to pursuit my own dreams.
    I’m Polish married to a French, we currently live in Poland but spend every summer at my parents-in-law in Auvergne.
    First thanks to my husband I discovered a passion and love for cooking, now thanks to You I’m discovering that this passion can be a way of living.
    Good luck with your plans and see you one day ( that’s for sure)!

    1. Thank you Sylwia, you’re making me so happy! I am looking forward to meeting you! Very soon I hope 🙂 Living through your passion can only mean happiness! Mimi x

      1. And you make me very happy too each time I read your stories and go through the photos.
        Before I got married, my husband’s parents gifted us the book “La bonne cousine française” for the beginning of the new life, it seems it has been a kind of prophecy though I haven’t found yet enough courage in myself to drop known commonness for passionate unknown…maybe one day 😉

  84. Congratulations to you and your family! What exciting news and how wonderful that you will live out your dreams! It will continue to be a pleasure reading your blog and “being part” of your lovely stories. I hope one day to be able to walk through the doors of your bistro and enjoy the glass of wine that Oddur offers me and indulge in your delicious dishes and meet you! Bisous

    1. Merci Debra! This is all too good to be true! It’s truly a privilege to be able to share our passions through this blog, and receive so much kindness from everyone. Looking forward to meeting you! Mimi x

  85. It’s wonderful to read and to watch! This story is a hugde inspiration and motivates me to believe in my dreams. Love to hera that, good luck!

    1. Thank you so much Kasia! we’ve always taken the scenic route in life, for better or for worse. But it has always led us to good places, happy places! Hope to meet you someday! Mimix

  86. It’s so nice, to take part at your Life. I hope to be able, to visit you and your familiy and to sit at a great table and to have a wonderfull Dinner with you and other guests. Congratulations and best wishes from Germany.
    Heidi

  87. Oh Mimi, that is so exciting ! So much going on this year. A house (well, a castle let’s say), another baby girl ! I can’t wait to come to your table d’hôtes ! I hope that dogs will be allowed (we adopted a young black belgian shepherd earlier this year) !

    Your life is so inspirational ! We live in town for the moment, but we are planning to move to the bordelaise country when we start a family.

    Congratulations and looking forward to meeting you when you start the tables d’hôtes ! I’ll bring you some canelés bordelais if you want ! (I’m sorry if I sound like I know you, but, with this great blog, we all kind of do right ?)

    1. Bonjour Alice! I believe you won’t have to drive too far to visit our table d’hôtes – it sure will be fun to finally meet 🙂 Your dog must be so cute (and of course dogs are allowed!). If you ever bring some canelés Bordelais, I’ll make you some lovely meringues 🙂 That’s a deal 🙂 A bientôt, Mimi x

  88. Quelle bonne nouvelle! Cette maison est magnifique et j’ai hâte de pouvoir venir goûter votre cuisine au plus vite…

    Je suis votre blog depuis quelques mois, et tout me donne envie!

    En plus à Saint Yzans, certainement l’un de mes petits villages médocains préférés!

    1. Merci pour votre enthousiasme Caroline – et très heureuse de savoir que vous connaissez St Yzans! En effet, ce petit village viticole est tout à fait charmant 🙂 Nous avons tellement hâte de tout commencer – c’est un rêve pour moi de pouvoir rencontrer mes lecteurs et partager de bons moments! Un vrai bonheur! A bientôt! Mimi x

      1. Eh bien, j’ai grandis et je vis toujours dans le Médoc, plus au sud du côté de Margaux mais j’adore ma balader dans le vignoble et dans les petits ports qui longent l’estuaire…

        C’est aussi une des raisons pour lesquelles j’aime votre blog, au-delà de recettes très appétissantes, vous présentez une image du Médoc très positive et vous réussissez à traduire ma vision de cet endroit par des mots….

        1. Merci Caroline! Nous sommes si heureux de vivre dans le Médoc – cela va bientôt faire 4 ans et nous vivons une belle aventure. Ah, Margaux, quel beau village avec ses châteaux! Nous aimons beaucoup déjeuner au Lion d’Or à Arcins 🙂 Je vous souhaite un bon week-end de Pâques! Mimi x

  89. Félicitations, Mimi!
    I am so very happy and inspired to read your post this morning. My husband and I are in Paris, but often go to Bergerac to see his family. We’ll have to make it to your neck of the Dordogne once the gate is painted and you’re opened for business.
    Bon courage!
    -Reba

  90. This is wonderful! I’m so happy for you, Mimi! Like Sylwia said, this encourages me to chase after my passions with more gusto. I’ve been dreaming of visiting France for years now . . . crossing my fingers I’ll be able to plan a trip and stop by your (your! that’s so exciting!) restaurant. xx

    1. Bonjour Hannah! I agree that chasing your dreams is the best option in life – living with passion and to believe in yourself that you can achieve your goals, no matter what! I hope you will come and visit france, especially Médoc! Best, Mimi x

  91. So many comments, maybe all has been said. But one more good luck can´t do wrong, can it? Also viel Glück (Cést bonne chance en Allemand) avec tout! C´est toujours merveilleux quand des nouvelles portes s´ouvrent dans la vie!

    1. Oh Sabine, if you knew, it’s always a pleasure to receive a comment – it means so much to me, all this encouragement has made me so enthusiastic to write, to share, to cook – it’s all thanks to you! I can’t thank you more for your kind words 🙂 A bientôt, Mimi x

  92. Congratulations Mimi!! This is so exciting beyond! I say yes to everything. I can’t wait to do your workshops, stay at your sromms and book a table although it seems there may be a long waiting list by the look of things. I can’t wait to taste your food!! Xxx

    1. Merci so much! I am over the moon with all the positive response – it’s more than a dream come true – it’s pure happiness. It’s all about sharing, generosity and friendship! I hope to meet you soon 🙂 Mimi x

  93. Wow oh wow! I love to see a person living their dream. Best of luck with everything. Isn’t it funny to think of what rubbish someone would be speaking if they told you all those years ago in Finance that this is what lay in store for you! Mind you, thank goodness you did study finance, what with setting up a business! Ha! Ah breathe deeply if it all gets a bit too much at times. this is meant to be and it’s going to be wonderful! I am aiming to come taste your food some day in the not so distant future! x

    1. Thank you Mary 🙂 I have always believed in following your heart, your intuitions, and Oddur feels the same. Does feel risky at times, but when there is a will, there is a way 🙂 Setting up anything in France is quite something, I guess it’s more about patience than anything 🙂 I am looking forward to greeting you soon! Mimi x

  94. A new beginning in every way! Can’t wait to see the unfolding. Can’t wait to come and find you! Bon chance! X
    Ps cooking aboard our little boat in Spain, artichokes, favs beans, foraged herbs…life is good!

  95. Mimi, I’m a fan of your recipes, your stories and your (husband’s) bautiful photography. I devour every post, but have never taken the time to leave behind a comment. Well, this post compels me to comment, because this is very exiting news indeed!
    You can certainly put me on the guestlist for your table d’hotes this fall.

    All the best for now, the arrival of your new baby, the move to your new house, well, castle….. it’s a lot happening in a short live, but I’m sure you’ll handle it all with gusto!

    All the best from Amsterdam,
    Sandra

    1. Bonjour Sandra! I am so touched by your kind comment – and a extra big welcome for a first time comment – thank you! We will do our very best to get things up and running, even if it means a soft opening, we’ll somehow manage 🙂 I have to stay optimistic 🙂 I can’t wait to greet you – merci for all your encouragement! Mimi x

  96. Oh wow! What a wonderful news! Congratulation to you!

    I’ll move back in the Medoc country next year, and I hope I will have the chance to “hop” by for a cooking class or to share a meal! I can’t wait!

  97. Mimi,
    I have been a reader from the very beginning, and your blog is easily my favorite….your beautiful photos of your lovely life full of family and food never fail to brighten my day and inspire my own adventures in my tiny kitchen.
    I have not commented before, but this news is so exciting that I could not resist! I have long been dreaming of visiting Bordeaux and the Médoc–this is just one more reason! Truly wonderful wonderful news.
    Bonne chance et félicitations,
    All of the best from Seattle,
    Katy

    1. Bonjour Katy! Lovely to hear from someone in Seattle 🙂 It’s such a great culinary city from what I hear! I am glad this news will inspire you to come to our region, I will make sure to inspire everyone with all the goodies surrounding us – it will be a great pleasure to greet you 🙂 I hope to see you soon! Mimi x

  98. Oh, dear Mimi! When I saw your photos on the balcony I thought at one moment: “O my God, they found a new home and it’s a pity that this gorgeous woman does not have a hotel or a restaurant”.
    When I found this post, I knew at very first moment what will be in it. Congratulations!! I wish you all the best one by one things that will happen soon. For sure, you will make a waiting list for all of us wishing to meet you in person, trying these magnificent meals, sip some wine and listen ‘La mia seranata‘ twelve times in row. Good luck and keep us informed of all stages of your project. Warmest regards,
    Tanya

    1. Oh Tanya, you are an angel! Thank you for making me so happy with your kind words 🙂 My family and I have been on this little adventure and it’s been such a surprise in every way. My main goal is to live a simple and happy life, share our passion with everyone and inspire them to be happy. It’s all about gathering, kindness, and good food of course! I can’t wait to meet you soon! Mimi x

  99. Oh, it sounds wonderful. Good luck with it all. I’ll be there, with my gaggle of gourmands in tow. Perhaps you could install a real old gramophone to play guests in!

  100. Dear Mimi, I am having goosebumps as I read this! And even though I am late for yoga, I just had to sit and type this out to you. I can’t wait to go to Bordeaux & attend one of your ateliers… My husband raves about the region but going between Singapore and Paris, we have not had the time yet to properly plan a trip. Our good friend lives there too! Which village will you be in, si ce n’est pas indiscret?
    This summer we will drive down from Normandy (it’s funny you mentioned Normandy as we have a house there but I’m still trying to ‘connect’ with the land) to Pays Basque and I think Bordeaux is on the way non?!
    Anyway I hope your pregnancy is going well and I can’t wait for more good news from your side 🙂
    Ps. It’s like you’re Peter Mayle but instead of Provence, it’s Bordeaux!
    Ok namasté!

    1. Merci Jasmine! You are too sweet! The village is St Yzans de Médoc, a tiny ‘viticole’ village, just like in the movies. I have hardly seen anyone there 🙂 We will try our best to get thing going for fall, at least parts of it… I feel like bringing the house, and perhaps the village, back to life! It’s all so positive 🙂 Can’t wait to meet! Mimi x

  101. Hi Mimi and family!
    I’m happy for you, that discovery, how wonderful your project, how many beginnings!. I see myself transferring that door and enjoying one of your workshops and your company. A big hug and thank you for sharing your joy and your food so exquisite. (Today I will lift a glass of wine in your honor).

    1. Merci beaucoup Yasmina! I am truly so touched with all this kindness – it’s too good to be true! I can’t wait to greet you, it will be a great moment 🙂 a bientôt, Mimix

  102. Life’s twists and turns; what incredible news! Of course I don’t know you personally, but your sincerity truly resonates in Manger, and I am sure that you deserve all of the happiness and opportunities coming your way. I look forward to all the posts to come and to visiting the hotel and restaurant.

    xo, Sheila
    http://www.summery.org

    PS. I LOVE your husband’s directions for establishing the appropriate music quality for this post!

    PSS. Your description of that beautiful new home of yours absolutely sounds like something out of an Isabel Allende novel; they will be friendly spirits I’m sure 😉

    1. Merci Sheila! I hope you enjoyed the music 🙂 The house is very inspirational, and fits our family perfectly! It will be such a pleasure to greet you, and make you discover our lovely region! I am so touched by your kind words, thank you! Mimi x

  103. Oh Mimi… I’ve been following your blog for years but never commented before, ’til now. You’ve inspired me to visit your area this summer! Any recommendation for pretty house rentals? Our only request is to be surrounded by nature. Wishing you all the best on this new adventure, we will for sure pay a visit to your wonderful bistrot!

  104. I could not be more excited about this. I am so happy for you. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. xxx

  105. I have been following your wonderful life and family from the other side of the world and wish you all the happiness in the world as you take life by the horns and follow your dreams!
    warmest regards, Tricia from Oz.

  106. J’aimerais beaucoup m’asseoir à votre table, déguster les mets délicieux que vous proposez, dans cette ambiance chaleureuse et familiale. Je me régale quand je vous lis. Amitiés de Fine.

  107. It is all so sumptiously exciting! It is what I kept envisionsing everytime one of those goregeous chateux in ruin photos would appear as the backdrop in your posts. A marvelously magical idea, bound to happen when you surrender yourself to the unexpected. I am confident that your “best shot” will be a beatuifully mythical “mimi seranata”
    “Take advantage of it now, while you are young,…” she said to him, “because these things don’t last your whole life.”- Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Love in the Time of Cholera.
    I am very happy for you Mimi, oh, and thank you for the lovely Easter inspired menu. A wideful of blessings to you and your family.
    One last…Merci for capturing the loveliness and charm of children.

    1. Oh merci Gee Gee! Love in the time of cholera is one of my favorite books, and that line you just quoted is so inspirational! Life is short indeed, and we have to make the most out of it. Living without regrets, filled with passion, no matter what! I really hope we will meet someday, I wil cook something nice for you 😉 A bientôt j’espère! Mimi xl

  108. je suis heureuse pour toute votre famille une nouvelle aventure commence

    étant originaire de libourne ( ma famille habite là-bas encore) ce sera un plaisir de venir vous rendre visite dans votre nouveau coin de paradis.

    amicalement

    1. Merci Karina – nous adorons Libourne, surtout le marché fort sympathique! Nous serons ravis de vous accueillir! A bientôt j’espère! Nous allons tout faire pour pouvoir inaugurer la table d’hôtes et les ateliers au plus vite! Mimix

  109. Oh my goodness Mimi, you really are living a dream life and this château! Its amazing…I’ve been following your blog since the beginning and love the stories/photos as much as the recipes. You’re such an inspiration to us mums who enjoy being in the kitchen. I am slightly disappointed you didn’t buy in Normandy though, we could have been neighbours! Now I can dream of one day visiting your restaurant and seeing this place for real. Good luck with the birth, you must just pop those babes out by now 😉 love, Elizabeth xxx

    1. Bonjour Elizabeth! I sure do remember you from the very beginning – I believe we first chatted about the crème de marrons cake ? 🙂 Thank you for being so fidèle 🙂 I do love Normandy, can’t wait to go back, especially late summer – so green and beautiful! I do hope you will come our way – there will be lots to discover, drink & eat! Would love to meet you! Mimi x

      1. Oh it isn’t difficult to be fidèle to your blog, I love to see the new posts arriving into my inbox and often read them a few times, your stories are so descriptive and narrative. And the crème de marron cake? I still make it for special occasions. Can’t wait for the book! Elizabeth xx

  110. Mimi, je suis très contente avec les bonnes nouvelles que tu viens de nous donner! C’est merveilleux trouvée la maison de ses rêves, mais c’est encore mieux partager ton “savoir faire” avec nous. Je crois que tu as déjà une cliente 🙂 J’aimerais aussi participer dans ton atelier, j’ai tellement des choses à apprendre ! a chaque fois que j’ai fait un plat de toi on se régale! Bisous de l’Andalousie ou je passe mes vacances de pâques 🙂 xo.

    1. Bonjour Eva! Merci pour votre gentillesse! Et je vous souhaite de très bonnes vacances dans la douce Andalousie! Quelle chance – vos parents sont de là-bas? Vous serez la bienvenue chez nous – maintenant if faudra que nous fassions notre maximum pour inaugurer ces projets! A très vite j’espère! Mimi x

  111. Wow Mimi, you made my day with these wonderful news, so exciting!! I’m so glad for you & your family, you’re living your dream & I’m always with you on your Blog * And I can’t wait to visit you once with our family in your lovely bistrot * And I just listened to “La mia serenata” and I absolutely feel it – amazing * Wishing you & your family all the best for the next steps & looking forward to see & read what happens next…thank you so much for sharing * Bisoux

    1. Oh merci Danie – it is always a pleasure to share – and now I feel a few steps closer to you as I feel that the possibilities of meeting my readers are becoming a reality! I am so happy to pursue this happy road, and to have so much support from everyone! A très vite, Mimix

  112. This news has me planning an autumnal road trip from Edinburgh to Medoc. Best wishes for all your upcoming events .

  113. Mimi what amazing news! As so many others have said I have followed your beautiful blog for some time now and been very admiring of your wonderful life and yours and your husband’s talent! Congratulations on the move, it sounds truly wonderful and it must be made all the more exciting with a new addition coming soon.
    I really hope to be able to come and visit your bistrot one day, it sounds like heaven.
    With the very best wishes from Kate xxx

    1. Merci Kate – it is such a pleasure to be able to share this adventure, and most of all have so much wonderful support from everyone! I hope you’ll come to visit soon! Mimi x

  114. This blog post was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read. Thank You for bringing beauty to us 🙂 Your new home looks absolutely magnificent, magical nad just amazing. Now I know my dream – it is to someday visit your little restaurant. I will keep the pictures and sights of your home in my mind and I promise, somehow I’ll plan a trip there and enjoy the best of your cooking!

    Have a nice day,
    Ieva Marija

  115. Dear Mimi,

    Congratulations, and thank you for sharing all these wonderful recipes and stories with us. You are definitely a super woman.

    I’m lucky to be close by (Belgium) and dream of coming to eat in your restaurant.

    Thank you
    Cheers
    Barbara

    1. Merci Barbara! I am so touched by your kindness – it is so inspiring to do my very best to greet everyone at the new table d’hôtes and ateliers! I am so excited to make new friends 🙂 Looking forward to meeting you soon! Mimi x

  116. A giant and loud “hooray!” for everything. It is all so exciting so please do add me to the loooong list of those who will eagerly follow you to your beautiful new home…Congratulations and thank you for making us dream…

  117. Oh Mimi! It all sounds so fab! As I wrote you before I’m in love with Medoc from your stories and I planned a vacation this summer in Medoc on my mind. But it’s summer and you’ll be opening in fall?! Noooo. I want to be a test guest, please! Truly hope our family of three plus the dog will be able to meet you! All the best, hope all your plans come true as soon as you wish.

    1. Bonjour Marta! Médoc has so much to offer! We will do everything we can do get something started in the fall! Do let me know if you need any more tips for your vacation! Mimi x

  118. Congratulations! I can’t wait until you open your restaurant. The food on your blog always looks so wonderful. I have only been to France once. I have always wanted to go back. Once you open your restaurant, I will add it to the list of places to go when I return for a visit to France! Thank you!

  119. I just emailed my boyfriend the link to this post with the subject line “our next holiday”.
    Be it late this year or sometime next, can’t wait already!

    P.S. The gorgeous chateau/castle restoration project/progress is worth a blog post series of its own. So excited for you and you/this give(s) me wings/inspiration to dream too.

    P.P.S. I have a feeling you’d like my sister’s sustainable clothing line – lagamta.com – think I’ll talk to her about designing a simple black linen dress inspired by you. A chef’s uniform, if you like 😉 x

    1. Bonjour Laima! Thanks for making me so happy – you are so sweet to email th elink to your boyfriend – I am looking forward to meeting you one day! There is so much to do around here, we are about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Bordeaux – such a charming city and 3 hours or so by TGV train to Paris – so it’s easy access! It will be a pleasure, meanwhile, to share our new adventures with the house, the food, the village! By the way, I love the idea of a chef’s uniform dress! Looks wonderful (I checked your sister’s site 🙂 ! A bientôt! Mimi x

  120. Mimi, this is brilliant!! Congratulations!! I believe luck is rarely blind and only follows that are meant for it! So finding this space is more a sign than a random stumble. Good Luck! and hope to pass through your doors for a very you meal soon 🙂

  121. Oh yaaaaay! What an absoultely enchanting home, it’s amazing how everything falls into place at the right time. And I do love a home with a story…it’s the best kind! Congratulations to you and your lovely family. I’m sure your dreams will flourish beautifully. I’m not too far and am definitely in for a workshop! 🙂

    1. Bonjour Jess! Lovely to hear you are not too far! Thank you for such kind words – the house is filled with good things and so inspirational in every way! I hope to meet you soon! A bientôt! Mimix

  122. Hi Mimi
    I hope i can make it to France when you open your house to guests. It is a charming place. I looked on googlemaps and the village seemed deserted. I saw that many houses are empty. Is it really so or the images on googlemap si really old. It is a shame that such a charming village is not full of life because the area is truly gorgeous. I wish you much luck with your new house!

    1. Bonjour Denisa! Yes, in Médoc, it’s so remote and authentic, and the tiny villages tend to be very quiet. That is also the charm of it – it’s very local and that’s what I love about it. A lot of the houses are used for holidays or second homes, so they are closed for parts of the year – that may also explain the emptines you saw! The best months are from now till October November – I love harvest season (sep/oct), the vineyards are exceptional and there are so many celebrations/feasts etc… I would say that is the best time to come 🙂 I hope to meet you someday! Mimi x

      1. Hi Mimi, thank you for your answer! I would definitely come and visit! I also enjoy the emptiness of villages, they look so melancholic with their shutters on. I am planning on a September visit to France, it would be great to meet you!

  123. How utterly fantastic for your and your growing family! Your new chateau is something that would be in my dreams. Congratulations on your new venture a trip to France will be in the cards once again so that I can experience not only your fantastic food but hospitality:)

    1. Oh Alison I can’t wait to be up and running! It’s a big dream to be able to get steps closer to all my readers – to cook, share and enjoy! I hope to meet you real soon! Mimix

  124. I’m sooooooo excited about these news!!!! What a wonderful chance you got there! That’s actually what I wanted for myself, but I’m still stuck at my job in the city, has it pays the bills.

    I’m really happy for you and your family, I’m sure from now on your life is going to be even better, everyone is going to be even happier, I couldn’t be more honest. Maybe it’s because you are always so sincere and you share so many things from your personal life, you really bond with us readers. So it’s like we are taking part in all of this and we share your happiness and enthusiasm…
    Whenever I read your blog is like I’m taking there with all of you, sharing the meals, and the visits to markets/producers/etc.

    The house looks grand and lovely, even now that needs some restoring. I’m dying of curiosity to see the kitchens in detail (before and after): you have to do this for us food-bloggers Mimi 😀

    Ah, and if you need two pairs of hands, Marco and I would gladly move to work with you guys: we know how to cook (where’s our modesty? lol) and Marco has worked in hotels for most of his professional life, eh eh eh)

    1. Oh you got me there with the extra help! I may never let you go 🙂 This new house really represented our future – for the family, for our projects and my cooking – how often do you find a house with a restaurant in it 🙂 ? The history also is out of a novel, something I would love to read! Was it fate? Perhaps? Believe me, I will share every steps of the kitchen restorations – there’s actually not that much to do, a bit of painting/ fixing, a bit of cleaning, some new equipment et voila! I want to keep the rustic side of it intact. What I love most is that huge fireplace! Next to the kitchen is the restaurant, or should I say ‘table d’hôtes’, and on the other side is the other kitchen (in the old days you had the pretty kitchen, and the other one, much more rustic, so you can do all the frying/mess!) 🙂 I love them both! You’ll just have to come! Can’t wait to meet you! Mimi x

      1. I do believe that things happen for a reason. And the perfect things that happen to us are in fact our destiny. Like this house you have found. It was meant to be yours, no doubt about it. The grand house that could be a lovely home for the family and all visitors, clients, etc. paired with the restaurant for someone like you who loves to cook. I can already imagine the wonderful photos Oddur will be taking of every little but yet important moment…
        (I’m daydreaming… again!)

  125. How beautiful! I found “La mia serenata” and played it while dancing around in my kitchen…this did in fact, happen. When I visit France, I will be sure to stop by your bistro, also the workshop sounds divine. Best of luck, everything sounds perfectly magical!

  126. My hugest (is it even a word?) congratulations to you! It’s my very first comment in this blog though I’ve been reading you for ages already 🙂 Just wanted to say that I am absolutely happy for you and you are the endless inspiration for me. Big family, beauty, big house in France and your own business now you have it all and that’s absolutely incredible!

    My question is a little bir irrelevant but where did you study finance?

    1. Merci Polina! One thing led to another, we feel so fortunate to have found this house and it is offering us so much inspiration, as well as a perfect family home! I hope you will have a chance to visit someday! I studied in Paris & London (financial management & Chinese civilization). Now we will have to work extra hard to be up and running – I just can’t wait to meet everyone! Best, Mimix

  127. Your posts are worthy of a book! It’s like reading a fairytale…
    New house and a bistro..what wonderful news!!! Congratulations and good luck Mimi!!

    1. Thank you so much Dinusha! I am looking forward to the next posts – so much to plan around the house, scouting for new decorative items, painting… and a new baby of course! I am so touched by everyone’s support! Merci! Mimi x

  128. Firstly, so many congratulations!!!! That house looks like a dream come true, I’m so happy for you. Secondly, yes! To the restaurant and to the cooking workshops – I will be first in line for attending both. Well, I’ll try!

  129. Dear Mimi, this house is so, so, so wonderful!!! I can’t wait to see more of it, especially the two kitchen. I wish you luck for everything that still has to be done but I am sure that it will be a dream come true to live there.

    Congratulations and best wishes from Berlin,

    Lena

    1. Thanks Lena! You’ll have to come and visit! I love the two kitchens, the table d’hôtes in right in the middle – in th eold days you had a ‘fancy’ kitchen, and the other rustic kitchen, where you can do all the messier cooking like frying etc. I love them both! There’s even communal showers (3 of them next to the ‘rustic’ kitchen, for those who worked in the vineyards and took their showers at the end of the day 🙂 ) I hope to see you soon! Mimix

  130. Dear Mimi,
    I know you have thousands of comments on your wonderful news but I could not help but add my own.
    This could not happen to a more deserving family who shares so much love and positive energy with a world full of confusion and darkness.I am sure that sounds rather melodramatic but your words and pursuit of dreams inspire. I believe that you were brought on this earth to touch lives and hearts with your talents and I believe I can speak for everyone else when I say bravo and as it is well deserved. I hope to be a part of such beautiful spirit through the celebration of food at your workshop and bistro so that I may carry in my heart just a piece of the goodness that your family gives to us every week.

    Heartfelt and Warmest Congratulations for there are many sweet blessings in your life to count. You teach us that it is ok to go for ones dreams without doubt and to not settle with complacency but to flourish with endless passion. Such is the way of achieving a beautiful life.

    The new home is beautiful and will be filled with warmth and laughter. It likens to a fairy tale castle ^__^ and that dessert looks positively divine. I want to try the lamb for Easter =^_^= So happy for you! I MUST create some floral paintings to gift to you for the opening(!

    Sincerely,

    Tiffany

    1. Oh Tiffany – I believe you are the one who’s touching our lives with you extreme kindness and generosity! I will never forget the day you sent/tagged the garden cake – I felt so much from you! It really touched me and made me so happy! It’s wonderful to be able to communicate warmth, no matter what! I just love to share and inspire to be happy, to pursue our dreams, no matter how difficult it is to reach our goals. It’s always a bit hard, but well worth it! Looking forward to meeting you one day, that’s for sure! Mimi x

  131. Hi Mimi, oh, how fantastic! I’m really feeling with you when reading your words! The house is so nice and I can totally understand, why you and your family will move there! I hope it takes not such a long time until you can open your restaurant and I can visit you. This May/June we also will make holidays in France, but only in the Northern, in the Bretagne. Do you have been there before and maybe have some special tip for us? We are looking for cozy appartments and restaurants. Kind regards from Hamburg, Nadine

    1. Thank you Nadine – I hope we can be up and running very soon! We will try our very best, one way or another. Brittany is so beautIful, and don’t get me started on the desserts – all those pancakes and buttery cakes – you should have a kouign aman a day! It’s one of my favorite cakes! Enjoy! I spent a lot of holidays in St Malo, that is really lovely! Mimi x

      1. Thanks Mimi for your kind reply! I definately will have kouign aman. St. Malo we already have on our travel plan. A good friend of me told me, too, that it is very lovely there. Have a nice Easter holidays & looking forward to your future posts :). Nadine

  132. This is very exciting news! Can’t wait to see the progress on the blog…and have started saving for a trip!

  133. Oh my!You are a DREAM and DREAMS do come true!I am so happy for YOU and your gorgeous family I could burst!
    YES, count me in on the cooking classes!I will start now hinting to the ITALIAN husband who has a passion for food like no other that I need to go next JULY as that is my birthday month!!!!!XOXOXOXOXO

    1. Hello Contessa! We have been so excited to share this dream – it’s becoming reality! There will be a lot of work to do, but it will be so much fun, and to be able to share it step by step 🙂 I hope you will visit soon 🙂 Much love Mimi x

  134. Hello from Korea, Mimi!

    I couldn’t agree with you more about how we end up finding things we weren’t looking for. I studied art history and English literature in college, but found myself, at age 27, studying to go to veterinary school and become a vet. It’s funny- not to mention scary! – where life takes you.

    I’ve been a long time reader of your beautiful blog, and just wanted to say how excited I am for you and your new venture. I do hope I will get the chance to stop by your new home and enjoy the beautiful creations that I so admired in your photos 🙂

    Warmest regards,

    Yeong Min.

    1. Thank you so much Adriana! Yes, life does take you to funny places! The most important part is to pursue your passions and believe in yourself! I hope you will get to visit us one day! Mimi x

  135. Mi querida Mimi,brindo por ti, por tu familia, por todos tus proyectos!!! Me siento tan impaciente y emocionada por ir a visitarte algun dia a tu maravilloso restaurante. Conocerte, compartir tu cocina y una pequeña porcion de tu vida, esta en mi lista de deseos desde hace tiempo. Es todo tan magico y espiritual, hay tanta pasion y tanta entrega en tus palabras, hay tanta personalidad en tus platos….,y tu marido sebe transmitir tan bien esa fuerza, a traves de sus bellas fotografias. Tu blog es mi favorito, me inspira, me hace soñar,no dejes nunca de compartir.Me gusta hablar de ti con mi marido y con mi hija pequeña. Todo lo mejor por la llegada de pequeña hijita. Un gran abrazo.Rosa.

    1. Muchas gracias por sus amables deseos! Espero verte pronto, con su familia! Será un placer compartir buenos momentos en nuestro restaurante! Es un deseo hecho realidad! Hasta pronto, Mimi x

  136. What an exciting new chapter for you and your family! I look forward to seeing how this project evolves for you and hope to one day visit. Best wishes to you!

    1. Thank you so much Natalie – today is so special, I am overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and sincere wishes – I am on a cloud! I hope to see you soon! This is so encouraging 🙂 Mimi x

  137. This is my first comment, as I’m relatively new to your blog. I just want to send you warm wishes and a big congratulations to you and your family. What an amazing adventure you are all about to embark on! I hope to one day be lucky enough to share a meal at one of your tables. 🙂

    1. Thank you so much Carla! This is all too much for me – I never expected eveyone to be so supportive and enthusiastic! I hope you can come and visit us someday! A bientôt! Mimi x

  138. It is fava bean season, too, here in Santa Barbara. Thank you for the lovely recipes–as always, and the photos, which are like peering into a beautiful dream.

    I am excited for your venture, and wish you all the best as you embark and dream and work away. I am sure many will be blessed by your hospitality and good food, and restful spirit, which comes across so sweetly in the blog. All the best to you and your family!

    1. Thank you so much Jane! Enjoy the recipes – we loved thefava beans flans, so light yet tasty – I believe the garlic is the magic ingredient that makes it extra-delicious 🙂 Mimi x

  139. I, like everyone before me who has already commented, am so thrilled for both you and those fortunate enough to visit you. Chills arose on my neck as I saw the first photo of the house with you in the front window. Today I am eating your Tourin A Ail (Garlic Soup) to alleviate a long, enduring spell of agita and hope that someday I can find myself photographed there as well. Happy Easter to your little ones.

    1. Merci Andrea – I am eternally grateful for all this kindness and positive vibes sent from all over! It’s amazing! Please get well, I hope the tourin à l’ail will work wonders and cure your cold! Wishing you lively Easter holidays! Get well soon! Mimi x

  140. This is my first comment, and I follow your blog for long time,but what and amazing proyect you are going to start with your family, all my best wishes and I hope to visit your Mary Poppins proyect soon, thanks for your husband the music he suggest is perfectly nostalgic.
    Namaste from Chile

  141. So wonderful news, dear Mimi, what a dream!!! I send all my best wishes and I hope to visit you there one day! While looking to your pictures I hear Jimmy Fontana ;)………..sounds soooooooo great! Thank you so much for all your inspiration (it makes my heart sing),

    with love, Jade

  142. Congratulations on everything! I am hoping to get a group of girlfriends together to come and take one of your workshops in 2015. I love your blog (and even mentioned it on my own blog as one I follow). I can’t wait to see the progress, and wish you nothing but success and happiness!

  143. So thrilled for you, and for us when we are able to enjoy your restaurant. Just about three hours away from Mauleon, where we spend lots of time. We’re practically neighbors! All the best to you and your family.

  144. Mimi,
    I read your post twice because it inspired. I’m reading Steven Pressfield’s ‘The War of Art’ and he writes about how we all can be beaten by resistence, keepig us from pursuing what we truly want in this life — “Defeating resistance is like giving birth. It seems absolutely impossible until you remember that women have been pulling it off successfully, with support and without, for fifty million years.” Bravo to you seizing this opportunity. I wish you much luck and love in this endeavour. I expect the beauty that you create and share will continue to touch many through your new works.

    1. Thank you Rayna – especially for the reminder about defeating resistance. I found that by living in the country, I became much stronger, more objective and saw a bigger picture. There are so many intimidating factors that can stop us from reaching our goals, but they are just factors, so easily dissolved 🙂 I hope you’ll come and visit us someday! Merci! Mimi x

  145. How exciting, such a good idea,especially the cookery school – although lots to do at once and with a new baby! I love the blog and the beautiful photography from lovely France, makes me feel like i’m there. Of course you’ll keep us posted, such a fantastic looking house and lovely family, lots of luck with it all x

    1. Thank you Jane! I am so touched by your kind words! We are so excited to be up and running – hopefully by fall we can have a soft opening? I can’t wait 🙂 A bientôt, Mimi x

  146. Mimi –

    My heart leaped for joy when I read your exciting news! You are certainly a busy bee this spring. I wish you and Oddur would consider doing a magazine so I could have you in my mailbox each month. Happy Easter to you and your beautiful family…

    1. Merci beaucoup Ann! Busy we always are, but this is so incredibly exciting it’s like a dream come true! Oddur and I have worked with a lot of magazines in the past, especially Oddur who was an art director for several – perhaps one day, who knows? Thank you for your suggestion 🙂 Mimi x

  147. Mimi I love your website and loved watching you on Cuisine Plus. It is so exciting to read the great news. You are also an amazing story teller and I find myself dreaming every time I read your posts. Enchanting and mysterious :).
    All the best from Kigali.

    1. Oh wow Melissa thank you! I am so happy to hear you like the TV shows on Cuisine+ – the new seasonof ‘a table de Mimi’ for summer will start this May, and I have also a new show/(season 1) called ‘Les desserts de Mimi’ out in October, also on Cuisine+! Merci for your kind words! Mimi x

  148. Hi Mimi,

    Like many of the commenters above, I’ve been reading for a while but this is my first comment.

    Your energy is infectious, and your adventures inspire me so! Best wishes for your new home, baby, restaurant and cooking school projects — it all sounds so delightful. I can’t wait to follow along on the blog.

    cheers from a hong-kong born globetrotter,
    myri

    1. Hello Myriam! Welcome and thanks for dropping by to say hi – I am so happy! Thanks so much for your kind wishes – all this positive energy is certainly making me so strong and determined! Merci, Mimi x

  149. This is my first comment after reading your blog for quite a while, with great admiration for you and your beautiful family. Your new plans are amazing and wonderful, and yes this is the time of your life to make your dreams come true. My sister and I will want to come and take your cooking classes and partake of your marvelous food.

    Frankly, finance is much too narrow a field for someone with your talents. And it does not give people joy.

    1. Hello Kay! I am so touched by your comment! I am also thrilled to say ho to so many first time commentators! I will be delighted to greet you and your sister – it’s amazing to meet and connect! So exciting! Thanks so much for such encouragement 🙂 Mimi x

  150. Siempre espero ver tu blog,todo es tan bello,la casa la presentacion de la comida y que bellas fotografias.Me gustaria estar alli,felicidades por ese bebe y por tu restaurante,espero algun dia estar alli. Me encanto la historia de la casa .DIOS LOS BENDIGA

  151. Dear Mimi, I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now and I’m always very impatient between two posts. I just love your way of writing, your way of living. I’m really happy for you about this new house and about the dream you are about to make real! Of course, I will come with my husband and hopefully my two sons to have dinner, maybe even stay with you (I hope you will rent the rooms as well one day). We spend a lot of time in our kitchen even though we are very busy at work and come home late. But I’m happy both of my sons like to move around with me while I’m cooking. They are quite good at it as well. To finish this message I congratulate you and really hope we will be able to come one day. All the best from Slovenia! Natasa

    1. Oh me too, I hope you and your family will come and stay! It will be such a pleasure to greet you! This is all so incredible, being able to connect with readers from all corners of the world! We are all connected through food, stories, kindness and passion! It’s a wonderful life 🙂 A bientôt! Mimi x

  152. I would love a glass of Pineau! (My Frenchman is from Charente-Maritime, and we drink it often when we visit his family.) What you are doing is so exciting, and to be honest, it is a dream of mine to do something similar, if we ever migrate back to France. We visit La Rochelle twice per year, at Christmas and at the end of June, so I hope you will keep us posted on future workshops. We will also be in France in September 2015 for our wedding (one of two!), if you happen to make fall ateliers a regular event. I cannot wait to reserve a table!

    1. Bonsoir Cristina! Thank you so much for your interest! I am honored 🙂 As soon as I have a good schedule (and yes they will be regular events/ateliers), I will post them asap! We will try to advance as much as possible to greet everyone! We are so motivated to make it happen in good time! Congrats on your wedding – I am so happy for you! A bientôt j’espère! Mimi x

  153. How amazing! Please do hold workshops. I love making your recipes for friends and family and would love to perfect them at the source. Good luck with the move! Cant wait to see what you do with the house. Happy Spring xxx

  154. Woah this is simply amazing! I’ve been reading your blog for almost a year now and felt like I really had to post a comment this time. I loved reading this post. I just feel so excited and it’s not even happenning to me…but what a great combination of perfect timing + incredible space + ideas + and of course people 🙂 I think it is an absolute must to come visit your future bistrot in wonderful Medoc 🙂 All the best to you and your family and good luck!!

    Greetings from Slovakia,
    Lenka

    P.S. Your husband’s photos are incredible as always and please tell him I did follow his precise instructions for listening to La mia serenata 😉

    1. Thank you Lenka! Oddur and I really enjoyed reading how so many readers enjoyed the music 🙂 Everything is more fun with a melody 🙂 I hope to see you real soon! Wishing you a lovely Easter week-end! Mimi x

  155. Félicitations! I have been reading your blog for about a year now, and it never fails to inspire me. I hope one day to visit your sure-to-be-beautiful bistrot! Best wishes to you! x

  156. That is fantastic news! I look forward to reading about your new adventures – both with the new baby and new home and restaurant!

    1. Merci Sarah – this year will certainly be a busy one – big events one after the other. So happy to share our adventures – so much encouragement and support! Wishing you a lovely Easter week-end! Mimi x

  157. Dear Mimi, I’m so happy for your exciting news! The way you pursue your goals and make your dreams come true is really inspiring to us all. Your winning and happy mood is really affectuous. Needless to say I just found one more good reason to visit your region (your husband’s photographs and your recipes did the most work, as you know). It won’t happen soon, but I am comforting myself that by the time i arrange such a trip to France with my family all your plans will have come to life. Good luck to all of them!

    1. Thank you Maria! We are so determined to make all this happen – it will be a dream when everything is ready! I hope you will plan a voyage here soon – it’s the ideal holiday place – take your time, I will be waiting for you 🙂 Bon week-end! Mimix

  158. Dearest Mimi,
    Overjoyed I am to read your most amazing post and news. Congratulations on your new house, it looks gorgeous I Love it. I hope all your plans will be successful and it will be a blessed move.
    Wow, it will be a great pleasure to visit your restaurant one day, meet you in person and taste your food.
    We moved to the new house last Wednesday, it’s been so busy here and the kids came for their Easter holiday, so grateful to have them.
    Wishing you and your family a Happy and Blessed Easter xoxo
    PS Tell Oddur, I listened to the song and love it.

    1. Bonjour Rowaida, Congrats on your new house! I hope you have settled and I am sure you are preparing a beautiful Easter feast 🙂 Thank you for your kind wishes! Mimi x

  159. As my wife Julie and I are still flying from Paris just now, I have just planned our next trip for the summer! All our best Mimi. We will bring the pups some American treats!!!

  160. Congratulations on your beautiful home. You are so very inspiring! You make me see that there is beauty in the world and it is worth seeking and living every day.

  161. What an amazing dream come true! I love the house and the description of your bistro offerings has already made me hungry!

    I too am passionate about food & culture! I started a small business with my sister a few years ago called Sunday Dinner. We are an Italian catering company that brings Sunday Dinner style gatherings to your table.

    Your blog is always inspiring & beautiful! I am visiting visit Paris for the first time this Spring & I am thinking that I may need to book a trip back in the Fall to be one of your first customers – Bon Chance!

    1. Bonsoir Teresa, Thank you for all yoru kind words! I love your catering dinner idea, bringing ‘Sunday dinner style’ to the table – how lovely! Enjoy Paris – can’t think of a better time than spring, and I hope you can make it to Médoc soon! Mimi x

  162. It sounds positively magical! I am always in awe of your capabilities. Moving, having a baby and remodeling/opening a restaurant in a five month time span? Piece of cake for Mimi!

    1. Bonsoir Martina! Let me put on my cape and I will turn into wonderwoman… hum, not! Yes, it’s a lot on a plate, but we have the stamina of terriers! Determined to make it happen! I hope you will visit someday! 🙂 Mimi x

  163. I’m so excited for you, Mimi. The house looks beautiful, perfect for cookery classes and a restaurant. If I’m ever in the area, I would love to pay you a visit. I agree about diving in whilst you are young and energetic. You’re right, too, that the best things in life – friends, animals, houses – have a funny way of finding us! ; )

    1. Bonsoir Zelda – somehow this house feels like destiny, something that found us along the way… 🙂 I am hoping/crossing my fingers you will come to visit 🙂 Wishing you a lovely Easter week-end! Mimi x

  164. How wonderful to be realizing your dream Mimi. I am elated for you and your beautiful family and anticipate a visit to ( I know )what will be a delightful restaurant and charming home! Best wishes to you and yours as you embark on a great adventure. Hugs!

  165. Best of news Mimi. And the house is magnificent. All the best for you and your familie and maybe we will meet in the future.

  166. Dear Mimi and Family, How exciting! Congratulations! Its a wonderful thing to fulfill your dreams, and great for me to see your posts. Your blog inspires me every time. I hope to visit your restaurant when you get it open. Best Wishes.

  167. Mimi,
    What exciting news! I feel compelled to write to you as I am reading your blog this morning from my own picture perfect french idyll with a view of the still snowy peaks of the Pyrenees in the distance. I have been following your blog enthusiastically as it really keeps me in touch with our beloved France and its food especially when we are in our main home in London and counting the days to our next school holidays. We will certainly visit your bistro en famille and who knows I might convince my lovely husband to allow me some me-time in your cookery school. It will eventually benefit his culinary enjoyment after all;-) Warmest congratulations x

    1. Oh what a sweet message Esperia! I am always so touched to hear that the blog keeps ‘the connection’ with France – I am really looking forward to greeting you here in Médoc! I will also plan some kid’s cooking ateliers so that should be fun too 🙂 A bientôt j’espère Mimi x

  168. cette maison, ces papiers-peints, cette cuisine, ce rêve….je suis devenue récemment une fan de ce blog, ça ne va pas s’arranger!!!

    1. Merci Marion 🙂 C’est un vrai bonheur de pouvoir partager cette jolie aventure en famille et à table! J’espère que vous viendrez déguster un petit plat quand nos portes seront ouvertes 🙂 Mimi x

  169. Mimi, how exciting!!! Please add me to your list for the courses as I will most definitely come from New York to attend. I work in Paris quite a bit and can easily tack on a course to one of my trips over. Congratulations to you Oddur and your family!!!!!

    1. Thank you Melissa! I am so touched! I just can’t wait to announce the dates etc… this is going to be so much fun 🙂 Will let you know as soon as I can! Merci! Mimix

  170. Oh I am so excited to hear this! I am planning a trip to France this fall to recreate my first trip out of the country when I was seven. That trip inspired my love of food and in a way, my subsequent career in nutrition, teaching others the importance of balancing healthy eating with the pleasure of eating. Reading your blog, which is one of my absolute favorites, makes me nostalgic for those first bites of a real croissant and chasing after the cheese cart. Congratulations to you and your family on this new project! If you are up and running this fall, we would love to dine with you, although we might not leave : )

    1. Bonsoir Rachael! Your trip this fall sounds so lovely, recreating all those wonderful souvenirs from your childhood! I hope to see you soon, hopefully in the fall! 🙂 Mimi x

  171. Hi Mimi!

    I was reading your magical post before I sleep. It is truly amazing and I am very happy and feel excited for you 🙂 your story has inspired me and every time I read your post, i can feel you write with your heart 🙂

    Hopefully one day, can visit your bistro!

    Thank you for writing such a beautiful blog ~

    Have a beautiful day!

  172. Congratulations, Mimi! I am so looking forward to reading about everything this year holds for you, and to perhaps visiting you one day in Médoc. Your life is the dream I long to be my reality, though your graciousness and genuine warmth do wonders to any jealousy at bay. Thank you for sharing so much with us. I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend. Bisous xx

    1. Thank you Ruth for such wise and sweet words! This is all about about sharing, greeting the ones that share the same passion, enjoying the simple pleasures in life. I hope I will be able to greet you 🙂 Soon! Mimi x

  173. Wow this is so exciting! I am so happy for you. Please keep us updated about your restaurant. I live in Seattle, but would love to come for a meal next time I am visiting my family in Paris. Good luck with your new adventure!

      1. Of course! It would be a great adventure. Last time we visited Europe we drove from San Sebastian to the Loire, to Burgundy and then to Paris. Its so much fun when everything feels so close together, especially after living in the Pacific Northwest for so many years. Can’t wait to hear more about your restaurant and cooking classes.

  174. This is very exciting. My friends and I are ready to sign up for a cooking class! Good luck with all the new adventures!

  175. Mimi, what a magical dream and a stunning new home! It looks absolutely perfect for you and your family. I love reading about your excitement for the future, and I hope to take one of your delicious workshops in the future! Best wishes for an easy transition.
    xoxo.

  176. I’m so excited for you and your family! I can’t wait to see where this takes you and hopefully sample your food one day 🙂 xxx

  177. That house! It’s so amazing, and I’m sure it’s gonna turn up just perfect. I’ll be one of the first ones to sign up for your cooking classes as soon as you start having them! What a great idea :3 Greetings from the still quite gray Finnish spring, your posts bring light and colour to my days!

    1. Thanks so much Veepi – I am so touched by all this kindness and positive feedback on the ateliers and table d’hôtes! Wow! I can’t wait to meet you! A bientôt! Mimi x

  178. Mimi, j’ai découvert votre blog il y a quelques mois et ne passe plus une semaine sans m’y rendre ! J’aime en suivre de nombreux autres, mais le votre est à mes yeux une véritable référence, et j’ai le sentiment, en lisant vos recettes, d’avoir trouvé “ma cuisine”, celle qui accorde les saveurs et les aliments de manière on ne peut plus harmonieuse. Quant aux photos de votre vie dans le Médoc, elles sont toutes magnifiques. Quelle joie de savoir que je pourrai bientôt déguster vos plats ! Je vous souhaite bonne chance pour votre projet, la fin de votre grossesse et le déménagement !
    Amicalement,

    Mathilde

    1. Merci Mathilde! Je suis tellement touchée par votre enthusiasme et votre sincérité. Je suis si flattée que vous avez trouvé la cuisine à vos goûts, j’espère que vous viendrez nous visiter dans notre joli et chaleureux coin Médocain! 🙂 A bientôt j’espère! Mimi x

  179. This is the best news I have heard all week. I hope one day to attend one of your workshops! Congratulations on the beautiful new home and adventures to come.

  180. Guess this means I’ll have to start saving up for a trip to France! The best news I’ve heard all week.

  181. Oh Mimi this had made my day, my week, my year!! I always hoped you’d do this and I’d visit with my family one day! In fact we were to come to the medoc in June but couldn’t because of husbands commitments but now oh joy we can perhaps come in September!! It’s our dream to move to France and smtg is calling me to the Medoc, honestly I can’t explain it. But I’m hoping this trip will encourage us to move with our two small children sooner rather than later. I’m excited for you. Food glorious food, I love it, and you make it so goooood girl x please let me know if we can come earlier because I will be chomping at the bit xxx

    1. Bonjour Tanya! Looks like you are ready to move to France! Médoc is certainly a good choice, it’s got the best to offer (vineyards, nature, forests, beaches, Bordeaux…) and we are still quite remote and not overcrowded with tourism. We have lovely grand yet discreet châteaux, and some of the best wines in the world 🙂 What’s not to love! We will do our very best to be up & running as soon as possible – we are so determined! Thanks for your encouragement! Mimi x

  182. All I can think is…..does this sleepy village know what’s about to hit it and wow how lucky are they. You and your family will become the new heart of this village. Beautiful food, beautiful family, keenness and eagerness…..the impact will be felt far and wide. Brilliant!

    1. Bonjour Sylvia! It’s funny, but Oddur and I ,w ell before finding this new house, always wanted to open a little pop-up restaurant, something seasonal, and bring a village to life! Music, food, artists, dancing, lovely lights – let’s put a bit of magic sparkle in everyone’s lives! 🙂 Mimi x

  183. Mimi, what a lovely post! What wonderful news. I’m so excited for you and your family. If I ever get to France (which I hope to one day in the near future), I would love to visit your bistro and eat the food that is beautifully shown through the pages of your site. Wishing you much success. Congratulations!

  184. Dear Mimi,
    so glad to hear and see you are gonna share the happiness of food and life with other people like us- i have been reading your blog for a long time since I started living in Singapore 5 years ago. I felt so close to you when I noticed you lived in Asia for a while and still has the strong connection to Asian cuisine! I just moved back to my home country China this year and as much as I enjoy travelling, I like trying different food when I travel. Going to a new country every year and spending decent time in non-conventional tourist places is my conventional plan now. I was deciding between France and the other place for the next year before I saw your post, but now it is definitely France I will be going! I hope I will have the chance to at least stop by in your new cafe/restaurant/workshop/house and get the chance to taste whatever I am seeing now in your gorgeous pictures. All the best. Ting

    1. Dear Ting! Greetings from Médoc! I am so happy to hear you will add Médoc to your travelling plans – there is so much to discover, from Bordeaux, Cap Ferret, Arcachon, the right bank St Emilion…and the not so far Pays Basque – you have a lot of choice! It’s a perfect vacation region! A bientôt! Mimix

  185. hola mimi…i love the idea of your move, the bistrot, and of course having the chance to meet you. please include me on your list for visiting. i live in germany and would gladly travel to france. thank you.

  186. Oh, this is so wonderful, for you to be able to follow your dream and make so many other people happy as well… I live a little far away to visit you for a meal or even a cooking atelier :), but I will be following along avidly! Bonne chance et felicitations Mimi!

    1. Merci Lesley for such a sweet comment – we still have a lot of work to do, quite a mountain to climb, but we are so excite. Thanks for your kind wishes! Mimi x

    1. Bonjour Cindy! Hoping you can visit us when we are all set! We will share this lovely experience through the blog posts, keeping the adventure alive! Have a lovely week, Mimi x

  187. Wow wow wow! Congratulations! It would be such a pleasure to have dinner at your bistro. I hope I can make it there one summer. Best of luck to you.

  188. Congratulations! This is my dream too! I’m so glad to know it can really happen in real life! I hope you do some workshops I would love to attend one!

    1. Thanks Lauren – there will be a mountain of work to do, but we are so determined and excited! As soon as we are ready, we will share the dates and news! Best, Mimi x

  189. There is so much joy in your words and these images and your recipes and your plans. There will be no shortage of those who will wish to come to experience, first hand, your love of food, and wine and life and France. May I be lucky enough to be one of your guests one day. Best wishes, Julie

  190. I stayed at a hotel in Lima that left a poem by Theodore Roethke by the bedside:

    “I wake to sleep and take my walking slow. I feel my fate in what I cannot fear. I learn by going where I have to go.”

  191. I can feel your excitement and dreams just coming to life in your every word from your post. I too have wished and longed for such a house and its so lovely to hear dreams like this actually do come true. I hope to come with my family & eat with you one day. So very excited for you – congratulations! If you ever need a couple to come work for you, my partner is a vineyard manager & we have a great love & passion for food, wine & family – let us know we’d be there in a heartbeat!!! Cushla from New Zealand x

    1. Bonjour Cushla! I am so touched by your message – how lovely to hear from you all the way from New Zealnd – the vineyards must be amazing 🙂 Thanks for reaching out! Mimi x

  192. Bonjour Mimi,
    C’est en toute simplicité que je vous envoie ce petit mot. Je viens souvent sur votre blog afin de me régaler tous les sens ( le gout se fait par l’imagination, ainsi que le toucher! Mais j’aime cela!)
    Je suis champenoise et je partage ce que vous semblez aimer: un mélange de simplicité et d’élégance discrète.
    Je vous souhaite plein de belles choses pour ces beaux projets: votre enfant à venir et votre bistrot!
    Dans la joie de nous rencontrer,
    Marie-Laurène

    1. Bonjour Marie-Laurène! Merci pour votre joli message! Nous sommes ravis de pouvoir partager nos passions pour la cuisine, la famille et les simples plaisirs de la vie! J’espère que vous viendrez nous rendre visite un jour! J’ai bien noté le rosé des Riceys dans mon petit carnet – merci! Mimi x

  193. Au fait, j’ai un tuyau vinesque!Connaissez vous le rosé des Riceys! Vin tranquille champenois, seul, le village des Riceys détient l’AOC rosé en Champagne…
    Un seule adresse: Olivier et Marie Horiot! Profitez en pour déguster leurs champagnes, des merveilles! D’autre part, je pense que votre mari se régalera à arpenter les rues de ce si beau village!

  194. Bonjour Mimi,
    My husband is French and we find ourselves in France at least once a year. The next time we are in your region, I would loooove to come to your bistro. I have been admiring your blog for quite some time now, maybe someday I will be able to taste some of your delights in person! Bon courage et bonne chance!

  195. Dear Mimi and Oddur and beautiful family,
    I am so happy for you. It is a pleasure to read your blog and try your recipes….your old home and new chateau are just beautiful. I love to read your blog. I hope to come….I have been twice to France and love it very very much.
    The very first time I read your blog you wrote about all of you dressing up for the sunday meal or weekend meal….to acknowledge the special time and purpose of being a family and eating lovely food together. That is what kept me coming back to your blog.
    I am Nanna to three little grandaughters and two grandsons…love love love my babies. I truely hope to come to your chateau and experince it fully. Congratulations on dreams coming true.

    1. Bonjour Barb! Thanks so much for such a sweet message! How lovely and accomplished you are to be a grandmother to so many children – congratulations! It is a pleasure to share our passions – family, traditions, simple pleasures in life – that’s pure happines. Wishing you a lovely week-end! Mimi x

  196. Congratulations! What a dreamy life it has been in the woods (and I have enjoyed it every Sunday via your blog) only to be turned into a dream come true with a restaurant! I am definitely interested in the cooking classes, in getting to enjoy your wonderful dishes and tasting the fine wines. I have found a similar serendipitous spot in the French Pyrenees and one day I will be moving there. 🙂 To open a B&B, to chat with the locals, roam the mountains and learn to cook the local delicacies I once tried there. What is it about France and French cuisine that so firmly gets a hold of one’s heart and dreams? 🙂 Hopefully I will have the pleasure of sitting at your table one day and pontificating on the subject.

    1. Bonjour Maiken! How lovely to hear from you. It was such a delight to share all this exciting news, and receive so many encouraging emails and comments – I feel so blessed! I hope to greet you soon for a good meal and some fine glasses of wine! I think in France, we all love the simple pleasures in life, good food, family, and sharing our passions! A bientôt! Mimi x

  197. Cheers! If ever you need a maître d/hotelier and chef duo to assist, my husband and I would be delighted to cross le pond! We’ve a background with Relais and Chateaux, stateside.

  198. Oh! How absolutely wonderful for you and your beautiful family, Mimi! What fantastic plans you have for this incredible house (besides everything else about it, I just love the wallpapers, by the way!). I hope I get to visit you one day. But until then, I’ll be enjoying your transition through your dreamy blog! Much happiness to all of you XO

    1. Merci Lynn! I am completely overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness! Feeling so grateful for all this. I am keeping my fingers crossed to meet everyone who’s reached out! What a dream come true! Thank you! Mimi x

  199. Wowsers! Félicitations!

    This means we’ll just have to drive a bit further next time we come to Bordeaux (or Mortagne-sur-Gironde), but I’m sure it’s gonna be all worth it… Enjoy every tiny bit of it!

    Hope to visit you folks some day

    1. Hello! I do hope you will come back – sounds like you had a great time during your previous visit in the region – now you can add my little table d’hôtes! Hope to meet you too! Mimi x

  200. Hello,

    I’ve never posted a comment on your blog but I follow it for a long time with a lot of pleasure. But I am so excited by all your beautiful projects and particularly the possibilty of testing your cooking and meet you in this wonderfull environnement that you’re creating ! I don’t know Medoc so as soon as you will have start your table d’hôtes it will be the perfect occasion to discover it. Can’t wait ’til it’s open !
    I envy your energie and these beautifull projects. Good Luck for all !

  201. Liebe Mimi, I congratulate you on your new adventure! I’ve had the dream of owning and cooking for a bed&breakfast for some time, but I’m afraid I’m not as young nor have the amount of energy that you have to successfully realize it. And so I’ll enjoy it vicariously through your posts. And one day I hope to visit and eat your exquisit food in your dream chateaux!

    1. Bonjour Marsha! Thanks for for lovely comment – it is a dream indeed – it is a pleasure to share this adventure with you! I hope you will come one day to visit! Mimi x

  202. Sitting here, in Los Angeles, having just discovered your delicious blog and this being the first post I read, I am finding myself with a faster beating heart and a grin on my face.
    You are living a dream and you know it and you share it with the world which makes me so happy because I get just a tiny taste of a dream I’d also wish to live. Thank you!
    Maybe I’ll find myself at your table in the summer 😉

  203. Hello Mimi,
    After having been reading you and trying some of your recipes -thanks for these amazing madeleines-, this post eventually prompts me to leave a comment.
    Congratulations for the baby and house and thank you for the opening of the restaurant! I’ve wanted to visit Médoc for a while and that news is what is gonna lead me to finally come.

    Beautiful photos, mets succulents and lovely woman,

    Cheers,

    1. Merci Clara – I am so flattered! It’s such a pleasure to me able to share our passions, to get so much encouragement… I hope you will visit Médoc soon! Mimi x

  204. Merci ! My grand mother was born in 1908 in Chartres and I remember spending all my holidays with her and all of my cousins. We used to buy fresh milk at the farm next door every evening with the same tin, never sterilized évidemment. My grand mother loved to make this faisselle and I remember the piece of musslin in the strainer out of the fridge. Dans ce temps là, we were not afraid of bacteria. Thank you to remind me all these good souvenirs.

  205. Congratulations on all the fantastic news!! Thank you for all that you share as it is a joyful comfort to read and view. I am a humble home cook, a living room rockstar on the ukulele, proud momma of a a black cockapoo named Blue and a part-time mermaid who can capture fabulous sunsets on her iPhone. Know that good things happen to good people whether they are searching for it or not. 😉 x

  206. Bonjour Mimi,

    Je suis votre blog avec beaucoup d’intérêt depuis plusieurs mois. Les photos et recettes sont magnifiques !
    Bien sur que vous êtes encore jeunes et je vous souhaite beaucoup de succès pour ce beau projet. Je vis en régions parisienne et embarquerai volontiers mari, enfants et mon chien pour gouter votre cuisine dès que vous serez ouverts.
    En attendant plein de courage pour cette nouvelle aventure, bienvenue à votre bébé et j’ai hâte de suivre vos avancées sur votre blog si généreux!

    1. Bonsoir Caroline – merci pour votre gentillesse! Je suis si touchée par l’enthousiasme de mes lecteurs. J’espère vous rencontrer un jour! A bientôt j’espère! Mimi x

  207. je passe souvent ici, l’eau à la bouche et les yeux écarquillés mais je n’ose pas toujours laisser de mots, trop intimidée…avec cette nouvelle je ne pouvais pas rester dans l’ombre alors félicitations pour ce rêve éveillé et ce merveilleux projet! Je vous souhaite toute la réussite possible mais je n’ai pas de doutes à ce sujet 🙂

  208. I’ so happy your dream will become thruth and i wish you and your family all the best, i will come for sure!!

  209. Oh … how wonderful. I always love people which look to the future … do not stand still, have dreams … send you all the best + love for all your amazing dreams and future … maybe someday we will come by !

  210. this is “Fantastic” news, so excited for you and your family…..I can’t wait to keep up with the progress…..dreams do come true!!! xo mercy beaucoup for this share !!! xo

  211. Hi Mimi
    I know I’m a simple invisible for you 🙂
    I’m from Portugal and I follow your blog affectionately.
    Love your photos and the places you show.

    Thank you. Maybe some day I’ll visit your castle
    Kisses
    Cláudia

    http://dbiscoito.blogspot.pt/
    (sorry my english 🙂

  212. Oh congratulations Mimi to you and your lovely family, I wish you great joy in your new journey, and imagining my journey from Scotland to Medoc -)) xx

  213. Mimi, you are truly such an inspiration! You are one of my creative idols and this news makes me sooo excited because I would love nothing more than to dine at your Bistro, attend one of your cooking workshops, and chat away about our shared love of food! 🙂

    Your pictures and the way you write is enchanting. I have been following your blog for over a year now, and I get so excited when I see a new post! 🙂 Your little stories make me nostalgic for my childhood, and your recipes inspire me to cook. Thank-you for providing me with so much inspiration and pure joy.

    As soon as I plan my trip to France next year I will make sure that I come past to visit!! 🙂

    Best wishes to you, your family and your beloved Terriers,
    Matanna Katz
    (Your biggest South African fan!)

    1. Oh Matannna! Thank you for such a wonderful comment – I am so touched! It brings me such joy to be able to share our passions, from cooking, discovering a new life and living a life filled with love. We should all pursue our dreams no matter what! I hope you will come visit Médoc one day! Mimi x

  214. Well, thats exciting. Congratulations on all your new additions. Everyone dreams, but it is a very special thing when the dreams get realized and you are able to be fully immersed and living your life. I am excited for you. We are counting down the days until we are in your area. 57 to be exact.

    1. Bonjour Rachel! We certainly have a mountain to climb, such an exciting one. I am so happy to hear you will be visiting our region so soon – let the countdown begin! Mimi x

  215. This is exactly the excuse that I need to come back to France. I will be the happiest of patrons in your restaurant and would be beyond delighted to take you class! Very excited! Congratulations!

  216. This looks so (x 1000) lovely, congratulations! Even just from reading your blog it seems like such a natural progression for you… Have fun with many upcoming adventures ! Hopefully I can also one day eat at your restaurant!

  217. Bonjour Mimi!
    How exciting for you and your family. I may be in France this fall and would love the opportunity to stage in your Bistrot.
    Please let me know if this is possible.
    Id love to share with you some pics of my upcoming cookbook.
    Merci!
    Patrick

  218. Hello Mimi! I’m so happy for you and your family’s new adventures! I hope some day I can visit you and experience the magic for myself. All my best, Maureen McKean
    p.s.: I’m going to follow your husband’s instructions regarding the music;)….

  219. Hello Mimi,

    Very first writing a comment to you. I guess I was a bit afraid.My name is Linda from China married an American man and we have a son. me and my family including mum and Dad have been talking about taking a trip to France next year some time.When your restaurant opens, me and my family would love to go tasting your beautiful delicious food and hang around there for a bit while.It’s a such a beautiful place.BTW I found that song you mentioned in your blog and listening to it while I am writing this. comment. Will your restaurant be opened in the summer next year? and will be a mini hotel too?So looking to forward to your dream coming true very soon!

    1. Hi Linda! Thanks so much for saying hi! I am so happy to hear you will be touring around France for your next holidays, make sure to visit Médoc 🙂 I will definitely be operational next summer. As soon as I have all the info, I will let you know! Merci! Mimi x

  220. Once again your beautiful posts are a feast for the eyes! Congratulations on all of the new adventures that you will soon be embarking upon! That is all so exciting and I hope to visit and enjoy your gorgeous food! By the way the Jimmy Fontana song is lovely – but not after 12 times! What a beautiful duo you and Oddur make with your cooking and his amazing photography. You make the pages come alive and make my mouth water! Bon Appetit!

    1. Merci Leah! Thankfully I got a bit of a break from that song 🙂 However last night, Oddur managed to play it again 6 times in the row in the car… 🙂 Thanks for all your kind words – we can’t wait to make it all happen! Mimix

  221. Mimi, it is a gorgeous house! Congratulations! Cannot wait to see the after and your new kitchen. It is so exciting, even for me, just seeing it on my computer screen 🙂 I can imaging how wonderful it feels for you and your family.
    All the best,
    Irina

  222. Congratulations! This is certainly another exciting chapter in your lives. I wish you all the best.

    I would definitely consider going to France specifically to visit your place. I’ve already told my husband that on our next European trip, it’s a compulsory stop!

    1. Bonjour Monica! This is al very exciting – there are so many chapters to unfold, filled with little surprises along the way. So happy you have added Médoc to your travel list – see you soon! 🙂 Mimi x

  223. I’m positively green with envy…new baby, gorgeous children, fabulous new home, exciting new career, not to mention talented photographer husband. How do you find time to live so much?

    Hearty congratulations to you Mimi, and your lovely family!

    1. Thank you so much – I believe that if you do something with passion, everything is unlimited! We are so determined to make everything happen in good time – I hope you’ll drop by one day! Mimi x

  224. Bravo! We adore your blog and look forward to meeting one day in your new maison!

    You are an absolute inspiration! Perhaps your husband can offer photography workshops as well & adventures for the kids!

    Warm regards from Miami Beach.

    1. Thank you so much Jessica! Once we are all set up, I would love to offer various workshops, even old-fashioned sewing classes for kids! Hope to meet you one day 🙂 Mimi x

  225. What a fantastic idea! Love to visit your beautiful place & surroundings, all the way from Stockholm.
    Have a nice weekend now!

  226. Congratulations and best of luck, Mimi! I hope you will always find the time to keep writing. And I hope soon to know whether your food is as delicious 🙂

  227. Hooray for you and your family! I have recently moved to France so I have been so much inspired by your recipes. What inspires me most is you and your family’s passion. Your readers can genuinely sense your sincere love for your family, your dogs, your locale, photography etc! And now, we get the chance to share a little with you! Exciting !

  228. Mimi,

    Congratulations on your exciting journey! I have been inspired and delighted by your words, pictures, and recipes for some time now and am so thrilled for you and this new chapter in your life. Now, one of my dreams is to travel to your part of the globe and experience this incredible dream of yours as a reality! Looking forward……xo

  229. Oh my goodness. So many cheers and congratulations all the way from Finland to Médoc! I’m so excited for you and your whole family! I would love to enjoy a dinner at your very own bistro or, even better, attend a workshop and learn from you. You are amazing, Mimi! You truly are.

    xo, Sini

  230. Ahhh Mimi. Your posts always take me away…when I finish reading, I feel more hopeful…left in a dreamy state of wonder and inspiration. And for that I thank you.

    I thought you might like to know that as I wrote you, I am listening to ‘La mia seranata’. It is a very nice melody and compliments your post quite well.

    My dream is to visit France one day. And when I do, your restaurant will be a sure stop. I cannot wait to hear more about it…to see it and dream about it. What a beautiful home. Haunting how perfect it is for you. I am so excited.

    ~Tammy

  231. My dear Mimi, you’re such inspiration, you can’t imagine how much your writing, photos, cooking means to my new life in France. I fell in love with a beautiful Frenchman and left everything and moved to France, although this has been a beautiful experience sometimes I find myself a little lost in cheese land, however, I know this is part of the journey and I wouldn’t have it any other way, you are part of that inspiration that is helping me to find myself, I recently started my blog to document my life here and your experiences serve me as inspiration to keep working on my writing, to find my voice, to continue photographing and to learn French cooking and incorporate my Ecuadorian roots into my cooking, I thank you for that, gracias por todo Guapa 🙂

  232. Mimi~ What a wonderful adventure! I look forward to visiting your bistrot and atellier. That will be MY wonderful adventure. Bonne chance!

  233. I hope you will be open in september as I’m from Medoc but live far away… but I will visit in september and I hope to come in your restaurant. I shared your link on facebook for all my “medocains”‘s friend to come and make your dream come a sucess!

    1. Bonjour fellow Médocaine 🙂 Thanks so much for saying hi! I don’t think the table d’hôte will be open this fall, but I am planning to start a few ateliers de cuisine in the fall! Hope to meet you! Mimi x

  234. I was so incredibly moved by this wonderful news. From my heart to yours, the very best of luck! Your enthusiasm and passion rubs off on everyone who reads your blog. We all need a push to follow our heart and our dream. When you are old you certainly will not regret for the things you did not get done.

    Much love from Norway ~ Aina

    1. Oh thank you so so much! This post has been so touching, mainly because of everyone’s kindness – I can’t believe how lucky I am to receive such warm wishes from everyone! Merci! Mimix

  235. I’ll fly from Oporto just to taste your food! It will be awsome to finally “taste” the best blog ever!
    It’s so exiting to make meaningfull things happen 🙂 This is my current project:
    http://www.ervas-e-pedras.pt

    Best of luck, and congratulations for the lovely family, house, food and spirit!

  236. What exciting news! My friends and I love reading your recipes and stories and will definitely want to come and visit from London. Do you know how many rooms you will have? Please, please keep us updated on the project and process! What an adventure. Best wishes. Kelley

    1. Thank so much Kelley! So touched by your kind words. The plan is to have about 4 to five rooms for those who participate in the workshop – sort of a workshop and board concept. Meals will be obviously included bien sûr 🙂 As soon as we have better dates etc, I will be posting them on the blog 🙂 Mimi x

  237. OMG this is MY dream coming true: being able to taste your cooking!! 😉
    So much all at once, baby, moving house, opening a restaurant… fair play to you, I wish you all the best in all your projects, and you can already count me and my family as regulars!!

  238. This sounds absolutely amazing. I will follow the blog and when your cooking workshop opens we will come and sip rose and cook.

  239. Greetings from Singapore!

    I love all of your posts and have been a regular!!
    Oh my god! I share the same dreams as yours except that you are already almost accomplishing most of them.
    Congratulations on everything.
    I hope one day I am able to visit France and pay you a visit.

  240. Dear Mimi!

    Congratulations on all – beautiful girl, new home and wonderful plans. I am sure we wont be alone and can promise you that at least my husband and I will come down to your bistro from Paris as soon as you open! And if the food will be half as good as the one you make for your beautiful family – you will have too many guests!!!

    Looking forward to all your plans coming true!!!

    Sincerely,
    Tanya

  241. Dear Mimi,
    I never posted a comment here, as i am a very shy person, but everything i just read is too much love, too much wonderful things, i felt like i HAD to send you my warmest congrats and wishes for all of this. It is strange to write to someone who doesn’t know anything about you while i feel, that even if i don’t “know” you, i can feel quite strongly the “scent” you manage to give to your life, and your family’s one.
    And this house seems to have exactly this scent, this “douce odeur”.
    I can’t wait to come visit you in your bistrot and taste your dishes and glorious food.
    I would love to participate in the workshops too, if there is a list could you put me in it ? (me email is attached)
    I lived a long time in Bordeaux, (now i am in Paris) and i was working, among other things, with food there (a long time at la Tupina, and then organizing a lot of “Banquets” for museums and other things), i think we’ll have a lot to talk about if we meet one day ! And maybe my Parson Terrier, Yvette, will have some philosophic matters to discuss with your lovely Terrier tribe ! 😉
    All the best, colorful, joyful, wishes to you and you family. And a very soft, like scent of roses, welcome to Audrey May.
    Belle et brillante journée à toi, Mimi !
    Noémi

    PS : if you go to Marché des Capucins in Bordeaux, ask for Monsieur Lherme, and buy him some of the big tomatoes – they are the best in the world.

  242. Dear Mimi,

    I stumbled upon your blog while browsing food blogs from my sunny bedroom in a seaside town in Australia. Next year I’m moving to France for a year of university study in Lyon. Beautiful food and beautiful places are two of my biggest loves, and I would absolutely adore coming to visit your château for some delicious food and ateliers. If you open at any time next year, please count me in – I’ve attached my email with this message and would love to hear from you any time! I’ll definitely keep an eye on your blog in the mean time and hope to be visiting your restaurant in 2015!

    Best wishes to you and your beautiful family,

    Tessa

  243. Mimi, this might be your dream come true, but it is also mine! I hope you open your restaurant soon so that I may have the pleasure of visiting it. I can’t understand how lovely your life is. I really can’t. You are beautiful, a talented chef, a fantastic writer with a great for the little details that make people and places interesting, you have this whole team of fabulous children in the beautiful French countryside, and you speak multiple languages without even trying. And what’s more, you have this talented, loving and artistic husband who plays Jimmy Fontana while he edits photos of you and your gorgeous family! Are there a team of nannies and assistants in the background that we don’t see in the photos? How can this be true? I live in Manhattan and often here women my age repeat the annoying phrase, “you have just as many hours in a day as Beyoncé.” I know that she *does* have a team of assistants to help her, but with or without them, I am far more impressed by your accomplishments, and more shamed by them. When my apartment looks uncharming or, worse, our dinner does, I think, “and yet I have the same number of hours in the day as Mimi. How does she do it?” You, your family and your lifestyle continue to be the most fantastic inspiration. And tell your husband he is right–the only way to listen to La Mia Serenata is en boucle 🙂 I just listened to it that way this morning on my way to work in the subway, following a Caetano Veloso song which I listened to in the same way. Thank you for your lovely everything et bonne nuit!

    1. Bonjour Sara! So lovely to hear from you! I can’t tell you how touched I am by your kind words! My husband and I have always aspired to live our dream – a life filled with kids, happiness, dogs, food… freedom. We certainly took the scenic route to life. To answer your question, I do not have nannies or assistants. I do have the wonderful help of my in-laws, who come and visit regularly. And of course, Oddur helps out a lot. I often think there aren’t enough hours in a day, but the best trick is to be organised, especially when we work from home. Raising a big family comes naturally to me – even though I was an only child, I have always dreamt of la grande famille! When I was in living in Hong Kong in my younger days, I had a career in television, but after my working hours I also volunteered at “Mother’s Choice”, a wonderful non-profit organization offering support to children and mothers in need of care. I was in the orphanage department, taking care of babies and toddlers – the cutest in the world. It was always in me to take care of others 🙂 So glad to hear you enjoyed La Mia Seranata, listening ‘en boucle’ is the only way – Oddur will be happy to hear 🙂 Bonne journée, Mimi x

  244. Mimi, what a lovely place you have found! Reading your blog, seeing those wonderful pictures, brings also back memories of my time as a au-pair at Salleboeuf near Bordeaux ( ages ago really..) Your upcoming workshop, sounds like a really perfect gift for my 50th birthday ( june 2015) so I’ll have my answer ready if i’m being asked what is on my wishlist 🙂 It would only be more perfect if there would also be a photographer’s workshop as well ! Any chance Oddur ?!

  245. I am now listening to ‘la Mia Serenata’ as I catch up on reading your beautifully inspired posts. What a beautiful house you have found. I hope to someday visit from Los Angeles and experience your delicious restaurant. XoXo

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