Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Revisited

I first heard about Bruno Borie from an English gentlemen who had invited me for a cup of coffee in Pauillac. A wine merchant who was visiting Médoc and wanted to explore the possibilities of working together on a project. It was close to noon and as we discussed his trip, people he had met, wine he had tried, he leaned over and admitted that … Continue reading Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Revisited

The sleeping lion & my grandmother’s soup

More than anything this is the story of a soup. But it has other characters. A sleeping lion, a few roses stubbornly refusing to go to bed, delicious quails, beautiful pears, a curious château and, of course, a dog. Let me take you back to last Sunday evening. It was cold and grey and humid. The kids were taking their baths and preparing their schoolbags … Continue reading The sleeping lion & my grandmother’s soup

Duck burger & cherry clafoutis

It’s officially the summer holidays in Médoc.  We’ve been longing for hot sunny days, sun-kissed hues and al fresco meals everyday.  The feeling is free and easy,  I am happily compiling the recipes for my book, writing away under my favourite trees.  My office is very simple. I usually place a table under a tree, where the gentle breeze makes me feel cool and inspired. … Continue reading Duck burger & cherry clafoutis

Eggs, Beans & my Birthday

The sails go round with a heavy swing As the wild wind plays on the hill; And the corn is crushed, and the flour is ground Right merrily at the mill. March 30th, Birthday Book for Children , Kate Greenaway I couldn’t resist sharing this extract from Kate Greenaway’s ‘Birthday book for children’.  It’s impossible not to flick through the wonderfully illustrated pages filled with … Continue reading Eggs, Beans & my Birthday

Roses & Oysters

I wanted to cook a special Valentine’s day menu, filled with some of the favourite flavors I’ve shared with my husband a few romantic meals ago.  I’ve always felt a link with Saint-Valentine, perhaps because my middle name is actually Valentine.  My full name is Marie-France Valentine Thorisson, sounds very old-fashioned to say the least!  That’s why everybody calls me Mimi. Yesterday morning, despite the … Continue reading Roses & Oysters

Here’s to the days ahead

To feast on fine delicacies, drink champagne and be merry – that’s how I want my end of year dinner to be. New year’s eve is the perfect time to shine, looking back on the year, starting a new fresh one with a few good (I hope!) resolutions. I especially love week-end family lunches. Everyone’s appetite is more enthusiastic, spending hours at the table if … Continue reading Here’s to the days ahead

A French Thanksgiving in Médoc

After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relatives. Oscar Wilde My family and I are from all over. My mother is French, my father Chinese, my husband is Icelandic and a quarter German, my grandfather was Polish… Une famille bien mélangée as one would say. French is the main language at home, but so is English, followed by Icelandic and Chinese … Continue reading A French Thanksgiving in Médoc