le Minervois

Le Minervois. Where I live.

It is a region of breathtaking natural beauty, superb wine and history so old I can hardly get my head around it. 
And I admit that I sometimes take it for granted.
When I was recently offered an opportunity to move up north to Normandy, it forced me to look around the Minervois and see it with fresh eyes.

Right now the almond trees are covered in fluffy, white flowers and little leaves are starting to sprout on the fig trees. Soon, boats will be gliding down the Canal du Midi and the seasonal restaurants will open their doors.
The vignerons are busy tending their vines and our neighbors have thrown open their windows to let the fresh air inside. The café terraces are filling up as the weather slowly gets warmer and rosé is replacing red as the preferred apéritif. 

Yes, life is good here. Pin It

Photo du Jour - Spring

The rosemary is in bloom and the village bees are keeping busy. Pin It

Sunday Links

I've said it before and I'll say it again: If you go to New Orleans, you must try Cochon and Cochon Butcher.

An homage to a certain French fromage.

Sandal weather is almost here. Guess I better give myself a pedicure.

A million thanks to Lindsey for introducing me to the brilliantly colorful life of Will Taylor. I'm inspired!

Why didn't somebody think of this sooner?

A perfectly frothy cappuccino available morning, noon and night? I don't care how much it is frowned upon after 11am...  As Eleonora says, "screw the etiquette." Pin It

La Fête du Fromage - Le Coup de Corne

In my humble opinion, any French cheese producer who has the imagination and whimsy to make a cheese in the unusual shape of a long triangle with a hole punched into one end deserves our attention. Especially when said cheese tastes like a dream.

Le Coup de Corne reminds me of a soft, velvety smooth, light Camembert. Its flavor is sophisticated and full of yeast and mushrooms, and by the second bite both my husband and I decided that this has to be one of the best French cheeses that we've ever tasted.

It is produced on a small farm in the Lauragais, La Ferme de Cabriole, who also make the distinctive looking and delicious goat cheese, Cathare.
Le Coup de Corne is their most recent creation, made from unpasteurized cow's milk. The farm is now producing quite a range of cheeses, and if these two are any indication of their passion and skill as cheesemakers, then I can't wait to try them all!

A glass of cold rosé or a light red would be a good wine match. Pin It

Photo du Jour - Bucolic

bu·col·ic [byoo-kol-ik]

– adjective Also, bu·col·i·cal.
1. of or pertaining to shepherds; pastoral.
2. of, pertaining to, or suggesting an idyllic rural life.

– noun
3. a pastoral poem.
4. Archaic . a farmer; shepherd; rustic. Pin It

Photo du Jour - Nord de France

In Normandy for a few days in the picture postcard perfect village of Lyons-la-Fôret. Pin It

Photo du Jour - Sud de France

The pouring rain, swollen rivers and flooded roads that welcomed me home Tuesday afternoon have subsided and the familiar south of France sun is slowly peeking through the clouds.

And thankfully the jet lag induced fog in my brain is clearing as well. Pin It

Photo du Jour - Gumbo

A big bowl of Gumbo at the Acme Oyster House.


My gumbo recipe. Pin It

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Happy Mardi Gras! Pin It

Feeling Right At Home

If you've been reading this blog for a while then you know how much I love painted shutters and doors. And how inspired I am by the colors of France.

There are many, many reasons why I love New Orleans so much. Wandering through the French Quarter is one of them. This unique place always makes me feel right at home.

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