While it’s increasingly common to see people in Paris eating on-the-go or even skipping meals in the face of work and other obligations, the beloved sit-down feast remains a mainstay of daily life in the rest of France. When we took my in-laws on their first trip to the States last summer, they couldn’t bear the thought that munching on a sandwich while exploring the city could be considered a proper lunch. At the very least, that sandwich would require additional picnic provisions (including dessert) and a lengthy pause in the park. And while this steadfast need to sit down and diligently savor every meal can seem excessive to the young or unfamiliar, it’s one of the things I appreciate most about the French.
French expat in Boston Béatrice Peltre has done an extraordinary job assimilating her own food traditions from childhood in the French countryside– never missing lunch, for one – into what has been a very American life for the last 14 years. Professional food stylist, writer, photographer and author of the award-winning food blog La Tartine Gourmande, Béa has attracted a loyal following not only for her stunning photos and recipes but for the personal stories she weaves beautifully around each dish. Her first book, La Tartine Gourmande: Recipes for an Inspired Life, where fresh, seasonal ingredients are paramount, is more than just a cookbook; it is a real celebration of food as a catalyst for creating our most treasured memories as well as a window into Béatrice’s life from France to America (with a few stops in between).
Today, she shares a few lessons from both of the places she calls home.
Describe what you love about France in three words.
Earthy, Taste, “Joie-de-vivre”
Your sweetest memory from your hometown?
I have so many. The fact that there’s a strong sense of community in the village (a small one in the northeastern part of France), with everyone knowing about each other and their respective families. I left over 15 years ago and whenever I visit, people still say hello as if they had seen me yesterday. The fact that it’s in the middle of pure and beautiful countryside with cows and sheep and apple and cherry trees, with numerous fields and forests to go for walks, makes it even sweeter.
Biggest misconception about the French?
The fact that many think that they eat fancy, elaborate meals all the time!
What you miss most from France? Why?
The every day celebration of food. The accessibility to wonderful products on a large scale. Good yogurts and crèmes desserts! The fact that friends stop by without notice. And the fact that the French invite friends to come for a meal more spontaneously. In the US, this spontaneity is sometimes missing. People tend to prefer plans.
Something life in the States has taught you?
To feel good about oneself and build confidence. Americans have a much stronger, positive attitude in life generally speaking. They are doers. They are free-spirited, which really helped me in my journey to find a creative artistic outlet. I was taught to believe I could do it. So I worked hard at it and I did it!
Merci, Béa! A gorgeous, inspiring book of stories and luscious recipes for all cooks and bakers. As soon as I saw the teaser video (above), I knew this was a book I needed in my collection and I’m confident you will feel the same!
I’m thrilled to have a copy to offer to one lucky reader. To enter, share your most treasured food memory in the comments section below. The winner will be selected at random and announced at the bottom of this post on Thursday, May 17. (Please check back to see if you won so I can get in touch with you! If I don’t hear from you within 3 days, a different winner will be selected).
Winner: Congratulations Lisa Higgins! Please email me with your mailing address.
Follow more of Béa’s work:
La Tartine Gourmande
www.beatricepeltre.com/
Twitter: @tartinegourmand
Order a copy of the book!
La Tartine Gourmande
www.beatricepeltre.com/
Twitter: @tartinegourmand
Order a copy of the book!
