In France, it’s notoriously challenging to switch careers. After all, you’re supposed to know as an adolescent precisely what you want to do for the rest of your life. Makes sense, right? But there are exceptions and perhaps the best example is Clotilde Dusoulier who bucked the French penchant for pigeon-holing when she went from computer software engineer to published food author.
Her passion for food and cooking was borne not from her experiences growing up in France as one might assume but from her time in San Francisco, where she discovered the versatility and freshness of California produce. Fast forward ten years – after she created an award-winning blog, authored several books and had her first child – and Clotilde is embarking on an exciting new culinary adventure with her freshly-released recipe book The French Market Cookbook. It’s truly an honor for me to be able to welcome her into this series!
Describe what you love about France in three words.Home. Color. Irony.
Favorite place to take visitors in France?
Wherever you are, I feel the green market is the best way to get acquainted with an area: you get a chance to observe the crowd, take a look at what grows locally, and what specialties are showcased at the various stalls.
The most memorable culinary experience you’ve had in Paris?
It’s hard to name just one, but I once cooked with Nicolas Vagnon, the chef who used to run the restaurant La Table de Lucullus in the 17th before he moved on to other pursuits. He was crazy talented and very intuitive, and being in the kitchen with him was like watching a wizard at work.
Best spot to go with kids?
I love Le Poussette Café in the 9th arrondissement. I went there every week when my son Milan was born, and it’s a wonderfully welcoming place for young parents.
Something most people overlook when they visit France?Most people look for the “postcard Paris” when they come here, and I certainly understand the impulse. But the city is much more cosmopolitan than that, and it’s great to explore less obvious neighborhoods such as the Faubourg Saint-Denis or Belleville, to get a sense of what the city’s really like.
WIN A COPY OF ‘THE FRENCH MARKET COOKBOOK’!
To enter:1/ Leave a comment below with your favorite vegetarian dish.2/ Like Lost In Cheeseland on Facebook — EXTRA ENTRY 3/ Like Clotilde on Facebook — EXTRA ENTRY
You will receive one entry for each action (please leave a comment per action). Entries must be posted by Thursday, July 11th to qualify. The winner will be drawn randomly and announced here on Friday, July 12th!
**Update: Congratulations to Candace who will receive a copy of ‘The French Market Cookbook’! I’ll be in touch soon. Thanks for playing, everyone!
***Follow Clotilde: Blog: Chocolate & Zucchini Facebook: Chocolate & ZucchiniTwitter: @ClotildeNet
