My background may help you understand the name of this site and place my personal transformation into perspective. I was born and raised in France 50+ years ago. Both my parents were poor during their childhood. Through hard work they rose to a comfortable middle class status and with affluence camegood food and wine on our table. By “good” I mean tasty food. In France food plays a pivotal role in family gatherings and in our traditional cuisine meat and animal produce are commonplace. From pre-dinner finger food (e.g. “charcuterie”), entrees (e.g. filled eggs, pâté, broth) through to main courses (e.g. coq au fin, cassoulet, quiche Lorraine, steak frites). Veggies are traditionally more side dishes than centerpiece.

Having now lived three decades in the Netherlands and having espoused the Dutch way of life, I am more detached from those French traditions. And I definitely have an open mind for other kinds of cuisines. As long as food tastes good I love eating! Nevertheless, call it my “madeleine de Proust” some of my best memories are associated to beautiful combinations like shallots in vinegar accompanying a fresh salad, or the smell of garlic warming up in a pan.

Summing up, in this blog “French Food” stands for enjoying life by enjoying what you eat.