Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Personally, I love experiences as gifts. My man has bought me all manner of classes and courses as gifts to feed my love for learning. Last Christmas, he bought me a cooking class at the charming restaurant La Petit Maison du Cucuron. Chef Eric …

In April, La Tuiliere B&B in Cadenet will become a flurry of foodie activity as photographers, stylists and chefs descend on this typically quiet country inn. The powerhouse team of Denise Vivaldo, Cindie Flannigan, Christina Peters and Tasha Powell have developed a 5-day workshop that runs from April 12 to …

Contributor blog post by Julie Mautner:  Are you still looking for that special present for the foodie in your life?  Julie has the answer: Denise Vivaldo and Cindie Flannigan, authors of the The Food Stylist’s Handbook, have joined forces with food photographer Christina Peters, food stylist Tasha Powell and chef Saša Asanović to present a workshop on …

Contributor blog post by Julie Mautner: To celebrate a birthday this winter, my friend Susan invited a couple lucky friends to join her for a few days in Paris. One of the highlights of our fantastic weekend was an evening at Cook’n with Class, the popular French cooking school in Montmartre. …Continue …

By Krista Bender It is hard to believe that this is my last day at Chanteduc, with Patricia and all of these fabulous women. I must say it has been a truly remarkable experience that will remain unforgettable in my memory. Today it was raining and what better way to …

By Krista Bender Today up at the farmhouse was home made pizza day. Now when I say homemade, I mean everything. Home made dough, homemade sauce, homemade pesto, homemade sausage and even homemade pickled capers. Best pizza I have tasted in Europe! Including in Italy… Sorry Italians:) This was so …

By Krista Bender Ok. If there was heaven on earth this is my slice of it. Today we arrived at the Chateau at 10 am. We took a tour of the property. Acres of land. Beautiful majestic land. Patricia told us she starts her day by jumping in the pool …

Epicureanism evolved as a philosophy from the teachings of Epicurus who lived around 307 BC. The Epicurean view included friendship and living a virtuous and temperate life. What are some ways to lead a simple life? We love the idea of enjoying food, specifically food from our gardens. Learn more about Epicurus …

By Krista Bender   I just had a 5 course meal over four hours of wonderful conversation in this setting. I don’t know what could top my “happy place” than that! I pulled up to this Chateau which was set steep on the hillside. I was immediately taken with the …

A little while ago I enjoyed a glass or two of local wine with Sarah Pernot, a fellow Brit and founder of Discover Provence; a tour company offering authentic trips around the region.   Sarah suggested I come on one of her newer trips, a Provencal cooking experience, to the …