HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. PAGNOL

Posted on February 27, 2016February 28, 2016 by Susan Manfull

The Academy Awards, which I look forward to each year, will be telecast Sunday evening, February 28, and this presents me with a confliction, for February 28 is also the birth date of legendary French filmmaker Marcel Pagnol. Seven years ago, on his anniversary, we had a party in his honor at our home with a group of French friends, all admirers of his work. (Could there be a Frenchman who is not?) Since then, each year on this date, we watch one of his films following dinner. Usually we select...

CELEBRATING MY FRENCH ROOTS: BONNE ANNIVERSAIRE GRAMPI!

Posted on March 12, 2012November 27, 2015 by Susan Manfull

Do you ever wonder why you are drawn to France? If you are reading this, I suspect that France tugs at your heart strings, as it does mine. Do you know why? I trace my affection for France to my grandfather, Grampi, whose birthday we are celebrating today. Born in 1906 in Uxbridge, Ontario, he would have been 106 years old. He died in 1997 and I miss him terribly. To mark his birthday, we are drinking Old Fashioneds in his honor, followed by a dinner of lamb shanks, pilaf, green beans, and a bot...

40 FRENCH EXPRESSIONS WITH “CHAT” FEATURING LES CHATS DU LUBERON

Posted on March 4, 2012January 4, 2016 by Susan Manfull

If you have traveled to France, you may believe that there are more cats there than in any other country. And if you have traveled south, you undoubtedly believe that they all reside in Provence. France is ranked 5th in the list of countries with largest number of domestic cats; but, of course, France is much smaller and less populated that the top four countries (United States, China, Russia, and Brazil). The number of domestic cats in France probably hovers right around 10 million (compared t...

ADAM GOPNIK IS RIGHT: THE TABLE COMES FIRST

Posted on January 1, 2012December 31, 2015 by Susan Manfull

As I write this week’s post, 2011 is about to roll into 2012 and I am reflecting on all the wonderful times I have had around the table this year and in years past. Adam Gopnik’s book does this to you. I highly recommend “The Table Comes First: Family, France, and the Meaning of Food.” I might add that I “listened” to much of the book, which I particularly enjoyed because Mr. Gopnik narrates the audio book himself. Until you can get your hands on the book, I leave you with some of my favorit...