David C. Phillips and I first connected through, of all things, Instagram. I was entering a contest to win a poster of his photographs, and I was supposed to say "why" I should win the poster. I mentioned my new book and that I loved photography, France, and the combination of the two. We became ... Read More about Book Review by David C. Phillips
The Blog
Finding the French in your Community: The Arbor, Salem, Oregon
The Arbor is one of the cutest shops in downtown Salem, Oregon. Whether you’re looking for decorations for your own home, a gift for a friend, or are just poking around on a Saturday, you will love what The Arbor has to offer. Owners Marni Redding and Michelle Miller have been running this shop ... Read More about Finding the French in your Community: The Arbor, Salem, Oregon
Finding the French in Your Community: Le Pâtissier, Corvallis, Oregon
There’s nothing like walking into a bakery and smelling the fresh pastries. Just the thought of a croissant’s buttery flakiness makes my mouth water! This is the exact experience you will have upon entering Le Pâtissier in Corvallis, Oregon. Le Pâtissier (pronounced pa-tee-see-ay) actually ... Read More about Finding the French in Your Community: Le Pâtissier, Corvallis, Oregon
Le Chocolat
Is there any better way to say, “I Love You” than with chocolate? These amazingly delicious fondants au chocolat, or chocolate molten lava cakes, are a decadent way to share something special with someone you love. I learned to make these in the South of France at Makenna Held’s ... Read More about Le Chocolat
Let Them Eat Cake!
This infamous, though likely apocryphal, line is attributed to Marie Antoinette. It does make you want a slice of cake, or a bite-sized petit four, or an almondy financier. A petit four literally means “little oven,” and is an exquisitely decorated tiny bite of cake with frosting. Pronounced ... Read More about Let Them Eat Cake!
