The TASTE of
july / august
I can't believe it's already the middle of summer. It's the 14th of July, Bastille Day. Everything is closed. People are celebrating, having barbecues, eating cakes, and simply having the time of their lives because, of course, it's a national holiday here in France. In a way, it also marks the middle of summer. If we look at June, July and August as the three summer months, then today really is the halfway point. Which is kind of sad, but also exciting, because I do love autumn and winter.
After this incredible heatwave that started in June and is still continuing, leaving us no room to actually breathe in and breathe out, it does look as though there might be a little break in about a week's time. But you know how it is—the weather can change, and these days it's one never-ending surprise.
I think it's been a challenge not only for people, but for the crops, the vineyards, the vegetables and the fruit. The season has arrived earlier for some things, and other things have become a little drier. Nevertheless, the markets are still overflowing with produce, with divinely sweet melons and watermelons, and peaches that taste like sweets. We still have everything.
It's just that the streets and the houses are emptier than usual because everybody is trying to escape the heat of the city if they have a house somewhere by a lake, or simply anywhere they can be outside and cool down a little. Sadly, many people think there won't be any real break from the heat until September. I don't know whether that's true or not—we'll just have to wait and see. But whatever happens, there's nothing we can change about it, and we can only continue enjoying our lives. Yes, perhaps in a slightly different way, because hardly anybody bakes or cooks on the hob these days, let alone uses the oven. If you do, you almost have to do it either naked or in a swimming costume, followed immediately by a shower.
So yes, I think everybody's plates have changed from baked, roasted and fried food to simple dishes that require the absolute minimum amount of movement a person can make. But we are creatures who know how to adapt. We are also, in a way, responsible for what is happening, so we must adapt. And I think everybody is adapting rather well — especially when it comes to drinking white wine, rosé and Champagne. Sadly, red wine consumption has most probably gone down a little, but that's all right.
People are still out. Everybody is still running, enjoying life, enjoying good food, having an apéro at home with friends, and simply proving that, no matter what—whether it's cold, hot, mild or somewhere in between—good food and wine will always have a place in French life. And that's one of the most beautiful things I love about France.
RECIPE
Goat cheese, fig and cucumber salad
There's nothing I love more than fig season. I'm lucky enough to live in France, where there's an abundance of figs. Sadly, this year there's still plenty of them, but because of the weather they've been a little drier than usual. Even so, I think figs are the most interesting and versatile fruit there is. They're also the sexiest—succulent, juicy, and they pair beautifully with almost everything. Cheese, of course, but also meat. Perhaps not fish. They work just as well in desserts as they do on a cheeseboard, for breakfast, on toast, or simply in a salad. That's exactly why I love this recipe. The sweetness of the figs, the tang of fresh goat's cheese, and the freshness of cucumber come together so beautifully. And if you happen to have some pistachios, don't skip them. Just a sprinkle on top makes all the difference. Recipe
Travel
Paris addresses. June edition I
After sipping a cappuccino at Nuance Café on Rue Danielle Casanova, and planning to enjoy my bagel from Cody's at Cody's, I instead took it with me to eat in the Jardin du Palais Royal while working on (or rather reducing) my daily plans for my summer Paris tours. With pigeons fighting over the crumbs of my bagel, I left for a soft-serve ice cream at La Combine (tonka, almond and rosemary) and ate it while listening to 90s pop music and the chatter of happy children at the neighbouring table.
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RECIPES
From simple appetisers and dinner dishes to easy-to-make cookies, tarts and more laborious cakes. But, mostly, all French and seasonal. Visit
HOME
From essentials like the softest and best-made duvets and cleaning materials to scents, candles, interior design accessories and all that makes your home the best place to live in. Visit
Drinks
One can pretend that a meal without wine is the best. But one can also be honest and say that it lacks that excitement of discovery. Some may say that coffee is the worst thing ever, exchanging it for tea or a chai latte, while others say that one cup of coffee is such a pleasure that it even times stops. And there is no right or wrong, as long as the product you use is made with respect, love and, preferably, a sustainable approach. Visit
BEAUTY
No matter the beauty rituals we have, we do have some. Some get by with a simple wash with soap. Some need four different products. Some crave an SPA visit every day, and some do not wish for anything annoying to their perfect, natural skin. I like to have a bit of everything, yet, as long as it is natural, clean and makes my mind and body happy. Visit
My latest recipes
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EVENT
Cooking weekends. Burgundy and Latvia
April, May, September 2025
