The feeling of
October
I just wrote my September letter and here I am again, sitting in front of a blank page, wondering where the time has gone, as it is already the 1st of October. September passed in the blink of an eye. It rushed by like one of those speed trains in Japan — the kind that leaves your hair flying and makes you wonder whether it was truly a train you just saw. This September, my third one in Lyon, has been much colder than the previous ones. It felt as though, in a single day, someone pulled a lever and switched off summer at +30, replacing it with autumn at +16. Luckily, the sun switch is still on — and will most probably remain so, as that is how the weather tends to be here on this side of France.
I must say, September was generous. One podcast interview, one magazine cover and main feature, one unforgettable French cooking weekend at Latvia’s most beautiful manor — Rūmene Manor. Many days spent with my elder daughter, which is truly priceless, especially as she no longer lives with me, and every moment together feels like it is gilded.
Some say there is no need to look back, that looking forward is the only way to live. Yes and no. I do like to look back at all the good things, but it’s also true that today — and the near future — is what really counts. That’s what wakes us up, pushes us to act, and keeps the engine running. And I am no exception. So here comes October, welcomed with open arms at my desk and in my life. This month brings my Paris trip with three wonderful ladies, my three-day cooking weekend in Pommard, preparations for a dinner I’ll be cooking in Burgundy in November, a masterclass in the Alps, and another French cooking weekend in Latvia. And, if the gods are kind, there will be many more things to come. Recipes, videos, and announcements you’ll want to follow.
Make
The French dream
Four masterclasses, six meals in three different settings – and not just that: a wine tasting, the art of floral table arrangements, and moments of meditation. We had it all. But most of all, we cooked, baked, ate, drank, learnt, laughed, smiled and wandered (many took the chance to explore not only the park but every room of the manor too).
And although the proof is here, these photos are only glimpses of an unforgettable weekend shared with wonderful people – all eager to chop, mix, scoop, set, taste and even tidy up. The truth is, no number of photographs could capture the feeling we shared, whether in pouring rain, bright sunshine, or on a chilly evening with breakfast served by the fireplace.
For now, I’ll linger a little longer in the memories of a weekend spent in the dreamiest kitchen in Latvia. Discover and book
Travel
October cooking weekend menu
As October approaches, so does the joy of gathering with everyone and cooking these recipes together. Here is the menu for these three days. Discover
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
Featured
EVENT
Cooking weekends. Burgundy and Latvia
April, May, September 2025
