To believe that French cooking must be rich means that somewhere in one's gastronomical adventures the essence of la vraie cuisine française has been missed.

Mama had relatives in St. Louis. Family rumor was they had moved there with the invention of beer.

GRAMP used to say he'd done everything in life twice. But even he wasn't a cordon bleu. He didn't come right out and say it, but if you cornered him and asked, he'd have to admit it....

Easter ahead. Everything points to it. The winds soft; the roots are stirring. Plan now to bring the golden foods to the table.

To French gourmets September is the month of la renaissance culinaire and let no one tell you that connoisseurs don't look forward to this gastronomic awakening.

Blustering, warm-hearted November is a superior month in which to be thankful.

Rejoice, the berries have come! A sigh for one that has gone—the strawberry of firm red flesh, the most delicious berry of them all.

Visitors are less usual in this nostalgic Province, despite its simple and exquisite cooking.