Psssst!For an up-to-date peek at my adventures, visit my Instagram gallery! And sign up for my email missive to learn about upcoming trips and special chocolate offerings.
I am a writer/journalist, a cook, a lover of good wine, a pastry chef, a chocolate maker , a former cheese-maker and goat herder, & for most of my adult life, a culinary & wine tour guide. For over 30 years I’ve lived a life split between two continents and as many worlds. While my children were small I offered cooking classes and culinary tours alongside my children's father out of our home in Arles, and later from my home in Avignon. Raising my sons in Provence I chose a profession that allowed me to meet artisans of every sort, stumbling upon jewels, magical places, marvelous friends, and the simple joys of sharing meals, learning and conversation.
I took a hiatus in 2012 to start a goat farm in Upper Michigan and give my French sons a touch of American life. Now, I am returning to my passions: writing and exploring the bounty of foods and artisans in my two homes of Provence and the North woods of Michigan. I encourage you to consider my exclusive, small group and private Provence tours, designed to explore and relish the special places, foods and people of the region.
Should the interest strike you, my blog, An American in Avignon, is filled with stories of my adventures and Provence life. You might also check out my articles in Edible Grande Traverse, Michigan Uncorked and The American Wine Journal on Northern Michigan wineries, breweries, chefs, cooking with honey, and food insecurity. I've translated a couple of cookbooks from French to English: Recipes from Provence and Recipes from the Aveyron.
During the turbulent Pandemic year of 2020-2021 I honed my chocolate and confection skills. I now offer a range of flavors and will ship throughout the United States during the winter holidays and for Mother’s Day. As time permits, I am present at my local market in Bellaire, Michigan and deliver to Traverse City. Check out my Chocolate page.
