At the Market with Chef Kathy

Enjoying a sunny fall morning at the Sanary-sur-Mer market.

I’ve found that one of the nicest things about blogging is the chance to connect with people from around the world. Well, there’s that and the opportunity to sample, taste, and purchase a sizable amount of foodstuffs all in the name of “investigative research”.

'Tis the season to sample these colorful girolles.

So given my affinity for the 3 F’s : Friends, Food, & France, it was a bit like Christmas in October (without the frostbiting Mistral-wind no less) when we were fortunate enough to host Kathy Ayer for a few days this past week.

Kathy selecting mushrooms for our evening meal.

Now, if you’re not familiar with the wonderfulness that is Kathy’s website, you might want to grab a quick bite before you click-over to Food Lover’s Odyssey.

On the hunt for a few local favorites: olives pimentées.

I’ve been following Kathy’s blog (which features all that’s great & delicious in the world of Italian & French food) for the past two years, and I learned quickly to have at least a hunk of cheese at the ready before delving into her posts. Let’s just say the photos are stunning & the writing has me wishing I had enough euros to live half the year in Italy & the other half in France. I mean Kathy’s articles range from the Art of Making Pasta by Hand to a Food Lovers’ Walk in Paris …

Say no more, I’m in… All in.

Choice Provençal spreads & potent garlic confit.

If you can’t tell by now, I love Kathy’s site. And what I love even more is Kathy’s vibrant, upbeat spirit and her skills in the kitchen. We were very lucky to have an entrée prepared by Kathy with, among others, a few ingredients picked up at the Sanary-sur-Mer market this Saturday morning.

Girolles with Madeira sauce & poached eggs.

All I can say is that we extend a very big merci beaucoup to talented chef Kathy and we’re richer (albeit a tad heavier) for having met her this week.

To read more about Kathy’s culinary adventures, you can also find her articles on the Travel Belles or follow her on Twitter at @foodloverkathy.

Marianne

What a wonderful visit – I can’t think of anything that would be more fun …… markets in Provence …. friends …. food ….. heaven!
http://www.sablethouse.blogspot.com Michel

It is always fun for me to hang around with a fellow foodie and talk food, wine and cooking. And the chance to go shopping in a Provencal market would be just the topper. I have signed up for Kathy’s blog; French and Italian food, always my favorites.
http://twitter.com/foodloverkathy Food Lover’s Odyssey

Tuula, What a very sweet post. It was also an awesome visit for me, too. I had a fabulous time seeing Provence with you and looking forward to doing it again! Also, I couldn’t agree more about those benefits of blogging – meeting fellow bloggers and eating in the name of “research.” I hope to see you soon, whether in France, Italy or maybe even the Napa Valley.
Anonymous

I’m glad you liked the post Kathy – we miss you already Plus, we just finished off the last of the Puyricard chocolates, so a return visit is definitely in order, lol!
Anonymous

So true Michel. I remember your post about meeting up with fellow blogger friends – what a great opportunity and it’s a real treat to share the South of France with like-minded (foodie) folks. Appreciate your comment.
Anonymous

Lol Kenya, but you’re totally right… we were very lucky, Kathy is amazing. But you probably got that from her site I hope we can bribe her with wine, cheese, and/or chocolates so we can host her again when you visit – would be great!
Anonymous

Thanks for your comment Jen! It was really great to have Kathy here & also to share a little bit of the region with her. I do feel very fortunate to live here … and I hope to take advantage of it as much as I can All of France is so gorgeous! Glad you love Food Lover’s Odyssey too – tons of great stuff on there
Anonymous

Thanks Marianne It was great – especially going to the market. Love to see it all through others’ eyes… feels like I just moved here all over again!
http://www.ramblingtart.com/ Krista

I’m so glad you were able to meet up with Kathy!! I know she was really looking forward to seeing you and I love seeing these pics.
Anonymous

Thanks Krista… we were only missing you here! I hope next time we all get to meet up, that would be a blast… Happy to hear things are going well for you “down under”
Anonymous

Next time we’ve got to get you in on the fun Corinne… 2012? Can promise you lots of champagne merci for your comment!