September 29, 2003
About Chocolate & Zucchini
Chocolate & Zucchini is a blog written by Clotilde Dusoulier, a 24 25 26 27 28-year-old Parisian woman who lives in Montmartre and shares her passion for all things food-related -- thoughts, recipes, musings, cookbook acquisitions, quirky products, nifty tools, restaurant experiences, ideas, and inspirations.
The blog was created in September of 2003 as an outlet for someone who feared her friends might tire of hearing about what she had cooked/eaten/baked/bought, although they didn't seem to have a problem with being fed dinner. One thing led to another, a bit of media attention was received, articles were submitted to and published by newspapers and magazines, a book deal was signed, a dayjob was quit, and a new life as a full-time food writer began.
A few frequently asked questions:
Why Chocolate & Zucchini?
It is a good metaphor for my cooking style: the zucchini illustrates my focus on healthy and natural eating - fresh produce, artisanal products, a preference for organic or natural foods when possible and not outrageously priced. And the chocolate represents my decidedly marked taste for anything sweet in general, and chocolate, glorious chocolate in particular.
Although I didn't initially think about it, I later discovered that the two ingredients can make quite the happy couple, in both sweet and savory recipes.
How do I subscribe to Chocolate & Zucchini?
There are two easy ways, both of them free.
How can I contact you?
You can leave a comment at the end of a particular post if you'd like to add your two cents, or use the contact form about anything else. I do my best to reply to the messages I receive, but sometimes life gets in the way. I apologize in advance if that happens.
Are you French or American?
I am 100% French, born and raised in Paris, but I lived and worked for two years in the San Francisco Bay Area after I graduated from college. It is in California that I started to get interested in food and cooking -- although this may be surprising to some, it really isn't when you know how fresh and varied the food is in that region -- and my cooking is clearly influenced by this experience.
Why do you write in English?
When I first started C&Z, the handful of blogs that existed were mostly in English. And since there is a nice sense of community between bloggers, I naturally wanted the ones whose writing I enjoyed to be able to read mine. I was also coming back from two years in the US, and writing in English was a good way to keep the language alive in me.
Is there a French version of your blog?
Actually, there is! It was started after four years of C&Z so not all the archives are translated, but my ambition is to provide a French version of the recipes plus an abridged intro for all posts starting from the fall of 2007. Posts for which a translation is available are indicated by a little French flag (Reminder, this is what the French flag looks like: 
.) at the bottom of the page.
Aside from that, and for entertainment purposes only, you can read the automatic translation generated by Google. It is hilarious if you're into that sort of humor.
Are you professionally trained?
No, the bulk of my cooking education comes from observing my mother and teaching myself. I did take a one-year weekly class in traditional French cooking (you can read about it here), but my college education was in computer science, and I worked for five years as a software engineer in California and Paris.
Where can I find the Chocolate & Zucchini book?
Why, thanks for asking! My first cookbook was released on May 15, 2007. It is available in an American edition, with cups and spoons measurements, and a British edition, with metric measurements. Translated and adapted versions will follow; a French version will be published by Marabout in early 2008.
I have also written a guidebook to Paris restaurants and food shops called Clotilde's Edible Adventure in Paris
Who takes the pictures on Chocolate & Zucchini?
The pictures on Chocolate & Zucchini are all by me, unless indicated otherwise. The early pictures were taken with a Nikon Coolpix 950, but I now use a Nikon D70
Is there a list of your online recipes somewhere?
Yes, head over to the recipe index, where C&Z recipes are organized by date, name, and category.
How do I find my way around your archives?
You can browse the C&Z archives by date or category (links on the left navigation bar), by picture, or randomly, by clicking on the archive pick, also to the left of the front page.
I don't understand grams and liters and stuff. Can you help?
Most of the recipes on C&Z are published in both the metric and the cup/spoon system, but some of the early ones weren't. You can check the conversion page to clarify those.
I have spotted an offensive comment on your website. What do I do?
This is most likely comment spam, the blog equivalent of the lovely spam you receive in your inbox. I usually catch them quickly, but if I've missed one I would be grateful if you could report it to me by email, telling me which blog entry you've seen it on.
What tool do you use for your blog?
C&Z is powered by Movable Type 3.33; the design is home brewed.
What else?
Visit the C&Z forums to chat with other readers, check out the moblog on which I post pictures taken with my cell phone, subscribe to the monthly newsletter that contains news and a digest of recent entries, use the bloxicon for French-English edible translations, and play around with the plat du jour feature that generates random dish ideas.
Photography above by Maxence Bernard.
Nifty icons (printer, envelope, comment, book, flags, etc.) by Mark James.
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Comments (205)
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French version
| Posted by clotilde in
Interlude
This is such a neat site, Clotilde. The format is beautiful, and the content is superb. Keep it up!!
Val
Posted by Valerie on October 17, 2003 11:04 PMC'est chouette : chaque jour il y a quelque chose de nouveau ! et toujours raconté avec humour. Comme Céline, je me demande comment tu trouves le temps !
Posted by sylvie on October 18, 2003 12:38 PMBisous
Maman
Looking forward to a daily visit Clotilde. I've been reading your site and enjoy it very much. My wife (and baby, 8 months before she was born) and I were in Abos and Dijon last year eating our way happily through the country. I can't speak French but I love the culture. I'm looking forward to perusing the archives of chocolateandzucchini.
Posted by dave on November 11, 2003 3:48 AMDave - thanks for stopping by, I'm happy you enjoy it! I checked out your blog, and must say I am *very* impressed by the bread pics, they're gorgeous!
Posted by clotilde on November 11, 2003 11:42 AMWhat an addictive website! Especially since it is so frankly and playfully obsessed with cuisine, obsession which I share... Of course, chocolate and zucchini, when you come to think of it, really do not fit together for any civilized recipe - could that be called a culinary faux pas? And I am ashamed to recognize I haven't got the slightest idea of what a blog is. But very warm congratulations are deserved for the content and above all the style. Style is the important part, isn't it.
Posted by Pablo on December 21, 2003 2:44 AMHaving my French home next to L'Avant-Goût, allow me to give a hint in the same neighborhood: Les Cailloux is a quite sophisticated, although deceptively homely Italian restaurant, with a friends' atmosphere. And that's almost the only other good restaurant there (except maybe Le Deci, new Swiss-French...)
Bad news for me is I found this site when searching the entire Web for a New York shop offering bergamot scented sweets, I need to buy some... so this means food refinement is definitely on your side of the Atlantic and not the one I stand on at present. Vivement le retour en France!
Encore bravo!
Pablo - Many thanks for your kind comments, they are very much appreciated!
A blog (short for web-log) is a website in the form of a journal, with dated entries regularly posted with thoughts of any kind... In French, the equivalent term invented for the occasion is "joueb" for "journal-web"!
Actually, you'd be surprised to see how many chocolate zucchini bread recipes there are out there! I think in some areas of the US, people have gigantic crops of summer squash in their gardens, and try to use it up any way they can! I really must try one of these recipes some time...
I have tried Les Cailloux once for lunch, and did like it very much, both the food and the atmosphere. I'm making a note to try Le Deci, I'd never heard of it, and will in turn share another recommendation, for the Café Fusion which opened recently on the rue de la Butte aux Cailles. Despite its very trendy name and decor, the food really delivers.
Intrigued as I was by your Bergamot Candy quest, I discovered that this is a specialy from Nancy, and stumbled on the recipe, if you're interested! http://ltrh.free.fr/recettes/bergam.pdf
Posted by clotilde on December 21, 2003 10:42 AMThis is a great site! I shall return again and again.
Currently, my big food passion is Italian food: simple, fresh, delicous, rustic flavors accompanied by perfect wines and the undisputed sovereign of cheeses.
Keep it up.
Cheers,
Posted by scott partee on January 7, 2004 4:36 PMScott Partee
Atlanta, GA
http://www.halfass.com
Scott - So glad you enjoy it! And I quite agree that nothing beats excellent cheese on excellent bread with excellent wine! The only objection I have is that no cooking is involved at all! :)
Posted by clotilde on January 7, 2004 5:30 PMThis such a beautiful site. I found the link to it on chowhound.com and immediately sent it to the food lovers in my family.
I also enjoyed reading clotilde.net - I had to reach back in my memory bank for the French I learned in junior high school - but I did okay.
Posted by snackish on January 14, 2004 1:25 AMHey! I'm doing a research project for Cit, the shop im in and this was one of the sites I picked. Good job! Nice layout... and i love the fact that its not a website its a BLOG!!
Posted by Samantha on January 27, 2004 6:31 PMSnackish and Samantha - Thanks a lot for the kind words, I'm really happy you enjoy C&Z!
Posted by clotilde on January 28, 2004 12:04 AMA wonderful website. Thank goodness for Yahoo Picks. I used to live in Holland, and took lots of TGV trips to Paris on the weekend to visit a girlfriend and explore the city.
Posted by Jay Francis on January 29, 2004 2:48 AMI just finished work on a project for a friend of mine, whose next book is going to be called, "The Tex-Mex Cookbook". I tested 100 recipes for the book. There is going to be a wonderful chapter on Tex-Mex in France.
Love and kisses,
Jay
Posted by Jay Francis on January 29, 2004 2:49 AMJay - I would be most interested in tex-mex food recommendation in Paris, as I've only had disappointing experiences since having the real thing in the US! And congrats on the cookbook work! When is it getting published?
Posted by clotilde on January 29, 2004 2:53 PMThe book will be available in June, 2004. There is already a photograph of the book cover at amazon.com (usa).
In Holland, I made enchiladas using Gouda cheese and a simple crepe recipe when I could not find corn tortillas. I grew jalapeno and other chiles on my windowsill.
Fromage Gruyere tastes wonderful on enchiladas.
Posted by Jay Francis on January 29, 2004 9:48 PMJay - The book looks great, I like the retro look of the cover!
Posted by clotilde on January 30, 2004 10:04 AMI find this the most charming food blog site on the web, and find myself looking forward to reading about Clotilde and Maxence's adventures.
If you have a chance, Clotilde, would you include the list of restaurant's you almost went to for Maxence's birthday? We are planning our long weekend in Paris for the end of February and if a restaurant made your "short list", it must be worth trying.
warmest regards,
Posted by Adele on February 2, 2004 5:36 PMAdele
Adele - I have sent you an email!
Posted by clotilde on February 2, 2004 5:47 PMSalut Clotilde,
Posted by Florence on February 17, 2004 10:01 AMJe suppose que tu te souviens de moi. Tu sais la Normandie chez Mathilde ... et Dauphine.
Maxence m'a filé l'adresse de ton site et je voulais te féliciter. Je trouve ça très bien fait, la preuve j'y retourne tous les jours. Ton anglais m'impressionne ... N'ayant pas le même niveau, je me permets d'écrire ce message en français.
Moi aussi, j'adore la cuisine et j'aime bien essayer de nouvelles recettes. Je posterai sûrement quelques commentaires ici et là.
Au plaisir de se voir un de ces 4. Et puis, vous êtes toujours les bienvenus au Luxembourg pour essayer la cuisine locale.
Bises.
Flo
Flo - Bien sûr bien sûr, je vois très bien qui tu es! :) Merci de ta visite, je suis absolument ravie que ça te plaise. J'espère te revoir bientôt, et en attendant, on se croisera ici! :)
Posted by clotilde on February 17, 2004 10:10 AMOk, I'll give you one advice:
STOP WORKING for that computer company!
Your writing is great: I get excited when I read your stories, the searching and discovering of new ingredients, places or recipies... I LOVE IT...
Keep up the good work, and mail me when your first book leaves the printing press, I'll be there even before the ink has dried....
Greetings,
Posted by väös on February 23, 2004 12:32 PMVäös from Maastricht (Netherlands)
Väös - Thank you so much for the cool compliments - and I'm getting geared up to follow your advice, trust me! :)
Posted by clotilde on February 23, 2004 11:16 PMChere Clotilde,
Posted by Yann Willekens on March 5, 2004 12:30 PMDepuis que je me suis installe a l'etranger, moi aussi je me suis interesser a la cuisine, une sorte de nostalgie, parce que je ne trouve pas ce que j'aime en resto. Alors en voyant les courgettes au chocolat ca m'a intriguer et j,etais surpris par toutes les bonnes choses sur ton site, mais pas de zuchinni au chocolat.
Aurait tu une recette?
Continu a nous faire plaisir.
Yann - Non c'est vrai, pour le moment, pas de recette courgette ET chocolat! Mais on m'a parfois parlé de recette de gâteau au chocolat avec des courgettes dedans. Il faudra que j'essaie!
Posted by clotilde on March 7, 2004 3:12 PMclotilde,
what a lovely site!! i'm looking forward to reading you often, as i too am a lover of good food. speaking of which, my husband and i will be in paris in a couple of weeks. would you mind giving me your top 3 or 4 restaurant suggestions in the city?
merci!
Posted by Marie on March 9, 2004 6:27 PMHi,
Posted by Sophie on March 10, 2004 11:21 AMI 'accidently' bumped in to your site, looking for foodinformation.It is a superb-one you made and I'm having a lot of fun by reading the comments etc.;-)
So I blogged this site to mine (which is a very poor one compared to yours and it is placed into a closed community in Holland, called 'Smulweb') Hope you do not mind.
Greetings, Sophie
Marie - You can browse the "Restaurant Scene" category (on the left) for a selection of my favorite restaurants... I hope you have a grand time during your trip!
Sophie - Thanks a lot for the sweet words, I'm very happy you enjoy C&Z. And thanks a lot for linking to it from your own blog (I only wish I could access it!), it's always lovely to welcome new visitors, the more the merrier!
Posted by clotilde on March 11, 2004 12:25 AMHi! Someone posted a link to your site on my cooking community at LiveJournal.com. This is amazing. You have such lovely insights to food and cooking and some wonderful recipes. I'm in awe.
Posted by b'fly on March 11, 2004 5:23 AMWhat a wonderful site! I'm an American student living in Paris for a year and I've really enjoyed your resto recommendations and "bloxicon." Your English is amazing, by the way - I can only hope to get that good with my French!
Posted by Naomi on March 11, 2004 8:28 PMNaomi and b'fly - Thank you so much, I'm very happy you like it, it's lovely having you around!
Posted by clotilde on March 12, 2004 10:16 AMGoogle let me know your site!
How nice!
I like your photos!!
I will travel to Paris next week.
One of my friends (she lives in Paris) recommended the restaurant "La Famille", and I searched it in Google.
I love to eat. I will visit some places you recommended also.
I am glad to read you cook Japanese food.
Posted by shokugo-no-hirune on March 21, 2004 1:46 PMCome to Japan to eat delicious food someday!
I recommend this site;
http://www.fjordaan.net/photos/2003_04_japan/food.html
Shokugo - Thanks for the link, lots of interesting stuff in there! And I hope you have a great time in Paris. Let me know where you ate and how you liked it!
Posted by clotilde on March 22, 2004 4:41 PMFound this while browsing a Gourmet magazine at the hairdresser's tonight. Haven't had time to explore very much, yet I am likely to return simply based upon your attitude! I have recently found myself regaining my interest in creating wonderful things in the kitchen (a divorce at the end of a 20+ year relationship put a NUMBER of things on hold), and that feels good to be recovering that part of my self. Interesting parallels, too--I live in the Bay Area, and have a long-term friend who lives near St. Tropez. Hoping to visit France in October. My last trip (1999) I remember a very rainy cold day in Montmartre where a visit to a small bistro was a little bit of heaven--the place that "Amelie" worked in is very much like that place. I look forward to stopping by YOUR blog on a regular basis. P.S. I am from the Midwest, and believe me, you don't have to plant very many zucchini bushes before you have zucchini everywhere you look!
Posted by Joyce Rajkovich on March 23, 2004 5:07 AMClotilde - I was just going through my April issue of Gourmet when I saw your site mentioned!!!! Congratulations!!! They state" ... of the thousands (of food related blogs) out there, these are some of the best." Yours was listed second. I'd imagine that you'll get quite a few new hits this month. I have the article with me today - if you'd like a scanned copy, let me know.
Posted by Jojo on March 23, 2004 3:34 PMJoyce - Looking forward to seeing you around again! And growing my own zucchini bush is a fabulous idea. Wonder if I could plant a chocolate bush right next to it? :)
Jojo - Thanks for the congrats! A friend and fellow food blogger has already scanned the article for me, and another friend is bringing back a copy from a trip to the US so I'm all set, but thanks a lot for the offer!
Posted by clotilde on March 23, 2004 4:08 PMWhat a great website!!!
Posted by Elizabeth Sychlovy on March 23, 2004 4:35 PMHELP!! Who knows a truly good and tried
out recipe for canelles. The one that
Williams Sonoma supplied with the silicone baking moulds is no good.
Would like to bake some for Easter, so please help. Will swap the recipe for a wonderful 'gooslings' cookies (made with
hard boiled egg yolks - my family recipe).
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth - My aunt Odile's tried and true recipe is very similar to this one : http://smallurl.com?i=9220 , except that hers uses : 4 C of milk, a stick of butter, 4 egg yolks and 2 1/2 C flour. But other than that, the process is the same.
Would love to have your goosling recipe, it sounds intriguing!
Posted by clotilde on March 23, 2004 11:51 PMhi clotilde,
your foodie blog has kept me entertained and in a dream-like state while at work! love your very accessible writing style and your photos. i've got one of your wallpapers on my desktop now :)
i'll be trying out some of your recipes (especially the chocolate ones!) once my mom is done refurbishing our kitchen. am also really glad all your measurements are by weight - the American cup measurements baffle me sometimes ;)
congratulations on your labour of love and may food always inspire you!
cheers,
Jun
Posted by jun on March 31, 2004 10:25 AMJun - Thank you for your very kind comment, I'm delighted this inspires you. If you try some of the recipes, do let me know how they turned out!
Posted by clotilde on April 1, 2004 4:17 PMFantastic!
I came by way of lj where I have added your syndication to my list. Yours is one of the best sites I have come across for food. I like how you enjoy all areas of food and put it all in writing. I feel very 'at home'.
Nice to see there is someone who loves boudin blanc as much as I do, too!
Take care,
Posted by Sarah Blais on April 4, 2004 3:40 PMSarah
Sarah - Thank you, I'm delighted you enjoy it!
Posted by clotilde on April 6, 2004 11:00 AMSalut Clotilde!
I happened upon your little site yesterday and I am in love with it! For one, your content is great- fun and interesting and engaging. But even better, it gives me such great memories of all the wonderful food adventures I had while living in Paris- glimpsing your definition of a cannele made my heart skip a beat! (i have searched high and low for a recipe, and cannot find even one. these are my favorite snack ever, with chouquettes just behind!)
Posted by Heather on April 7, 2004 4:59 PMI would love to know what some of your favorite eating places are so I can live vicariously until i get back to beautiful Paris myself! Keep up the great work, I am happy to make reading C&Z part of my day!
Clotilde,
Posted by Becky on April 7, 2004 6:02 PMI see you have gotten plenty of compliments! I just thought I could still add mine. I also found your site by way of the Gourmet magazine just this morning while in the dr's office :). There's always time in the waiting room!! Anyway, I came straight home to check it out. I love it!! I'm such a foodie too!! Anything that has to do with cooking and fresh food or France!! So this is perfect! I look forward to trying your recipes and reading your daily logs. MERCI BEAUCOUP!!
Heather - You can try this canelé recipe (in fact there is only one "n", which may be why recipes are not so easy to find!) : http://smallurl.com?i=9220 . My aunt Odile's tried and true recipe is very similar to it, except that hers uses : 4 C of milk, a stick of butter, 4 egg yolks and 2 1/2 C flour. But other than that, the process is the same.
As for my favorite eating places, you will find some if you wander around in the "Restaurant scene" and "Shopping bag" categories!
Becky - You are quite welcome, I'm glad you like it!
Posted by clotilde on April 8, 2004 9:57 AMWhat a wonderful website this is. I am going to be traveling alone to Paris soon and am curious about a woman eating alone in restaurants. Not concerned about lunch of course, but dinner? Are there particular places to go that I will be more comfortable than others? I'm very excited about this personnal getaway and want to experience as many different places as possible. Thanks for any suggestions.
Posted by CeCe on April 8, 2004 5:22 PMCeCe - It is rather unusual for people to dine alone in restaurants in the evening (man or woman), but I don't think this should stop you from going to any place you like. People will just be intrigued by the mysterious stranger, and you can pretend you're a celebrity, travelling incognito! (And maybe you are, after all! :)
Posted by clotilde on April 10, 2004 4:00 PMBonjour Claudine,
Je viens de trouver votre site et je l'adore! Votre anglais est parfait, et j'attends le jour ou mon francais sera assez bien... =) Je viens de Singapour (comme Renee de Shiokadelicious) et j'habite maintenant a New York, ou je suis contente de pouvoir manger vachement bien (et trop) chaque jour. Puisque je suis obssede avec la cuisine, je reviendrai surement pour vous lire souvent. :-)
Et enfin, est-ce vous pourriez m'expliquer comment faire le syndication pour votre site sur LJ? Merci beaucoup en avance! =)
Posted by Michelle on April 20, 2004 5:55 AMMichelle - Chocolate & Zucchini is syndicated on LiveJournal with the user name choczucchini... My name is, however, Clotilde... :)
Posted by clotilde on April 20, 2004 9:58 AM*slaps forehead* Well, don't I feel stupid now. =) I'm so sorry, Clotilde!
Posted by Michelle on April 20, 2004 6:29 PMMichelle - No worries, it happens to the best of us! :)
Posted by clotilde on April 22, 2004 2:21 PMI just found your web site via a friend in Los Angeles. I live in Paris, 15eme. I love your site, and am so impressed! Curiously enough, we have the same "dream job". I am so certain that such a place would thrive in Paris. (I have a scone recipe that is better than anything else I have ever tasted.) The Rose Bakery sounds like a close facsimile, no? Thank you for everything.
Posted by Alisa Morov-Bosc on April 24, 2004 2:41 PMI think your hot.... :)
Posted by John on April 30, 2004 1:49 AMCoucou Clotilde,
Posted by cheeselover on May 4, 2004 4:30 AMThis is so refreshing...Totally love your blog! You do have great ideas, and I appreciate the time you spend to put everything together. Passionate about food...me too...Please go right ahead for your dream job, nous avons besoin de fraicheur dans cet univers qui s'efface...
Merci.
The French Girl
I am interested in receiving any updates of your site. Your site is very simple and delectable! I am an aspiring pastry chef and I too want to open my own bakery someday. At the moment I am finishing my MBA (Masters in Business).
Posted by Kare on May 4, 2004 2:36 PMKeep me posted and I have added you to mey favorites!
I am in love with your web site. Any food editor that would pass you by for employment is missing the boat. I only hope you do not give up this web site when you get you new job! Good luck to you.
Posted by Gail Goggin on May 4, 2004 6:44 PMi love your site! especially the "last bite axiom." as a fellow food/culture food/ritual enthusiast, i appreciate these gorgeous observations.
Posted by lindsay on May 6, 2004 9:12 PMcheck out www.recipeartistic.com if you feel like translating any of this for a print zine i'm working on. cheers!
Bonjour Clotilde,
I just LOVE your site and I have to admit I check it every hour until you post a new entry ! I'm not that old (26) but I'd forgotten about things you tell in such a funny way (lire notre age sous les verres de la cantine et dérouler les petits suisses, entre autres!).
I also lived in the US for a while ( I'm now a French expat in...Belgium, so much for exotism!) and it's nice to know that I am not the only French girl craving for Banana bread and peanut butter cups from time to time.
Amitiés from an enthousiastic cook / reader
Posted by Caroline on May 7, 2004 12:47 PMAll - Thanks for the great compliments, I'm delighted you like it around here!
Posted by clotilde on May 8, 2004 10:52 AMI just found your site while searching for Mariage Freres tea. Beautiful! I too worked as a computer engineer in Silicon Valley after college and discovered my love of food here. (I think the two interests must be somehow related in the areas of the brain.) I was in Europe on 9/11 and Paris the week afterwards, as you were here. Interesting similarities.
I look forward to reading the rest of your blog soon. By the way, do you know where I can buy Mariage Freres tea in the bay area?
regards, Kelly
Posted by Kelly on May 13, 2004 1:40 AMKelly - Indeed, our paths mirror each other! I don't know where to find Mariage Freres tea in the bay area, but I know Amy from Cooking with Amy (see link in the food blogs section to the right) may know, she lives there and loves that tea!
Posted by clotilde on May 13, 2004 6:05 PMthanks Clotilde!
Posted by Kelly on May 16, 2004 8:10 AMhey Clotilde!
Posted by Eliza on May 27, 2004 6:35 PMTon joueb est formidable, c'est vraiment chouette! my Fench sort of dies after that! I'm Cameroonian, go to uni in England and have been on a year-out, working in Lille, and while here my love for everything food related has taken frightening proportions! I have too! (I haven't really mastered the quality over quantity principle! il faut que j'arrête!)
I really tripped onto your site (funnily enough was doing a search for Mariage Frères tea too) and I love it! The lay-out, the content, your writing and your passion for what you write seem to seep through between the words. It's also a dream of mine to have a resto-café-lounge hybrid and the fact that you're working your way towards your dream is motivational! ... C'est fini le fac! Allez, on arrête tout! Je ne suis pas sûre que mes parents seront pour! Continu le bon travail, ça me rend moins allergique à l'informatique!
Eliza - Thanks so much for your kind comment, I'm delighted that you like it here! I can certainly imagine how Lille would seem like food-heaven - in general but especially after being a student in England! :) Have you had any giant speculoos yet?
Posted by clotilde on May 28, 2004 1:47 PMClotilde,
Posted by yury on May 31, 2004 5:09 AMGreat blog! Good to see that you aren't throwing away your talents on being an engineer. I hope I can visit your "Salon de The" one day. (Your one time cubicle neighbor)
Yury - How great to see you here! Any plans to come back to Paris for a visit, one of these days?
Posted by clotilde on June 1, 2004 4:23 PMhi! wow it's strange writing to you from boston massachusetts.. but that's what food does, connects and brings people together! i'm graduating high school next sunday, and i will begin to attend a culinary school in september! (i'm earning a bachelor's degree in baking and pastry arts, how exciting!) it's just wonderful to see someone so devoted to food at a high level... the plans for your coffee shop/restaurant/salon de the sound wonderful, what are you waiting for?!
Posted by laura on June 2, 2004 6:19 AMHello Clotilde, my friend Sarah and I found your site completely by accident but absolutely love it. Reading your site is the first thing I do each morning! You have a wonderful writing style and some truly delicious recipes. The only problem is that your daily entries make me want to try your recipes that same day, something that just isn't possible with the different seasons in Australia. Ah well, we have made do so far and are contemplating enjoying recipes from your entries in December so that the seasonal availability of the ingredients is the same!
Good luck with achieving your dream of becoming a food writer -I am sure it is only a few small steps away!
Posted by peta on June 7, 2004 2:41 AMLaura - Congrats on starting culinary school! Which school is it?
Peta - Thanks a lot for the kind comment, I'm glad you like it here! And I had never really thought about the seasonal difference for my Australian readers... Sorry! :)
Posted by clotilde on June 8, 2004 6:22 PMHi Clotilde!
I stumbled across your website a few months ago, and have been returning ever since. I recently read about "Mes Confitures" here and it sounded so good I went and ordered a copy for myself!
I lived in Paris for a year after high school and I have been wanting to return since then. Reading your website takes me back, and I get homesick for Paris all over again!
Thanks for the inspiration to return to my kitchen and cook something other than spaghetti!
Take care,
Posted by Siobhan on June 22, 2004 8:07 PMSiobhan
Thank you Clotilde, for your wonderful website. It made me SO happy! Can I adopt you? Actually I have a beautiful daughter, Emily, who is 20 and in Nice as I write. She was in Paris for a week, and is now at the France-Langue school in Nice. She, too would like to be a writer, but for a fashion or health magazine. ME? I love food - obviously - and also struggle with choices. Do I eat healthy? (carrots, apples...) or do I indulge?? (anything chocolate!) Keep up the writing. I have enjoyed the english AND the french versions. Thank you!!
Posted by Laura Lewakowski on July 7, 2004 3:09 AMHi Clotilde
Like many people, I just stumbled upon your wonderful site.
I'm very belatedly doing the planning for a 7 week holiday in Europe starting on 28th August. In searching for reviews of restaurants (and recipes) in the Perigord, I came across you. What a highlight.
We are also Australians, desperately in search of recipes that we then have to wait for our season to come around before we can try. We will be in the Perigord for two weeks from late September, so are looking forward to Autumn fare. On the 9th October we are finally back to Paris for 5 days, so I've printed off your restaurant reviews.
Hope to be back here regularly. Thanks for the trouble of producing such an exciting site.
Posted by Gavin on July 19, 2004 8:28 AMClotilde,
I thoroughly enjoying browsing through many of the recipes on your blog. I found your website through another link, actually, looking for a recipe for Oueff Cocotte. This has becoming a morning staple for my husband and I.
I have a recipe for French Peach Pie I would like to share with you, but I cannot access your email for some unknown reason.
Could you perhaps email me and I will gladly send you the recipe? I even have photos to show exactly how scrumptious it is!
Posted by Miranda on July 24, 2004 7:14 PMI was reading a Hi Monkey story where he was making a chocolate cake and he pointed me to chocolate and zuchinni. Great name. I have tasted some of the best chocolate zuchinni cake (nice and moist with good texture). ummmmm ummmmmm good. I hope someone gives me some zuchinni from their garden this summer.
Speaking of chocolate I hope to make the Mexican Hot Chocolate when the weather is right. The recipe is over here http://www.npr.org/display_pages/features/feature_1685910.html (another tip from the monkey)
Have you ever wondered how Hi Monkey stays so white? I wonder if he really cooks that much. Maybe he's washable.
That's a good trait for a cook. To be washable. When I worked as a cook I wore what we called cook pants...they were checkered so you couldn't see the stuff I spilled on them. I should get some more of those just for casual wear, or work, since I tend to have a spilling problem. I was never a Chef...more like dishwasher upgraded to fry cook.
I like cooking and eating. Cleaning up is okay if you can get in the right mood. I try to clean as I work.
I like to read. Cook. Write. Laugh. Sit still. run around like a dog and Laugh. Drink coffee. Lay down...get up. The usual stuff. I'm sort of an engineer but not really. My job title is scientist. It's sort of an honorary title I think. Mainly I'm a clown who tends to think many things are jokes or could be. Not chocolate zuchinni though I know that's real. I hope I haven't scared you. I'll be leaving now with my few zuchinnis and some chocolate and this old pan and a book of matches and some sterno (sterno makes a nice apertif or can be used to heat food in a pinch) and the paddle ball and the broken lamp and that's it. I can't forget the thermos and the ashtray and toy piano and that fresh flower and that shiny piece of paper. I can't carry all this...I'm leaving the fresh flower and shiny piece of paper here.
I'm sorry I haven't had time to read the whole blog but...Do you know of a way to detract crows? I have some that are pestering me. They are city birds and have quite bad manners. If I cook outside they will steal food when I am not looking. Who wants to eat a sardine barbequed over sterno that a crow pecked on? Not me. I was thinking if I could invite some birds or animals over that don't get on so well with crows maybe that's the ticket. Either that or a shotgun. ooops there goes my commitment to non-violence. I wouldn't shoot a crow. They are pretty good to talk to but I don't think very good to eat. But so noisy when they talk to each other. I wish they would use indoor voices more. Or go farther away if they want to be so loud. Some people think crows are taking over the world. I tend to think plastic bags handed out at Safeway are...
I must be running off to my Cafe. I left the door open and the coffee pot on. I'm baking a big batch of cinnimon rolls for the breakfast crowd.
Good cooking, and eating, to you...
Posted by Jack on July 28, 2004 12:23 PMA most excellent site! It is so sweet how you update and respond to comments.
Posted by Debbie on July 30, 2004 10:33 PMYou are an inspiration, I too would someday love to open my own little cafe. I have always wanted to come to Paris, If I ever make it I shall come in for Pastries.
Siobhan - Delighted you enjoy C&Z and Mes Confitures! Have you made anything from it yet?
Gavin - I hope you have a fabulous time in France, be sure to report back about where you went and what you liked best!
Miranda - Email sent your way, thanks!
Jack - Many thanks for the very entertaining comment, it made me laugh. Unfortunately I do not know of a way to detract crows (not much of a problem around here), but I'm certainly thankful for the fresh flower and shiny piece of paper, they're pretty!
Debbie - Glad you like it here, and hope your little café is one day a reality!
Posted by clotilde on August 6, 2004 11:29 AMpffiou...
what can I say that hasn't been said yet on your impressing work?
well, first let say you make me fell bad because I'm 10 years older, same passions, but:
1 - mon anglais commence à rouiller à force de ne plus l'utiliser
2 - tu sembles écrire aussi facilement en français qu'en anglais
3 - tu as été à la Laiterie où travaille un de mes amis et où je n'ai pas mis les pieds !
That was for the first point.
Secundo: do not hesitate. Quit!
Quit the business and go for your passion. I did the same 5 years ago (I've been in SFO and lived in Paris too...), I got training (CAP/BEP cooking) and I'm now living with my little familiy 200 meters of La Loire, north bank...
No regrets.
Encore un grand bravo, I'm bookmarking your blog and don't be surprise if I'm coming again in a few weeks asking for advices on movabletype ;-)
Bien à toi, take care.
Posted by Albert on August 10, 2004 9:52 AMYou've got some wonderful recipes here. I can't wait to try them out! You're definitely going to end up in my list of bookmarks. I'm getting really nostalgic by the thought of Paris (I studied there last year) and that in combination with food? It's great!
Best wishes from the Netherlands!
Posted by Anne-Floor on August 12, 2004 9:00 PMI found an article about yourself and your BLOG on Jordan's local newspaper-- the Jordan Times. Haven't gotten the chance to look through it all yet, but it's already sparked my interest. The name is extremely original even though Zucchini isn't a favorite of mine. Chocolate is definitely up there.
Good luck.
Posted by Yasmin on August 17, 2004 12:45 PMI read about your website in The Straits Times in Singapore on August 17 2004. It's always nice to meet another foodie. If you're ever in the neighbourhood, you must visit Singapore one day. It's a gourmet's heaven!
Posted by kisane on August 17, 2004 3:41 PMI'm based in the Middle East which means no bacon, no nice wine or cheese, but lots and lots of fresh fruit and veggies (that bit is good). Any deelicious recipes for that?
Posted by Sarah McGregor on August 17, 2004 8:20 PMI must say, this is an awesome website! I've thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be coming back often. I myself am a software engineer, contemplating a career change. Let me know *when* you've made your move! =)
Posted by Stella on August 21, 2004 3:01 AMClotilde - I made my first terrine, (Terrine de légumes au fromage de chèvre avec herbes) quite successfully thanks to you! And....I also roasted my first peppers - once again thanks to you!
The finished terrine wasnt as big as I had thought it would be - but it was just beautiful to look at, even unassembled. My counter was filled with little segments of steamed, uniformly cut vegetables. Carrots, yellow summer squash, zucchini, roasted red pepper strips, tiny green beans, asparagus tips, and black olive slices.
Unfortunately, I was unable to use some of the veggies, as I ran out of the batter. It was a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds! Thank you for your website, your wonderful recipes, and the clear directions. The pictures were a tremendous help! I would love to send you a picture of MY terrine - I may do that another time.
PS - my daughter is now home from her 6 weeks in Paris and Nice. She's already making arrangements to study in Nice next summer, and I will come to meet her for a week in France on our own. She said that the food was either very very good, or very very bad, but the bread, wine, and cheese could always be counted on!
Posted by Laura Lewakowski on September 6, 2004 12:48 AMBonjour Clotilde,
Juste une question (sans oublier de te feliciter pour ton super site et blog que j'ai decouvert grace a Loïc Le Meur), pourquoi ne pas écrire aussi en francais ?? merci de ta reponse et encore felicitations pour l'initiative
Posted by Cyrille on September 22, 2004 4:01 PMCyrille in Marseille
A beautifully executed blog, cheers.
Posted by Wayne on September 24, 2004 1:21 AMHello Clotilde,
I want to thank you for your wonderful blog. (Blog is such a plunky word, not elegant enough to describe your writing and style!) I found you through my good friend Elena who I met this summer while I was in Amsterdam ( I am from Toronto). I confess I read visit your site to catch up on your adventures and thoughts, but I also visit the comments on each of your entries hoping that I will meet up with my friend Elena there and see how her day has been impacted by yours. It is a gift to love food the way my friends and I do, and you have enriched our gift by providing us with a place to come together and experience our shared passion across many, many miles. Merci!
Posted by Michelle on September 24, 2004 9:11 PMJust discovered your gem of a site, while researching Zola's novel set in Les Halles. I look forward to returning here regularly.
I invite you and your visitors to take a look at The Food Museum online...with our foodies forum, the Food Museum Blog.
Posted by Tom on October 6, 2004 8:15 PMIt says you are considering a career change, you should make it! Your recipes are wonderful, and creative.
Posted by Erin on October 20, 2004 10:29 PMAllo Clotilde,
Came across Chocolate & Zuchinni a while back - the recipes and pictures look so tempting :)
Posted by Jeannie on November 9, 2004 5:27 AMI'm sure you've been told this many times, but your ability to write in English is *very* impressive; I was surprised to learn that you are French!
Also, your blog is a treat for the eye as well as the tastebuds.
Keep up the great work!
Posted by Alison on November 9, 2004 1:01 PMIs it possible to have a crush on a blog? A blogger maybe, but on the actual site? I'll say yes, as I find myself enfatuated with your writing and your food (recipes, descriptions, and especially the photography). I'm looking forward to trying the chocolate-chili bites-- I'm sure I've got a silicon petit-four mold in there somewhere-- and as my dollar (not to mention my government) grows weaker and weaker still, the idea of a culinary exile looms ever larger. Félicitations pour votre site, et je vous souhaite tout le succès du monde!
Posted by Daniel on December 2, 2004 11:21 AMDe rescapé de dot-com à rescapée de dot-com, salut et fraternité! Nous nous sommes peut-être croisés à Mountain View en 2000-2001...
Posted by Martin on December 6, 2004 8:37 PMBravo pour ce site absolument remarquable de bon goût français, dans tous les sens du terme. Et il m'a été indiqué par une amie russe. C'est dire qu'il est populaire.
Keep up the good work, Clotilde.
salut clotilde,
je m'appelle ardita, j'ai 30 ans, viens de l'indonesie. ton site et vraiment magnifique. t'es capable d'exprimer tellement bien en englais, les photographes sont comme les bijoux, et surtout les cuisines.
j'ai trouve ton site apres conduir un reserche sur "fennel" a l'Internet. et voila. je me suis trompee que t'es pas francaise, mais peut etre un/une americain/e qui habite en francais. je suis bien surprise de savoir que t'es dans l'industrie d'ordinateur.
j'adore ton dot com, qui a a le gout melee de paris et silicon valley ;)
ps: pardon mon francais, j'suis pas une "native speaker"
Posted by ardita on December 10, 2004 12:31 PMSalut Clotilde... I love zucchinis & I try to go easy on French and Belgian chocolate (I'm 60 but still weigh the same 67 kilos I had 30 years of ago)... but I will indulge in more delights after visiting your weblog where there is sooooo much to read and taste.
BTW : Do add vinegar when making poached eggs... my grandmother told me that was absolutely necessary.
Posted by Ed Buziak on December 29, 2004 3:14 PMBTW 2: I moved to France in 2001 and love everything here... especially everybody being so polite compared to the UK.
BTW 3: I added your link to my new blog for you too!
A bientôt, Ed Buziak.
If you start a pot of boiling water swirling with a few mad stirs with a big wooden spoon, then when you drop your egg into the water it should hold together in a a perfect free-form as it poaches. Those little egg prisons are so sad, really. Set your poached eggs free, Clothilde!
Posted by Katharine on December 29, 2004 6:40 PMJe ne sais plus comment je suis tombé sur ton blog. Mais un seul mot : chapeau. C'est beau et c'est bon... au-delà des plaisirs de la bouche, un régal à lire. Merci.
Posted by Philippe on January 8, 2005 12:19 AMYou know, I'm an amateur chef with the same interests (fresh, natural food and sweets). And your site is such a wonderful, homey experience.... and bursting with food wisdom!
Thank you so much.
Posted by Greg on January 17, 2005 3:14 AMI have just discovered your site and wanted to say thankyou, it is wonderful, informative and exciting.
Posted by Pauline on January 22, 2005 4:40 AMSome things are just meant to be ... such as, me finding Chocolate & Zucchini! Clotilde, your blog is wonderful, informative, interesting, and did I mention wonderful? I recently released my own cookbook
Posted by PJ on January 22, 2005 2:22 PMand in it I also talk about my love of food and how I have always associated cooking, baking, and eating with good times. Perhaps I was French in my last life? Thank you for creating such a warm and welcoming blog for food lovers.
Hello again Clotilde ... I tried to put in the HTML code for my cookbook in the comment I posted previously, but it didn't work. Oh well, no matter. You have inspired me to turn my own blog into a food blog! Thank you for your inspiration, as well as your fantastic writing. I have wanted to visit France for many years, and after reading what you've written, I am quite sure it will happen in the very near future.
Posted by PJ on January 23, 2005 12:29 AMJust a quick email to say how much I am enjoying the website, and to ask which fruit and vegetable shop you where referring to in Abesses. I am an Australian whohas just moved to rue Lepic a month ago and absolutely adore food and cooking, however, I am still trying to find the best places between Abesses and the Butte to buy my groceries. Any advice would be gratefully received.
Am learning to manage a meal for only 2 people (instead of whichever friends are passing by and assorted "orphans" needing a home cooked meal plus ourselves), and adapting to a tiny kitchen and very small fridge with no freezer (quelle horreur!). I am enjoying the different produce however and look forward to spring and the new seasons offerings.
Have a nice day
Posted by Debbie on January 24, 2005 8:37 PMClotilde,
I love your site and discovered it via chez pim. I'm in Paris for research on my next book and saw that you bought bergamot at the Batignolles marché...now I must run over and buy some. We're very close. Is that your usual market?
Posted by Cara Black on February 5, 2005 2:00 AMCara
Clotilde ... greetings from Santa Fe, NM. What a delightful and informative site you have created. I'm wonderfully overwhelmed and amazed! You made the front page of the food section of the New Mexican - our local newspaper on February 2 - complete with photo of you at the Batignolies Market. It's a fine piece about you, of course, called "Vive Le Blog!" and a nice overview of other food blogs as well. I've been exploring & enjoying your site ever since and joined your forums recently.
I produce a local radio program on our public radio station: www.ksfr.org called "Gardens, Food & Santa Fe" and I'll be 'talking you up' starting today on my program. I hope to get more Santa Fean's involved with C&Z. We also stream on the web. If you're up to it, perhaps we can do a phone interview sometime. We have a very active 'foodie' community here in Santa Fe ... much fun. And, by the way a wonderful Farmers Market, mostly organic.
Posted by Robert Ross on February 12, 2005 3:13 PMThank you for your creation and your fine attention to it.
Robert Ross
My aunt told me about your site and I am hooked. You always have something interesting to comment on. You cover every aspect of one of my favorite subjects. And, wow, your English is perfect! Thank you so much for creating Chocolate and Zucchini. You should go for your dream job of being a writer.
Posted by Meghan on February 15, 2005 10:48 PMBonjour,
Je viens de découvrir votre blog grâce au Guardian de Londres, et je sens que je vais revenir souvent.
Une petite question me taraude, à laquelle je n'ai pas trouvé la réponse sur le site: pourquoi le faire en anglais? (La traduction française automatique peut servir à piquer un fou-rire si on est d'humeur triste.)
Bravo et bonne continuation.
Posted by Robert Marchenoir on February 26, 2005 6:05 PMAh, a lovely blog. One of the very best food sites I've seen. You have me hooked
Posted by Rick on March 5, 2005 9:22 PMHello!
I found your site on the net working on a school-project, and I just loved it! Haven't tried out any recipes yet, but everything looks really delicious... The photos are great!
And now I'm going to Paris for a few days, and I wonder if there's a shop or something...? I didn't see an adress.
Well I hope to get there!
Malin - Norway
Posted by Malin Undeland on March 8, 2005 6:27 PMI just found this site through today's article in the Washington Post. I am not sure if this is the place to ask, if not, please redirect me.
Does anyone have a recipe for the Italian Torta della Nona? It actually is flown into several Washington, DC restaurants. It is 2 shortbread layers, I think, with a thin layer of lemon cream in between. Topped with pine nuts and powdered sugar. If I had more cooking abilities, I probably could make it on my own but I am "recipe dependent" Merci, Marla
Posted by Marla BUsh on March 9, 2005 7:16 PMWell! I can see that you are soon going to have to hire someone to answer all your e-mail. I loved reading that you have some of the same aspirations as I; a little bakery, light food place, food writer, anything to do with chocolate. I look forward to reading you often.
Enjoy!
Posted by Judi on March 10, 2005 8:14 PMThe next time you are surfing the net, please visit my new food blog on Manila's markets, produce and recipes. Like you, I am a food enthusiast. Your site is so beautiful and visually stunning. The write-ups superb. Many thanks.
Posted by Marketman on March 13, 2005 2:19 PMI thank the San Francisco Wednesday food section for the article about you. What a glorious site. I hope you find your salon de the and I would love to frequent it.
Posted by Eileen on March 17, 2005 5:04 AMI spent the whole night on this blog, it's fantastic, I live in Paris but don't know half of the places you experimented (although I am twice your age !)
Posted by catherine on March 28, 2005 1:59 PMThank you for all the good recipes, I'll try them soon.
Keep going, I'll be back !
Clotilde,
Posted by lisa on April 17, 2005 12:42 AMQuel beau site! Je visite Paris pour la premiere fois dans neuf jour, et j'ai trouvee votre blog par accident en faisant mes recherches sur votre ville. Je vous encourage de vous lancer dans une carriere d'ecrivain a plein temps, je croix que vous aurez beaucoup de succes. Merci,
Lisa
Vancouver, BC
Hi Clotilde,
Posted by valentina jacome on May 2, 2005 4:41 AMI love receiving Chocolate& Zucchini.It inspires me. I love the way you write.Equally love what you write about.The orange cake with ginger reminded me of a similar recipe I have prepared from australian cook books. I will definitelly give your recipe a go as I love ginger. I shall visit your website and shall you open your coffe house/tea house in the future I would love to go and visit.I am not far from France as I live in England.It will certainly be a success because you have so much passion for food.
Clotilde,
Ce Blog trouvé par (un heureux) hasard est incroyable !
Tes talents de conteuse son incontestables et je te souhaites de mener ton projet professionnel dans ce domaine. Tes lecteurs apprécierons cet enthousiasme à l'égard de la vie et des moments passés à préparer, partager et manger...
Je reviendrais ici le plus souvent possible.
Petite "ending joke" :
J'ai cliqué sur le lien "En Français" en me disant "et en plus elle rédige dans les deux langues"
Et bien continue en anglais car la VF automatique de Google est trop drôle pour s'en passer. French speaking people will love :
[ arrière du marché ]
Samedi matins sont toujours quelque chose d'un dilemme pour moi, ou réellement un trilemma , que j'ai pensé n'était pas un mot réel jusqu'à ce que je l'aie regardé vers le haut. Je puis dormir dedans, aller à la piscine pour un bain, ou aller au marché de Batignolles -- chacun des trois activités accomplissant un besoin également important. C'est la troisième option qui a gagné la concurrence samedi matin passé, et j'ai visé au soleil glorieux de matin, avec le sac de l'emballage de mon Joe fidèle de commerçant et mes rêves des fraises.
Un couple des heures plus tard que je suis retourné, hors du souffle de supporter mes achats vers le haut des escaliers, mais hors heureux de les décharger sur le compteur, d'admirer ma générosité... et de réaliser juste combien de substance j'avait acheté. Je tends à obtenir emporté au marché et souvent l'achat, UM, un tad que de plus que nous ayez besoin vraiment, transformant les jours à venir en aubaine végétale manger-$$$-tandis que-$$$-fraîche effrénée. Il y a de plus mauvaises contraintes diététiques que je suis sûr.
Ainsi sans davantage d'agitation, je vous donne...
Posted by ANZO on May 6, 2005 12:14 PMGreetings from Texas, Clotilde!
You certainly have many fans -- and from several brief clicks through your site/blog, I can see why!
Are your recipe measurements for cups, tsp, Tbsp the same as the US measuring utensils? I really want to try your Apricot Sticky Toffee Pudding, but wanted to make sure before embarking....
And by the way, Kelly (if you've followed the trail this far down, that is...) -- you can find Mariage Freres teas (Earl Grey w/ Silver Tips, The de Vanille, Marco Polo and a few others) at most of the Williams-Sonoma stores in the Bay Area.
Merci a mille fois,
Posted by Hyon-hee on May 12, 2005 5:48 AMHyon-hee
Hyon-hee - Yes, the spoon and cup measurements I give are for the US system. Enjoy the sticky toffee pudding!
Posted by clotilde on May 12, 2005 9:36 AMI have a cake recipe calling for Grappa. Since I only need about 1/4 cup, is there another wine which could be substituted?
Posted by Marla on May 31, 2005 8:03 PMI have just found your web site and am very happy to read it!! I have been fortunate to travel to France several times and just returned last month. I do own a small coffe shop, lunch servece and catering business here in Arizona. In a very small town. I think that reviewing restaurants is a great place to learn what you want in your own business. Ihave also done that.
Posted by mary russell on June 6, 2005 7:40 AMI would like to be in touch with you as I speak very little French and I cannot write it at all. There is a great little place that I went to last month that I was tinking you should check out. I will get the information and send it to you. It was devine. Small and wonderful.
Thank you again for the great web site!!! Sincerely, Mary Russell
Hi Clotilde!
My sister Amy tipped me off to your site. My sisters are really enjoying the general food enthusiasm! I live in San Francisco and love eating at all of the places here. My current favorite is chicken tikka masala Indian food, which, if you haven't had, is so addictive, my friends call it crack. Something about the red pepper and cream perhaps. Anyways, if you ever look into Indian food I'd love to know your comments on it!
cheers and thanks for a great site
Posted by Anna on June 10, 2005 9:59 PMAnna
This is one of the best sites I have visited. Your photos are outstanding, in addition to great writing, layout, design etc. This is what it's all about.
Posted by chef 'em out on June 12, 2005 9:51 PMI just found your blog and I LOVE it. I'm going back to read all the archives now. My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Paris last year and your site brings back all the memories of the delicious experience. You say you aspire to be a food writer - well, aspire no more - you've achieved that goal! Your writing is delightfully mouthwatering.
Posted by Julie Modica on June 15, 2005 8:43 PMWow!I love your blog and recommended to all of my friends. I think they will love your blog as much as I do.
Posted by Klay on June 30, 2005 4:29 AMI hope to visit Paris one day to experience the culture and food.
Keep up the good work!
I love your site! It's the perfect blend of casual yet informative, personal yet formal. I only wish I had found it before my trip to New York. It would have enriched my food experience immensely! I will book mark your site and check in regularly. Good luck Clotilde with your future career change to a professional foodie!
Posted by kateo on July 4, 2005 10:03 PMI accidentally stumbled across your site and it's official that you are now my hero. I've been at work all morning and haven't done a THING but read your site!!! Quite productive, actually. Thanks for sharing your passion!
Posted by Emily on July 7, 2005 6:23 PMWow, Clotilde, where do you find your amazing energy and enthusiasn to write such an interesting and informative blog?
Posted by Malou Suskin on July 9, 2005 6:08 PMA Paris native and an avid foodie, I just moved to Manhattan after living 37 years in a small college town in Ohio ( what love will make you do !) and your description of New York certainly matches my experience. What an amazing place!
I am so glad you enjoyed your trip and hope you will come back soon. Some day, when I go to Paris, I will bring you some of those cookies you enjoyed so much from the Levain bakery ( my son Marc gave you the address). However, between Pierre Hermé et all the marchés and bakeries you have available to you, I know you are also living in a foodie paradise.
Merci encore pour tout.
Malou
Hi Clotilde! I like so much your blog, I share with you your love for cooking and food, and cookbooks...everything about food. Your site is very nice!
Posted by saomai on July 28, 2005 11:50 PMKates Kitchen (under casual veggi eateries) in the east villiage is a fav among myself and my friends. Thank you, stevie.
Posted by stevie reed on July 30, 2005 4:09 PMi´m a chilean food & wine writer and i can tell you, if your passions are cooking and wine, this is the best job ever. you can see that peole in the media are very sensitive, and the connection between souls and dishes are fully-direct.
a change of career will be a change of life.
visit my blog. you`ll see why.
http://greve.blogspirit.com
cheers and congrats!
Posted by daniel greve on July 31, 2005 6:17 PMd.
Dear Clotilde, I was surfing around looking for ideas for the website I have to create for my work, and stumbled on yours - which is not only a pleasure to look at, but also a pleasure to read! I love your approach to food and your writing style. Charming indeed.
Kind regards,
eva
Cape Town,
South Africa
ps: Should you feel inclined to help me with the design and construction of my site - feel free, I am hopeless!
Posted by eva on August 4, 2005 11:11 AMDear Clotilde,
Bravo for your superb blog!!
I found it when I was looking for recipes, and the name chocolate and zucchini was really tempting...
I am also back in France, after living many years in the US and south east Asia. I discovered my love for cooking in Thailand, as they use a lot of lemongrass, basil, garlic, different varieties of ginger, .... and always using very fresh ingredients, prepared on the spot. now I work for a company, we grow herbs in the Cévennes, I am trying to develop a better knowledge of how to use them in cooking, and also to end a good meal. After all, they are not only good for our health but can also be delicious, ! Has anyone tried any interesting recipes? I am planning to develop a weblog also for our website. For now, we don't have much on recipes, but I hope to develop this page to begin with. (see below) Would love to hear any comments from you.
http://www.sevene.fr/bienfaits/fr/decouvrir_fr.php?lg=FR
A bientôt! Daniela
Posted by daniela on August 10, 2005 10:50 AMHi Clotilde!!...First of all, congratulations!!. I really love your blog. I wish I've found it last year, before going to Paris...It would have made a big difference!. I'm really surprised with your English skills...tell me how did you learn that well??. I love your pics and your recipes...looking forward for your book...
Posted by Silvana Weber on August 25, 2005 10:51 PMSilvana.
Bonjour, Clothilde! I am thrilled with your blog as I love all things French and most things food! Two questions: First: Are you a Virgo? Mon anniversaire c'est Mardi le 30 Aout, et vous? Bon fête á vous! Second: I have a favorite recipe for a chocolate zucchini cake, which I intend to make for my birthday. Would you care for it? May your dream job come true...My dream job is to retire in Brittany (in the town that bears my family name--Berrien) and travel (and eat) le monde entier!
Posted by Allegra Berrian on August 27, 2005 7:39 PMQuel horreur! I have just discovered that, mais naturellement, you already have perfected the chocolate zucchini cake recipe! I offered to bring the proverbial coals to Newcastle! Thank you for a new approach to my favorite birthday tradition. I love the Italian zucchini that is now catching on in the states. They're moist, they grow in discreet bunches and they make the prettiest slices! Merci mille fois...
Posted by Allegra Berrian on August 27, 2005 7:51 PMI am very please to find your blog. I am a american chef that cooks classical french. Keep up the good work.
Posted by captfoureye on August 30, 2005 8:39 AMClotilde,
Posted by aditi on August 30, 2005 4:57 PMThis is one of the coolest food sites i have ever visited. I love cooking and eating! Your site's an inspiration for all foodies. Also - i am indian, lived in india, boston (US), and currently live in Den Bosch, Netherlands. A lot of the western european foods that i am curious about - that i see in the biweekly farmer's market, are well referenced on this site! i have added it as a link on my blog for all my foodie pals!
A gorgeous little gem of a site Clotilde. You now have an avid reader in Australia.
Posted by susan on September 16, 2005 3:07 PMSalut Clotilde !
Posted by McGil on September 19, 2005 7:54 PMMerci pour ce succulent blog !
Gilles (Amazon.com) - Seattle, WA
Hi Clotilde! I am so happy I found your beautiful site!
Posted by Anna on October 14, 2005 7:35 AMI have a question, and a suggestion for you.
Living in a small town in Sweden, it is obviously hard to find all those finer products that can easily be found just around the corner for fortunate gourmets living in Paris, like you. Could you recommend some sites where you can buy food products over the internet? I have found a few Italian ones and a French one, but I am slightly paranoid (imagine rat poison in the jam!) and reluctant to buy food over the net without recommendation.
Maybe that would be a good and welcome feature for your site, considering that so many of your readers live outside Gourmetmonde.
A list of serious, good sites selling products over the net!
Once again, beautiful site!
Your site is as delightful as a slice of chocolate raspberry cake!
Posted by Mara on October 17, 2005 11:02 PMI hope you find the courage to follow your dreams :)
After spending three years in Paris I have to say my favorite restaurant is the Restaurante/Bar Egidio near the museum. The owners are Italian and cook the finest Italian and French food I have ever tasted.
Posted by Hector Laroche on October 20, 2005 1:50 AMBonjour,
Je suis tombé sur ce blog tout à fait par hasard, et ça me fa