Have you ever been to France at Christmastime? There is something so incredibly magical about French Christmas Traditions. The French Riviera, in particular, does Christmas so well. The backdrop of the mediterranean sea, the convergence of cultures, (Provence! Italy! North Africa!) and the glitter of the Riviera makes for a stunning month of December. That…
Lifestyle
A cook’s look inside Julia Child’s Georgetown home
Are you curious to see what the inside of Julia Child’s Georgetown home looks like? Very recently, I learned the location of Julia and Paul Child’s Georgetown row house, located on the most idyllic street just one block off M street. To be honest, I had no idea that Julia Child had lived in Georgetown…
5 tips for a French Riviera Themed Mother’s Day at home
If you have a Francophile Mom in your life, she would love to have a French Riviera themed Mother’s Day. To spend an afternoon in the sun, a glass of Rosé in hand, enjoying delicious food while being pampered by the ones she loves. The French Riviera for me is more than a destination, it…
Le Chef’s Wife Essential Kitchen Tools
One of the upsides of being a Chef’s wife is that, little by little, I have amassed a kitchen filled with super functional tools that I love. My husband has lovingly stocked our kitchen with professional grade tools that are practical for home cooks like me. I realized, after many messages from you, chers amis,…
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Romantic French Menu
Are you cooking at home for Valentine’s Day? As a Chef’s wife I have gotten used to not celebrating Valentine’s Day on the actual day. Instead, Le Chef and I enjoy cooking a romantic meal together at home the day before or after Valentine’s. We plan ahead for a restaurant-worthy meal that will feel special….
How to host an Après-Ski in your backyard
Après-Ski. The name immediately evokes a ski vacation in the French Alps. Cheeks rosy from the cold, a steaming mug of mulled wine in hand and a meal that warms you up, inside and out. Since there is very little chance that I will be skiing the French Alps this year, Le Chef and I…
French Themed New Year’s Eve at home
It goes without saying that New Year’s Eve this year will be very different for most people. Many of us will be ringing in the New Year from home. To be honest, it is exactly how I have always loved to celebrate the holiday and this year is no exception. After the year we have…
Best gifts for home cooks under $25
This Christmas I have vowed to give my family useful gifts. We don’t know when we will wear nice shoes or dress clothes again, but I do know that I have been spending A LOT of time in the kitchen. As a Chef’s Wife I am lucky to have some pretty cool tools in my…
How to host a drive by Baby Shower
If, like me, you are pregnant and worried about having a baby shower during a pandemic, I think you will find these tips on how to host a drive by baby shower useful. After months at home with barely any contact with the outside world, having a drive by baby shower was one of the…
How a French Riviera study exchange turned into a career in luxury hotels
By: Anina Belle Giannini Article first published on Renatahaidle.com May 26 2020 What started out as a 3 month study exchange program to the French Riviera… I was 23 years old when I arrived in Nice for my university study exchange. My expat experience began as most study abroad experiences do. I made a great…
