Summer, thirty-five years ago. I was nineteen — ripe for adventure, ready to be inspired, in love for the first time, and headed for Paris.
My boyfriend (of whom my parents quietly, firmly disapproved) and I had worked and saved for a year to come up with $4,000 — enough, we hoped, to get us overseas, pay for a cheap used car and fund a summer of low-budget travel. I had my first passport, a few semesters of college French under my belt and a head still swimming with a thousand carefully memorized Art 100 slides.
For months, my more practical (but no more worldly) companion had studied the Michelin green guides and pored over road maps, planning possible routes across the continent.
My own self-assigned homework was less useful but considerably more titillating. Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, A. J. Liebling, Henry Miller, Colette, M.F.K Fisher were my tour guides, and their descriptions of all things French– from oysters on the shell to sex to the light in the sky at dusk — had filled me with hunger and anticipation.
I’d read everything. Experienced nothing.
For a small-town girl from New Hampshire, Paris was a coming-of-age story, an irresistible invitation to leave my old unformed self behind and become someone altogether new – a person who broke bread instead of sliced it, who carried a cheese knife in her backpack, scribbled in a journal at sidewalk cafes, drank diminutive cups of espresso at dusk and pitchers of vin de table in the Latin Quarter by night. (Why I didn’t peel off those ankle socks along the way, I can’t say.)
Serious young Smith student that I was, I dutifully stood in front of the Mona Lisa, listened to organ music at Notre Dame, perused the book stalls along the Seine, visited the graves at Monmartre. We admired the view from the Eiffel Tower and wore our shoes out walking through one arrondissement after another, from the heart of the city to its outer edges.
But really, all I wanted to do was eat.
Our wallets constrained us, yet we barely registered deprivation. Every flaky croissant, every fragrant bowl of onion soup or round of goat cheese wrapped in a grape leaf and tied with twine was a delight for the eye and palate. Couscous was a revelation, café au lait a good reason to get out of bed in the morning. The night we wandered into a tiny bistro on the Left Bank and discovered the phrase moules- frites was life-changing.
The boyfriend didn’t last, but my love for all foods French has never waned. I left home that summer before my senior year of college having never cooked much more than baked potatoes and my mom’s beef stroganoff. By the time I returned three months later, I was as passionate about learning how to cook the foods I’d discovered as I was about eating them. Travel to foreign lands was wonderful adventure to be sure, but it now occurred to me that perhaps I could create my own adventures, right in the kitchen. Cooking well, it seemed to me, might actually be a way to live a more sensual, thoughtful life.
That long-ago summer was the beginning of a lifetime of experimenting, learning, savoring. Over the years, I’ve tried my hand at hundreds of dishes and collected way too many cookbooks. What I’ve found is that neither the hunger nor the curiosity ever goes away. There’s always a new restaurant to visit, a new dish to try, a new challenge to try to recreate at home.
So when a food-loving friend told me about Buvette, a tiny bistro in New York with a decidedly Gallic twist, I couldn’t wait to go. (Yes, I was charmed by the bike before we even walked through the door.)
Perched at a tiny table, elbow to elbow with fellow diners, dipping a hunk of baguette into a bowl of mussels Provencal and drinking wine out of a small water glass, the years melted away. The West Village neighborhood crowd is young and casual, the bar is packed, the mood convivial. People come to Buvette to cheerfully rub shoulders with one another and to eat food that tastes as if it were made by your best foodie friend rather than by a chef paid to impress.
Now, Jody Williams has brought the spirit of Buvette to the page in a new cookbook inspired by her beloved restaurant and devoted to “the pleasure of good food.” Here is simple, handmade, straightforward French comfort food that’s as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat. No architectural concoctions topped with obscure sauces here. No exotic ingredients or complicated presentations. Instead, Jody’s beautiful, do-able, casual-but-polished recipes re-ignite my own passion for fresh ingredients and thoughtful dishes made with care.
I don’t get to New York often, but if I did, Buvette would be my go-to spot for a morning coffee or an unhurried dinner with friends. So, it’s probably not surprising that Buvette has also turned out to be the cookbook I find myself pulling off the shelf most often this summer. (Summer fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, tomato salad with cucumbers and bread, soupe au pistou, old fashioned lemonade, wax beans with pesto. . .intuitive dishes all, but ones I’m happy to be reminded to make.)
A few weeks ago, I gave a copy of Buvette to the friend who’d first tipped me off to the restaurant. Hours later, a photo arrived: shaved Brussels sprout salad. “I was inspired,” he texted.
That’s the kind of cookbook this is: you page through, feel a little twinge of hunger as you pore over the photos of fresh figs and cheeses and hearty soups, and then you get up and head for the kitchen, to see what you have on hand. And you realize that even a bunch of radishes from the farmers’ market can stand on their own, and are worthy of a bit of loving care as you bring them to the table.
As Jody says, “Buvette is more than a place; it’s also a feeling and an idea. It’s a way to cook, entertain, and live. It’s a recipe for living more meaningfully.”
I’ve made Jody’s Asparagus Milanese once a week for about a month. And every time, I’ve forgotten to snap a photo before I spooned it out of the pan. Last night was no exception. But I did remember to grab my camera just before the grilled figs and goat cheese disappeared.
I have one copy of Buvette to give away here, and I’m delighted to spread the word about this lovely cookbook. (Looks as if I’m not alone. The New York Times has just published a rave review, too — they couldn’t resist those brussels sprouts either.)
how to enter to win a copy of Buvette
Simply leave a comment below.
Answer the question:
What are you putting on your summer dinner table these days?
Of course, as always, you can also just say: “Count me in.”
I’ll choose a winner at random after midnight on Saturday, July 26. Good luck to all.
(Just want to start cooking? You can order a copy here.)
See you at the farmer’s market!
Buvette’s Asparagus Milanese
(serves two, but is easily doubled)
Coarse salt
Small handful of asparagus, tough ends removed
2 T. unsalted butter
2 good-quality large eggs
Freshly ground black pepper
Finely grated Parmesan cheese
Bring a small pot of water to boil, season with salt, add the asparagus and cook until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain immediately and transfer to paper towels and let dry for a minute or so.
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus to the butter, with the spears together in the center of the pan. Crack the eggs directly into the pan at the edges of the asparagus, sprinkle with a bit of salt, cover and cook until the whites are just set, about two minutes. Sprinkle with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese and a few healthy grinds of black pepper. (I like a bit of chopped parsley, too.)
Elizabeth Grant Thomas says
You don’t have to enter me, because I already own a copy! I received it in May for my birthday, but have yet to cook anything from it (shame on me, I know!). But I have spent hours paging through it and savoring the gorgeous photography and dreaming of what I’m going to make. Last summer I was obsessed with “Jerusalem” — have you heard of it? I bet you’d love it, too.
And, I loved your story of Paris. I am working on a piece right now about my first international trip, at 20 years old, and am inspired by your words.
Heather H. says
I love to put out a bowl full of Rainier cherries along with some cheese and bread while my husband tends to to the grill. Yogurt marinated chicken tenderloins or teriyaki marinated pork tenderloins are our favorite main dishes this summer along with a little pesto pasta and a simple salad.
Stacy Novak says
With three young children out of school for the summer I seem to be cooking many kid friendly meals. However, I blessed with children who love simple things like fresh sliced tomatoes from the farmers market or fresh grilled zucchini. I love the simplicity of summer!
Marianna says
What’s on our table? It’s Ramadan, so lots of soups.
Claire McFeely says
Sounds really good. Count me in as I’d love to have a copy.
Jackie P says
Grilled foods, it’s summer, grill while you can!!!!
Jan Zemba says
Whatever veggies called out at the Farmer’s market (this week it was green beans and zucchini!) and if I remember they get a scarf of fresh herbs from the garden to brighten up their usual olive oil and vinegar outfit:)
Karen says
I’m having lots of salads – using arugula, spinach, mesclun, peppers, etc. from my own garden. Love summer – and would love a copy of the book.
Jessica Courtright says
Fresh summer veggies. My two children love fruits and vegetables and it can be really expensive at times. We were at Costco the other day and my 5 year old asked if we could get some brussel sprouts and was trying to convince me by telling me how much she loved brussel sprouts and how wonderful they were. We were stopped by so many people that day in Costco, saying they were amazed at the enthusiasm for vegetables. 🙂
s says
Summer for some reason takes me into a food slump so I am lucky my husband grills or makes the best blts so I would love some inspiration to use fresh ingredients in a hopefully non fussy way.
Kathleen says
J’aimerais bien une copie de Buvette!!
Jennifer Littlefield says
So many sauteed greens and roasted veggies sometimes with local grill meat or salmon:)
Susie Rose Merrick says
Katrina, I love your story of Paris & food. Over 20 years ago my husband and I moved to Vermont with its readily available fresh produce. When our oldest daughter was born, I joined a mothers’ group where I met my closest friends, many of whom were remarkable cooks. They generously shared recipes, kitchens, and samples. For a Jersey girl who didn’t know kale from parsnips, I was fascinated and immediately joined a CSA. These many years later my wonderful friends have spread far and wide, but I think of them every week in the summer when I pick up my CSA share. This week our pick-up was fresh basil, salad greens, tomatoes in varying shades of red/gold, and scallions. All of this went into a dinner salad. Additionally, our share included zucchini (I have a great zucchini bread recipe from our long-ago NJ landlords who were wannabe farmers) and tender broccoli, which my family steamed and drizzled with balsamic vinegrette. Thanks for the opportunity to reflect with gratitude on my love for our Vermont life and what it offers my family.
Angela Leddy says
Unseasonally cool weather here in Indianapolis right now so soup is my go-to food. The farmer’s markets are filled with summer veggies that incorporate so beautifully into a warm, hearty soup. Chowder, made with fresh corn picked that day, and a boule of Tuscan sourdough makes me very happy!
CM Kesrins says
Wonderful story. I look forward to trying this restaurant. And would love to win the cookbook!
CM Kearins says
Oops. Last name is: Kearins
Thanks!
Rene says
My kind of cookbook! Loving the onions, cucumbers, peas, peppers and lettuce from our first ever backyard garden! Thanks for the possibility to win!
CM Kearins says
Wonderful story!
Melodye says
This post is delicious, all on its own–and the pics, ooh la la!
I make no pretenses about being a cook, but farm-to-table meals are so appealing. Shared among friends, they’re a sensory pleasure in every way imaginable. So yeah, please sign me up for your cookbook giveaway contest!
*craving grilled figs & goat cheese*
Jenny says
On my table this summer…bacon and fried East Texas tomatoes! Not the healthiest of dishes, but so, so tasty! 🙂
kim says
I’m in a cooking slump this summer so please count me in! Would love to win this and discover some new inspiration!
Thekitchwitch says
Naturally, this post was right up my alley! I loved the memories and the charming photo of you (so young and glowing in that beautiful light that you only find in France, I think.)
I made moules (sans frites) for Valentin while he was here–there’s something kind of primal and romantic about digging into a big, communal bowl of mussels and tearing off hunks of bread to dunk in the broth. That one will be coming up on the blog soon. As soon as I finish off all of that chocolate cake we have in the house!
Frances says
Glad to see some others are in a bit of a slump too…..need to be reminded to pause and make a home cooked meal…thank you!
Lisa Jutras says
Eating lots of salads and fruits. Can’t wait for fresh veggies from my garden.
Amy says
Lately I’ve been making rosti, huge baked sweet potato and carrot hashbrowns, piled high with lemony greens, feta or goat cheese and runny eggs to make a sauce when I dig in. I would love a copy of the Buvette cookbook for more veggie inspirations!
Patti says
It’s all about veggies right now. Kale, broccoli, zucchini, cabbage, lettuces, peas, chard, beets, carrots. Go outside and pick and then cook and eat. Yum. That book looks good. I have been reading cookbooks instead of novels lately. very fun.
Doreen Felde says
My summers take advantage of our sunny skies in Southern California so we primarily BBQ. We love to eat outside in the evening enjoying grilled veggies and chicken.
barbara says
i am SO hungry now. the figs, the asparagus, the bicyclette….all delicious….i read cookbooks like novels, and this looks like one i would burn through, and then turn back for slow and steady stream…..
Liz Solar says
count me in. i could use some cooking inspiration as i cook mainly for nine year old twins – so I’d rather not say what I put on the table these days.
Melissa Sarno says
Ah! I live in New York City and you have named, here, one of my very favorite restaurants : ) What a special little place. And I love your story of Paris. This summer I am in love with green beans and snap peas prepared as simply as possible.
Trish Widdershoven says
Fresh farmers market “peaches & cream” corn and fresh dungesness crab with a lovely French baquette and garlic butter. Garlic and chives just plucked from the garden is my favourite this time of year. The only dilemma is I can’t finish it all!!!
Rhonda says
Barbecue chicken grilled corn homemade coleslaw.yum!
Jen J. says
Raspberries from the bushes in our backyard and lots of salad. Love the old photo from Paris!
Michelle Sprout Murray says
Homemade chicken salad, grilled everything, and fresh asparagus, tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries are my go-to foods for my always-ravenous sons and hubby. I love a bowl of cottage cheese with mild banana pepper rings and some Himalayan pink sea salt and perhaps some fresh basil thrown in. Wow…writing about food makes my mouth water!!
Teresa says
I know what I am doing with my asparagus tonight. :). Count me in. I would love to have this.
Amy says
I am cooking a lot of greens: kale, spinach, arugula, with olive oil and garlic. The grill has been a blessing as well: chicken and salmon are my staple healthy foods.
Nancy Schatz Alton says
I’m serving berry cobblers and salads made from lettuce from my garden
Susie Epstein says
Count me in
Juli says
This was inspiring- thank you for sharing! I need to make the asparagus immediately!
These days we are eating what is growing in the garden so this week it will be all things zucchini!
Jen McDonald says
We’re eating whatever we get in our weekly CSA box. Right now lots of salads as the greens are plentiful. I got some beautiful beets in yesterday’s box that I can’t wait to eat! My guys are meat lovers, so lots of grilling going on as well.
Selene says
My favorite souvenir to acquire when I travel is a wonderful recipe. It takes no space, and brings back memories of the trip. I collect these in a hand written notebook with the date and origin of the recipe. Much better than knick knacks! Some friends were thrilled when they leafed through my book and rediscovered a forgotten recipe they had given me 30 years ago. (Needless to say, we will all be making that dish again!)
Betsy Marro says
Tomatoes from our alley, volunteers all. Somehow the ones who aren’t invited and nurtured always taste wild and wonderful. There are three different varieties and we have no idea what they are. We do know that all those years of plunking the chunks of compost too hard for our pots may be paying unexpected dividends. I’ll have pictures soon on FB or my blog.
Caroline says
What’s now ripe in my garden is snow peas and purple string beans, so I’m experimenting with different ways to serve those. My black raspberries are just finishing up, and those never stay in the bowl long enough to serve! I live in NJ, and I can’t wait to visit Buvette on my next trip into the city. The cookbook looks mouthwateringly gorgeous!
laura says
oh, my goodness, this fed me on so many levels! thank you. on my table? fresh green beans from the garden with cucumber and tomato salad. not very sophisticated, i’m afraid, but yummy nonetheless! off to dream of Paris…
Lauren Rader says
probably my fav this summer is watermelon salad – watermelon, fresh basil and feta cheese. yum!!!
Frances says
All about fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of grilling . Homemade Gazpacho and grilled zuchinni last night for dinner – yum.
Michele Milosh says
Home made flat bread accompanying a salad filled with farmer’s market finds graces our table at least twice a week… Can’t wait to try the Asparagus recipe!!! Will certainly buy the cookbook (if I don’t win it:-).
Bev says
I am making a tomato tart for a small gathering I am hosting tomorrow night. I just wish our local tomatoes were ripe! I LOVE PARIS!!
tina knowlton says
Loved your telling of the trip to Paris! Like you, I have way too many cookbooks but have had many more years than you to collect them. On the table? whatever the garden holds plus protein on the grill. Berries for dessert. I’d love to win the cookbook…but if not, I’m afraid I’ll have to buy it! Sounds scrumptious.
Jilly says
Sounds wonderful! Please count me in x
Peggy Robinson says
I love fresh tomatoes sliced thin, chopped up sweet onions dropped on top, and then fresh ground pepper over everything…. then put in the fridge for a bit and serve cold…. yummy!!!
I love to try new things!
Diane says
We were fortunate to catch blue fish and stripers, so we’ve been grilling them with chopped tomatos, onions, seasonings and a pat of butter all wrapped in foil and cooked on the grill. I welcome the opportunity to win a copy of this special cookbook!
Shawn says
We have been grilling all our veggies: beets, asparagus, brussels sprouts, peppers, shallots, carrots and cauliflower.
But spent the morning making marinara sauce and lasagna roll ups stuffed with ricotta and zucchini.
I love Paris and new cookbooks!
Liz Smith says
Hi! I’d love to put my name in the hat for a chance at that cookbook. In summer, I always enjoy a well-prepared gazpacho and a gin and tonic with lime while cooking. I keep fresh basil and cilantro handy on my window sill for extra flavor.
Kathy says
I’m cooking whatever my CSA sends me each Friday! I would love a copy of the cookbook. Thanks for sharing. If I don’t win, I will certainly consider buying it. Looks marvelous.
Dee says
I actually visited NY to go to this restaurant. Such a quaint little french cafe off the beaten path. It is my idea of perfection. We will be visitng Paris come Sept and I loved reading your story it made feel like I was already there.
You always do such a beautiful job with your writing. Thanks for a chance at the cook book.
Linda says
I love simple and fresh cooking for Summertime! I find myself always wanting to create something new and healthy and share it with others. Salads with fresh roasted vegetables, feta, nuts and a side of smoked oysters is fabulous. Thanks for counting me in!
elizabeth says
farro, chopped parsley, chives, cucumbers, tomatoes with lemon and olive oil and garlic. add some feta and make it a meal. went to buvette for the first time last week and swooned.
Caroline says
Count me in! What’s on my table? Fresh summer berries drizzled (OK smothered) in a lemon curd/yogurt sauce – divine!
Ranya says
Homemade ricotta, honey and fresh fruit have become our favorite dessert.
CindyP says
Very excited to learn about Buvette. Heading to NYC in 2 wks and will put them on my list. As to what I’m eating..well its still too soon here for many of my garden veggies, but I’m enjoying my fresh herbs in everything and relishing every bite of every berry as they ripen and show up at the farmer’s market.
Christine says
I LOVE a beautiful cookbook! I read them page by page like a novel.
Summer means gazpacho, grilled fish and my garden fresh arugula for the salad. Summer meals are all about eating sunshine!
TERRI says
Fresh from the garden salads~ arugula, lettuces and grilled, roasted or any-way fig! Only just recently discovered the glories of fresh figs and simply cannot get enough~ And summers greatest bounty of fruits!!! Sheer bliss….
sarah says
I love to cook and experiment with new ingredients.
My lunch today was homemade beet burgers over brown rice with fresh basil from the garden and tonight it is roasted corn chowder with french bread spread with homemade pesto, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.
Gail Parsons says
NOTHING is on my summer kitchen table! I have 3 baseball playing sons and we spend EVERY night at a baseball field unfortunately eating from the snack bar!!! HELP!!!
Please send me this book so my boys can see there are parts of the world that doesn’t live on hotdogs!!!
Brenda says
We are on the grill most evening. i am especially fond of grilled vegetables, all types. We grill okra that has been tossed with olive oil, lime juice and a hefty 2-3 tablespoons of Thai curry paste (either red or green). Fire away.
So enjoy your posts.
Michelle R says
I am focusing on lots of fresh local produce, cheeses and breads. Throw in some roasted chicken or fish, OK some small amount of meat especially broiled flank steak. A new treat for after dinner in this house is a little piece of artisian cheese with a tiny amount of local hones. This was introduced to me recently and it is wonderful. Love to win your giveaway!
Kim K says
My kids and I love a perfect BLT with the ripest of summer tomatoes. We toast slices of crusty Italian bread from one our wonderful Bay Area bakeries, spread on real mayonnaise, top with crispy bacon (smoked by a friend in Berkeley) and finish with crisp little gem lettuce and thick, juicy tomato slices and a sprinkling of salt.
Cara Achterberg says
Hmmmm…tonight fresh french filet green beans – just picked – and Rib Eye steak from this year’s cow and fresh blueberries baked into something scrumptious if I can get my lazy teenager out there to pick some berries.
Mary Anna Martell says
Sounds wonderful! Been doing lots of salads – caprese, chicken fajita, the odd Cobb… Would love to win the cookbook!
Trina Duncan says
Tomatoes are starting to come in full force! The last few nights, simple sliced tomatoes (red and orange) with mozzarella cheese, topped with good olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil and fresh ground pepper. Have eaten it three nights in a row and still not tired of it!
Julia says
Asparagus salad and now getting close to roasted tomato, homemade mozzarella and arugula salad with balsamic glaze . . . well, of course the ice cream maker is going strong strawberry, raspberry, lemon with blueberry sauce . . . peach coming soon!1
Susannah Johnson says
I would love Inspiration for this summer’s dinners!
Julie says
Blueberries!!!
Nancy says
Unfortunately nothing worth mentioning has made it to my summer table.. yet! Buvette sounds great.
Sara B says
Garlic scape pesto on crackers starts most dinners. We’re eating lots of roughly chopped salad made by my 5-year-old using a sharp knife for the first time—she likes to sprinkle them with johnny-jump-ups to make the pretty. Grilled pizza or some kind of grilled meat to go with the pizza are good. Last night we had grilled steak with caramelized onions and Gorgonzola on ciabatta.
Annette says
Lots of grilled chicken and green smoothies are on the docket for our triple digit summer weather. Would LOVE some fresh inspiration please!
Nereida Miller says
Loved your Paris story! Sounds like a great restaurant and cookbook…count me in 🙂
Colette Ulliac says
We are loving pike fish that we catch ourselves on Lac La Biche Lake . So good !! I would love to win this cookbook.
Barbara Dellinger says
Fresh organic veggies and fruit. Doesn’t get better than that! The book looks fabulous!
Sierra says
Well, let’s see….since the garden is offering up lettuce and snow peas and small amounts of sweet basil, that’s what’s *not* cookin’…..Salads, with local eggs from a sweet farm in Temple. To that we add some grilled sausage, ripe avo, and nuts for crunch. Drizzled with EVOO, balsamic vinegar and slivers of Parmesan Romano cheese….or maybe some goat cheese. Gotta love summer. I sure do…and would ‘ooh la la* love to win a copy of that French cookbook ;D Bon appetite!
Sierra says
P.S. I love the bobby sox ;-D
Jeanne says
loving fresh cherries! I would love to win this cookbook, thoroughly enjoyed your Paris story!
Cindy Barnard says
Pesto. Lots and lots of pesto.
Traccy M. says
Count me in! Tonight I’m making roasted-veggie pizzas. Food is so good.
Kathleen says
Count me in
Marlene says
Figs are hard to come by here in Colorado but I dearly love them. I grew up in California eating them warm right from the tree before they ever got to the table! I would love a copy of the book!
Michele Rusinko says
Roasted vegetables and quinoa.
Donna Clary says
I too have a jillion cookbooks, all of them precious. I LOVE to cook. Your picture is priceless! Thanks for for sharing.
sonja says
does winter food count?
if it does – Melkkos….
Paula says
Rhubarb pie made from rhubarb out of my very own garden is one of the things that summer is known for around here. Rhubarb is the only edible I grow. The rest of the garden is flowers. Here at 8000 feet elevation, where we have mild, sunny days and cool nights, the rhubarb puts on quite a show, making me look like an expert gardener. The sweet and tart combination is something I love, and so do my kids and grandkids.
Carolyn says
I have been eating everything fresh from the garden this summer. Salads are sprinkled with Maldon salt, hit with a few glugs of olive oil and a small amount of red wine vinegar or lemon juice and mixed with my hands before serving. Very simple and delicious.
Janell Harvey says
Oh how i LOVE the story of your adventure. It makes me want to save $4000, (of course it would take a great deal more now.) hop a plane and “do paris.” I have had lots of tomatoes from my own garden, fresh herbs, cucumber, squash and every color bell pepper in the book. All of this gathered out of my 6X6 garden. I would LOVE a copy of this book.
Jean says
Gazpacho is a favorite, especially with fresh sour cream for garnish. I love to make Caprese salad too – fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil together is one of the best things about summer.
Denise says
All things grilled!
Linda Rosenfeld says
This summer we’re having our 26year old kitchen remodeled. I visited Paris last October with my husband and wanted my new kitchen to remind me of a French patissierre. I loved the food, the wine, and the atmosphere…all of it! We are all foodies here. Right now, all we can do is make salads and use the grill since we have no stove or dishwasher or sink. We are making do but hopefully it will not be too much longer. My daughter loves to bake and I enjoy making crepes. We would love a copy of the cookbook!
Nancy says
I was so inspired by your post about Paris and how your trip gave
you a life-long passion for cooking. I am a true cooking novice
but would love to have a copy of this beautiful cookbook for
the inspiration to prepare some healthy and dellcious dishes
this summer, so please . . . count me in!!
Carolyn says
I have never been a fan of French food – tiny portions and too many sauces! – but these recipes appeal to me enormously! This book will make a lovely addition to my collection of Mediterranean cookbooks. Merci!
Mark says
Answer: fresh, crusty bread. Just as often as I can! Loved the photo from Paris — you look carefree and happy. But your smile seems even bigger in your more recent photos. Life agrees with you.
Debora says
Lots of berries, good cheese, watermelon, and chickens that someone else has roasted. It’s too hot to crank up the oven high enough to roast a chicken!)
Linda says
Ahhh – Paris in the springtime of our youth!! Could anything be more evocative? I never made the trip, but would love to savour some of the ambience through this delightful sounding cookbook.
Thanks for your wonderful reminiscence.
lizzi says
With children 15, 11 & 8, boy, boy & girl….meal time in genreal has become a balancing act. I’ve also decided that the foods we consume need to be closer to the farm than the freezer, box or drive-through. The biggest part of making such big changes in our dinner table is trying something new, despite the look or smell–as they’ve come to realize is quite deceiving (lucky me!!). We are using the whole process as a learning moment: from going to the local farmers market & making choices for a meal, to creating that meal & presetning it at the table. The delayed gratifacation & pride that comes from all of it has given my children a whole new perspective of food. They amaze me!
Linda says
Grilled tomatoes covered with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Could not be easier or better. Also other veggies.
Linda
Sandra Andersen says
Loved your story. This time of year with all the fresh veggies that are in season hodge-podge is a big hit at our table! Count me in!
Josie Lombardi says
To be honest…whatever is easiest…we are having a heat wave here on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada and I have no energy. I would love some inspiration though, new recipes may energize me.
Linda B. Kenison says
Right now I am vacationing in Maine, so lots of fish. Having lobster and clams tonight.
At home I have as many fresh vegetable and fruit from local farm stands along with fish,. chicken and other low fat meats.My favorite is wild salmon.
Thara says
lemonade 🙂 It is so hot here .
Love this recepie.. love cooking…
Joy says
I’m in too! Funny, I spent a semester in Alsace 36 years ago and also learned to love simple French cooking. Maybe not choucroute au garni, our local specialty, but many, many others.
Laura Cole says
I’m cooking the kale and chard from our CSA- not usually my favorite but I tried a lime olive oil and it was great! The book looks awesome!
Tonya says
A friend has given me fresh lettuce from her garden, a mixed bag of greens that I dress simply with lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper. I sometimes add some feta, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Its the season for freshness.
Jenn M. says
Goodies from the farmer’s market: lettuce, fennel, tomatoes with basil, cucumbers with dill and vinegar…this looks like a lovely cookbook!
Leslie M says
We’re trying to eat out of our vegetable garden as much as we can these days. Usually it’s a Kale salad with whatever veggies we have mixed in – blanched green beans, roasted zucchini or yellow squash, and sun gold tomatoes. When we have enough padron peppers we sauté them and eat with vinegar and salt. And we’re always harvesting the basil and making big batches of pesto!
Monica says
I am eating whole foods that satisfy and nourish, with a mindfulness about how they make me feel — whole milk, fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits, meat, fish and a nice dessert.
Susan Baron says
Cherries, peaches, and blueberries grace my table these days!
I spent my junior year of Smith College in Paris three years after you were there. I don’t remember wearing ankle socks like that, though. 🙂 In a small shop on la rue du Four (Oven Street), I splurged on a pair of light brown leather boots that snapped up the sides, and I wore them out on the sidewalks of Paris in less than a year.
I am going to be in New York in August, and I will try to go to Buvette while I am there; I hope that it will be open during the month that Paris traditionally closes down! Would love to win the book, and if I don’t, I plan to buy it!
Loved the post. Thank you!
Kate says
Yum! Count me in please.
Elizabeth Sadhu says
Hello—again your writing entices and delights me. And this cookbook sounds awesome. I, too, have a cookbook addiction. 🙂
This summer seems to be about bowls. Filled with cold rice, greens, homemade salsa, a daub of sour cream, feta, tomatoes from the garden, sunflower seeds, a little chicken. YUM!
Fresh blueberries from the garden, a dollop of whole milk yogurt, pinch of vanilla with a couple of drops of stevia.
My breakfast is something my hubby calls “eggs in a swamp”. Eggs from the chickens, but first I sauté chard and kale from the garden in olive oil and a tiny pinch of butter and then I crack the eggs in. Sometimes a pinch of cheese. YUM!
At home in Portland, Oregon, my beloved and I live in a very tiny apartment. But I am doing quite a bit of pet sitting and where I am now they have a beautiful garden with chickens and two delightful dogs, who I adore.
And since I love to cook, (my specialty is Indian) I leave my clients a home cooked meal for their return.
Mitzi Carmon says
Tonight I sliced several, straight from the garden, cucumbers. I added salt, pepper, ice water with a splash of apple cider vinegar. Yum!
Bronwen says
Fresh fruit in salads with goat cheese and balsamic dressing have been my favorite meal this summer
Kathy says
Tonight I prepared a minestrone type soup. I used lots of fresh local produce that is overflowing these beautiful summer days. It has been a little cool here in the Midwest and it was so good to eat a hearty soup tonight. I own this cookbook and LOVE it. If I won, I would gift it to my sister. It would make a lovely gift. And, then we would need to plan a trip to the restaurant! Thank you for the chance to win.
Barri says
Corn cakes and tomatoes with balsamic and basil topped with whipped goat cheese . Delicious. Count me in. Thank you.
Denise Veggerby says
Count me in. Denise V.
Denise Veggerby says
I love fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Can’t wait to see the book! Denise
Jenn says
Please count me in! This summer my family is enjoying our meals on our patio. We’ve enjoyed salmon, freshly made salads and berries for dessert. Thank you for sharing this great restaurant and book!
Leticia says
Approaching an empty nest as of September, (two sons off to college) I am savoring meal preparation as if it were our family’s last meal. The irony is that as a first time member of a CSA yearning to utilize every harvest rich ingredient, and two teenage boys who think Chipoltle is a five star restaurant, I am often cooking many elaborate dinners (Grilled Paella Mixta) for just my husband and me (teenage boys like to eat major meals at random hours!)
Buvette is on my bucket list….cooking from a new cookbook makes me feel young, energized and connected to something/someone greater than the sum of its parts! I will remain forever grateful and inspired!
Eileen says
Please count me in! We spend as much time eating out in our big screened in porch in the summer. I love the simplicity of a fresh peach and banana fruit salad.
Sarita Arden says
Count me in!
Sally says
Loved your story. Thank you so much for sharing it. What’s on our table these hot summer Arizona days? Salads, fruit and simple meals from the grill.
Mary Ann says
Count me in. The cookbook sounds wonderful, and I loved your story about Paris. Lots of grilling this summer for us, and trips to the farmer’s market.
Mary says
We are gorging on beautiful stone fruit, fresh greens, toasted nuts, a nub of farmstead cheese . . . and chilled dry rose. I love summer, and have wonderful food memories (on a strict budget) from Paris . . . buying bits of cheese, a baguette, some fruit, splurging for a lunch of divine quiche, simple salads and house wine. Sigh. Perfection. Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories.
MARY says
I love all the fresh fruits of summer. My brother lives in NYC and must tell him to visit Buvette.
Karen Shuman says
I love summer…grilled veggies with goat cheese, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes and fresh basil all on a hoagie roll are the best! Would love to have a copy of the cookbook so please count me in.
Sarah says
We’re eating whatever comes from our CSA farmer – this week summer squash, broccoli, arugula, cucumbers, onions. Last night I made a summer squash pasta with bacon, shallots and parmesan cheese. Yum! Would love more ideas.
Liz Thibeault says
I am putting lots of delicious vegetables on my table this summer. Our town’s organic farm, Clark Farm, offers CSA shares to residents. I will have a bounty of snap peas, beets, and string beans on our plates tonight. I like Buvette’s food philosophy… just simple food, well prepared. No towers or foams, thank you! I hope to win the book so I can dip into the recipes soon. I too traveled to Paris in my “salad days.” The joy of that first cafe au lait and croissant with apricot jam cannot ever be replicated!
Misty says
With too many recipes I want to try floating around in my head, I made myself a Summer Foods Bucket List and posted it in the header of my blog. As I make each recipe I cross it off the list and move on to the next delicious dinner plan. It helps me stay focused and is providing me a map for future summer favorites. Some of those will be the slow-cooker pulled pork, strawberry-rhubarb jam and homemade paella. This cookbook looks amazing and could inspire my 50 Fall Foods list I am bound to create!
marcia says
count me in!
geri says
count me in! on the dinner table, lets see, tonight eggplant parmesean with fresh marinara and soldier hats.tomorrow, lots of greens sauteed in garlic and a squeeze of lemon w/ grilled chicken. on friday always some kind of fresh fish to grill .
Jeanne says
Love the story! Count me in.
This summer has been all about berries and beets.
Cynthia says
Fresh salads and everything on the grill! I’d love to win a copy of this beautiful book.
Thanks!
Sue D S says
What are you putting on your summer dinner table these days?
I’d love to add a bowl of fresh summer fruits. Count me in!
Clare says
Mmmm….we have a fabulous Farmer’s Market on Friday morning here in St. Helena, so a lot of our summer meals are inspired by what seduces us there. Tomatoes, sliced and drizzled with olive oil, salted and peppered. Baby zucchinis roasted in the toaster oven and eaten immediately as finger food. Beets, diced and roasted until caramel-like, then placed on a bed of their own greens that have been quickly sauteed, all of it sprinkled with crumbled feta. Fresh seafood of all kinds. And lastly, peaches, cherries, and the best Halvah I’ve ever had in my entire life, and that includes what I had in Istanbul. Enough for now, cuz I’m really hungry! 😉
Amy Jackson says
As always, your newsletter delights my heart and makes my day!! It brought back my ancient memories of my first visit to Paris as a young woman. I’m cooking summer’s bounty, fresh from my farmer friends: minted sweet pea and spinach soup; an Asian stir fry w./ baby bok choy, broccoli, sugar snap peas over soba noodles and dusted w./ black and white sesame seeds; roasted Japanese turnips w./ sugar snap peas and home-made preserved lemon; roasted strawberries w./ James Beard’s magical shortcakes and fresh whipped cream; boozy cherry chocolate bread pudding…and on and on! I’d love to win a copy of Buvette because it’s probably the only way I’ll get to “visit” her. Thank you for doing this!
ann says
my summer table is being spent with family from Massachusetts to North Carolina enjoying the gardens & farmers markets all along the way.
angela butler says
Watermelon, lots and lots of watermelon!
Lisa says
Watermelon, figs, cherries, fresh tomato sauce, and lots of basil. Count me in please.
Mary Beth Williams says
Your style of writing is the best I have come across in any cookbook yet. Beautifully descriptive and evocative. What a gift this book is for all of us! Thank you!
Danette Butcher says
goat cheese with hazelnuts and fig jam on salad greens is my new indulgence!
Janet says
What a gorgeous, scrumptious book!!!! Just reading it made me happy. i love to do fresh homemade guacamole and pico de gallo and shrimp on the grill with corn tortillas. if i remember to shuck the corn and throw it on the grill then cut it off the cob and mix with a little olive oil, cumin and red peppper flakes to add to the mix it’s even better. Cookbooks like Buvette inspire me to try new things and use the the freshest, simplest, and tastiest ingredients I can find.
Ellen says
I always love stories of Paris. I am passionate about cooking and also see it as a way to have adventure right in your own kitchen. Is it summer already? It seemed to arrive so late in New Hampshire this year, that I feel it has barely begun. Fresh berries are some of my favorite things about summer, and the blueberries are just ready to be picked, so I will be looking for some new recipes.
jeanie says
My summer dinner table is filled with all the fresh gifts of the season — lovely tomatoes, peas so sweet they’re lovely served simply raw or barely blanched and added to a salad; black cherries so ripe they all but fall off the pit; strawberries so sweet that sugar is not required for shortcake (except for in the lovely homemade biscuits!). There’s bread from my personal baker, Mr. Rick, and when he’s too busy, from the bread guy at the market. Plump radishes, sweet carrots and salad caprese. (I have an excellent basil crop; pesto, here I come!). Oh, ’tis the season.
This book sounds like a treasure (you had me at Paris, then with shaved Brussels sprouts!). I’m thrilled to enter!
Maggie L. says
Just back home after road tripping (and lots of fast food eating) to baseball tourneys with my teen son’s team and his tween siblings, I’m dying to hit the Farmers Market to get some great midsummer veggies. We chop, grill, sautée, whatever…end enjoy the freshness of summer! My kids are great eaters and I think it’s because they’ve always had the opportunity to taste and eat well grown, well prepared home cooking. 🙂
Privilege of Parenting says
Yum!
XO
Lib Q says
Yum! Favorite summer foods here are shrimp and grits, sea bass in parchment, BBQ followed by berry cobblers, fresh peaches and kale salad. Love your writing!
Jan Gallagher says
Throw my name in the hat, please for the cookbook. Maybe, just maybe I can replace one of those on-the-shelf, but never used with something new and inspiring. I am patiently (well, trying) awaiting local peaches for shortcake or a galette. 1st farm fresh green beans this week and tomorrow evening, grilled tuna pesto salad. What isn’t good in the good ol’ summertime?! P.S. Did I mention ice cream: anytime, anywhere, any flavor!
Sarah says
I’m cooking anything that my 7-year old will eat and that doesn’t require me to turn on the oven 🙂
Marilyn Brunner says
Sounds delicious. My daughter loves to cook and last week made a wonderful dinner of French onion soup, grilled chicken and broccoli baked with rich cheese. Thank you for the book idea and the inspiration!
Renee says
Count me in! Loving all the fresh fruits and veggies of summer! Took the kids strawberry picking in June. Can’t wait to go blueberry picking! Just made pesto this week with the basil we’re growing on the deck. Yum!
annettealaine says
I’ve been inspired by trips to the farmer’s market. I shop and then search for recipes. One of our favorites has been a simple tomato sauce made with cherry tomatoes, garlic and oil reduced, add fresh squashes, and serve over pasta. Light and delicious.
Mary Lynne Johnson says
Count me in;)
Kelly M says
This summer I am all about the fruit. Dinner often consists of something that will use up whatever fruit is leftover from the day (strawberries were spectacular this year), of course some cheese and a slice of bread or a bun. Then some salad to boost my vegetable count for the day. It’s been too hot for soup, but as the fall approaches I will surely add soup to the list. My mother would be shocked !!!
Cindy G says
If it is in the garden, at some point it will be on the table! Now if I could only find a few good recipes for red clover and crab grass to fully use all that is growing in my patch…!
gayle p says
yum – this cookbook sounds wonderful! We’ve been cooking a lot of fresh fish and now that the corn and tomatoes are in, every meal has some in one form or another – greek salad, roasted corn, corn salad, tomatoes with pesto, can’t wait to try the asparagus recipe – thanks!
Caroline W says
I wish I could cook as well as some of the postings here, or at least be half as creative! This summer we are eating a lot of fresh fruit while it is in season and having a lot of salads with various vegetables mixed whenever they look/sound good to us.
Karen Draper says
I LOVE to cook, so I have many seasonal favorites. Last weekend I made grilled butterflied chicken stuffed with lemon, garlic and herbs. Then right before cooking I also rub Boursin cheese spread under the skin…so yummy. I served it with tomato and corn salad and warm French potato salad. 🙂
Pamela O says
Planning a trip to NYC in a few weeks and will definitely make Buvette a priority! Some of my most favorite foods are beets, asparagus, brussel sprouts and, oh my, goat cheese!! As I see them all featured in the above posts and your adventure, I’m drawn to realize that we Americans need to stop and take note from our European neighbors–relax, keep it simple, surround yourself with good company and great wine! The rest just falls into place…
Tara says
Lots of fresh fruit juice, it is so hot here 🙂 count me in.
Janice Lee says
I love the veggies I pick each day from my South Carolina back yard garden…my ordinary happy life!!! That’s what is on our table..
love all of your writings..
Janice Lee
Christine says
Fresh fish on the grill. Yummmmmm
Pat says
Everything you mentioned sounds yummy. In the summer I belong to a CSA which forces me to learn to prepare all kinds of vegetables with which I have no experience. This cookbook sounds like just the thing to educate and expand my culinary expertise (or lack thereof). I can’t wait to try the asparagus recipe.
Gay says
Lots of local organic veggies and herbs. The cookbook looks wonderful, so count me in!
Maria says
Made raspberry jam today. Also red currant syrup. Summer is all about fresh fruit, preserving what I can, fresh veggies. Would love this book! Thanks for your writing. You feed my soul!
Essie says
I’m a grandmother of 4, 3 of whom live nearby. Alas, their family is at this time in the ‘too-busy-to-cook’ phase, but with the help of a wonderful organic farm nearby I’m trying to expand the children’s vision of good food/healthy choices when I have the opportunity. Mussels last night. Would love the cookbook!
Kim says
We grill marinated chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, burgers, etc., for my meat loving husband and son,but always accompany the meat with roasted vegetables. Asparagus, beets, sugar snap peas, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers and zucchini–sometimes alone, or some combination mixed together. I toss the vegetables in a scant amount of olive oil and roast. We visited Paris this past April. The cookbook sounds wonderful!
Stephanie says
Fresh pastries every Sunday morning to enjoy on deck w coffee and lots of fresh fruit. So beautiful to have a big bowl of colorful fruit.
Rebecca says
Salads, fruit, and baked chicken! I’m a student with limited time and budget but I enjoy being creative with cooking and am always looking for new recipes!
Diane says
Thanks, Katrina for another wonderful look at how “ordinary” days can be magical. As for what I am putting on the table here on Cape Cod, let me mention my garden woes. After Mr. Groundhog ate the first garden, I replanted and am just now watching the tiny tomatoes form, the beans are almost flowering and I can’t wait to slice that first yellow summer squash, even though I know that by August I will wish for another night time raid from Mr. G. to help me deplete the zucchini…so I am making do with fresh salad greens from a local farmer’s market, fresh clams from our own ocean down the road and really good wine from a friend in the business. Thanks to air-conditioning just put in last year, this summer, I can actually bake and this morning made whole-wheat raspberry/blueberry bread, with fresh berries from the side of the garden, the one which Mr. G. didn’t raid. Yummy and good for anyone who can stomach grains… Would love to be able to learn more about French cooking!
Michelle says
What am I putting on the table this summer? Whatever looks good at the Traverse City Michigan farmers market. Having just returned to the Midwest after living in Texas for the last twenty years, I am enjoying the bounty of America’s heartland. The variety and quality of produce is amazing. This week, I am keeping busy putting to use pounds of the cherries that Michigan is so well known for!
Margit says
Beet greens with bacon and balsamic vinegar, steamed baby german fingerling potatoes, a rainbow of tiny tomatoes, all out of the garden, with local organic roast pork. Yummmm. I have a similar compulsive cookbook habit, but leave the actual cooking to my husband, who does a wonderful job.
Jan says
Generous friends passed along some fresh sockeye salmon steaks. My 98-year old Mom and I enjoyed Teriyaki Salmon with rice and steamed veggies tonight. Rhubarb Coconut cake is a new favourite.
SaraA says
Please count me in! Since we just moved in to a new home, I’m keeping it simple with burgers, BLTs, and taco salad for my brood this summer. Baby #6 due in Dec!
Pamela says
I love this post, especially the description of the European you with a cheese knife in your bag. And that photo!! It’s beautiful.
I am embarrassed to say what we are eating this summer. Usually I cook every night but last night I hit a new low and it was panera drive through. Last week, one night was popcorn, watermelon, carrots and brownies. What I need most is inspiration and your photo of grilled figs may have done the trick …
Jennifer Wolfe says
Well, before my dishwasher leaked, flooded the kitchen, and caused my floors to be pulled up, the water disconnected and cabinets removed…before all that I was cooking like a madwoman! A teenage son to feed (and one who actually appreciates food) and I was making all sorts of grilled meats, inventive salads (we’re into candid nuts and local cheeses right now) and since we live in CA, anything with a Mexican flair and lots of peppers! But today? I’m afraid it’s eating out and prepared meals from Trader Joe’s that are coming out of my disjointed kitchen at the moment.
David Abrams says
Summer really brings out the foodie in me, so I’ve been having a lot of fun in the kitchen lately. Let’s see….there was:
1. Pan-roasted ribeyes with Bernaise sauce, jalapeño fingerling potatoes, and green beans
2. Spatchcocked Chicken with Alabama White Sauce. Plus: roasted fingerling potatoes with jalapeños, and a cherry salad.
3. Tomato-Basil-Mozzarella Salad
…and those are just the ones I remembered to Instagram….
Sheril Tan says
Its not summer here in the Philippines but I would love to have this book. If this giveaway is available to your followers in southeast asia, please count me in.
Dawn Meyer says
Fresh crab from Holmes Harbor, Screaming Banshee bread, local raspberries and glass of Whidbey island Winery Siegerrebe. Local food from Whidbey Island Washingon is a delight!
Nancy says
Lots and lots of blueberries… plain, with yogurt and granola, in muffins, in pancakes, cakes, smoothies, you name it, we are eating it!
That cookbook sounds divine!
Carole Clarin says
Lots of veggies go on my dinner table, determined by what my CSA farm offers that week. My daughter just brought up some fresh figs so I’ll need to head over to the local goat farm for some of the best goat cheese around-what could be better!
Michelle Raymod says
Would love a copy! Bon appetite!
Sharlene Lee says
I just found your blog and I’m so thrilled. It started with the post about being 55 and it resonated with me because I am 56 and share many of those same feelings. I can’t wait to go back and read your older posts.
I am an artist and I dream of going to France and Greece, but don’t know if I will ever make it there. I also LOVE food. I just glanced out my window and realized that I need to do something with my radishes, so when I saw this post, it made me smile.
Leslie in Little Rock says
I love when I get taken on a “little internet journey”. There is a fun video on Lonny’s magazine this month, where a designer talks about this little restaurant and I thought, “Wait, that looks familiar!”, and scurried back to read your post. Thanks for talking so eloquently about this great looking book. And for sharing your bobbie sox adventure in Paris. (-: For this Sunday lunch I made my umpteenth BL(H)T sandwich of the summer. The H stands for Heirloom. Where have they been all my life? They were Black Carbon from a farm in Arkansas. So yummy! I always LOVE reading your delightful posts and books!
Laura says
Ooooh lala…Paris, the most romantic city in the world. This cookbook looks beautiful!
Gloria Howard says
Thanks for the tip about Buvette’s. I’d love to go there someday. I’m trying to make meals that are as easy as possible and light. Lots of salads. Eatingwell.com has a great recipe for stuffed zucchini with quinoa, tomatoes and turkey sausage. Made it this week with the zucchini from my local Farmer’s Market. My family and I loved it.
Deanna says
I recently learned to poach eggs and have been enjoying them over freshly picked tomatoes and grilled vegetables with a dollop of pesto from the garden!
CoastMom says
Did I miss the selection of the winner (on July 26th?). I am missing your blog posts Katrina, and hope it is because you are blissfully busy enjoying a wonderful summer.
Katrina Kenison says
A copy of Buvette went off to a reader in Canada — and although I didn’t actually plan to take the rest of the summer off from blogging, life intervened with a string of surprises and challenges which have kept me busy with other things. More soon. Thank you for checking in!
Anya says
I’ve been putting lots of cold noodle salad on my summer table.
Anya says
I’ve been serving cold soba noodle salad on my summer table.
Joy says
Greetings Katrina! Headed to NY next weekend and celebrating my son’s 26th birthday at Buvette! Can’t wait… thanks much for the recommendation.