Photo du Jour - Deep in the Heart of France


The beauty of the Languedoc-Roussillon never fails to amaze me.

Photo du Jour - Le Minervois


On the road that takes us from our village, population 402, to "civilization."

La Fête du Fromage - Séchon de l'Ardèche

This petit chèvre packs a serious punch!

When I choose this little cheese at my favorite Fromagerie in Narbonne, the woman behind the counter told me, actually it was more of a warning, that it was a very dry and strong cheese. "Oui, oui, d'accord," I replied, thinking, bring it on lady, I'm no cheese virgin.

Well, she was right to give warning.

Séchon de l'Ardèche
may look like an innocent, little, wrinkly goat's cheese, but it surprisingly potent!
In a really, really good way.


The Ardèche is a rural département in southern France that is known for its rugged, natural beauty, stunning scenery, chestnuts, charcuterie and an AOC goat's cheese, Picodon de l'Ardèche.

Séchon de l'Ardèche is like Picodon on steroids.
Again, in a good way.


The slightly moldy, edible, dry rind breaks open to reveal a brittle, crumbling cheese that has an earthy, tangy and rather goaty aroma. The flavor is rustic and extremely rich and peppery.
The texture -wow! - dense and very, very chewy. It completely coats your mouth with its rich, full texture and flavor.

For those who don't appreciate strong cheeses or "goaty" chèvres, avoid Séchon de l'Ardèche. If you're like me however, and adore them, this is one to try!



Some red Côtes-du-Rhône or white Crozes-Hermitage would be good matches with this piquant cheese.

Photo du Jour - Cheers!

Stomajo Restaurant


Even though the New Year's celebrations have officially ended, we're still catching up with friends we haven't seen since early December. Yesterday was a scrumptious lunch at the beach where the sun was shining and the temperature was a balmy 65 degrees F!

Photo du Jour - Where am I?


If France is only 30 miles away, then why did it take me almost 24 hours to get here?