Beaujolais Nouveau: The First Sip of the Harvest

Celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau, the vibrant young wine that captures the joy of harvest season in France! This episode dives deep into the history, traditions, and charm of this iconic French wine. From its roots in Burgundy to the excitement surrounding its release every November, discover why Beaujolais Nouveau is more than just a bottle of wine—it’s a celebration of community and culture.

Learn about the Gamay grape, the fascinating history behind Beaujolais, and how this fresh and fruity wine is made. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, this episode uncorks the magic of Beaujolais Nouveau with vibrant stories and expert insights.

Explore the traditions that bring people together during the darker days of November, and uncover the delicious analogy that makes Beaujolais Nouveau the “cookie dough” of the wine world. So, pour yourself a glass and toast to this French delight. Bon appétit!

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celebrate Burgundy’s wine culture and the iconic Hospice de Beaune Wine Auction, part of the Trois Glorieuses festivities. Wine expert Preston Moore shares fascinating insights into this historic event, from its origins as a medieval hospital to its role in Burgundy’s winemaking legacy. Learn how this annual auction supports charitable causes and continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide.

Preston also offers practical tips for planning a trip to Burgundy, from the best times to visit to must-see wineries in the region. Whether you're exploring Beaune or venturing into its renowned vineyards, this episode is your guide to experiencing Burgundy’s rich traditions and exceptional wines.

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncovering Calvados: The Spirit of Normandy

Step into the heart of Normandy as we explore Calvados, the region's iconic apple and pear brandy, in this episode of Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast. From its humble beginnings in cider presses to its golden age during France's phylloxera crisis, we unravel the history and craftsmanship behind this legendary spirit.

Learn how over 200 apple varieties contribute to Calvados’ distinct character, and discover the intricate distillation and aging processes that give this drink its exceptional depth and flavor. We’ll also dive into the regulations of the AOC system, including the unique Domfrontais variation with its pear-infused notes, and the legacy of Calvados as a cherished part of French culinary tradition.

Ever heard of Le Trou Normand, the Norman “hole” that revives the appetite during a long meal? Or the wartime connection between Calvados and Canadian soldiers in WWII? This episode uncovers these stories and more, connecting Calvados to both French history and global culture.

Whether you're a spirit enthusiast or a lover of French food and culture, this episode will transport you to the orchards of Normandy and leave you yearning for a glass of this elegant brandy. Don’t miss it!

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cuisine of Dijon the City and Region

In this episode of Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast, we journey through the rich culinary heritage of Dijon, uncovering the flavors and traditions that have made this region a gastronomic treasure. From the tangy bite of world-renowned Dijon mustard to the decadent warmth of pain d’épices, Dijon’s iconic foods have a story to tell. We’ll delve into how these specialties have developed over centuries and continue to represent the region's unique flair and commitment to quality ingredients.

Join us as we explore the dishes that define Dijon, like the beloved coq au vin and the elegant crème de cassis. Each of these flavors reflects the influence of Burgundy’s historical opulence and the craftsmanship passed down through generations. Discover the roots of famous recipes that incorporate the area’s local wines, seasonal produce, and one-of-a-kind cheeses, all shaped by Dijon’s remarkable terroir.

We’ll also dive into the characters behind these foods, from traditional mustard makers to celebrated chefs, whose passion has preserved Dijon’s culinary heritage. With anecdotes and insider stories, this episode reveals the city’s dedication to its age-old techniques, time-honored recipes, and local ingredients that draw food lovers from around the world.

Whether you’re a devoted Francophile or simply curious about French cuisine, this episode serves up a taste of Dijon’s unforgettable dishes and the artistry that makes them truly timeless.

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Revisit The Story of Édouard Nignon

In this episode to celebrate the birthday of Édouard Nignon today we celebrate the life and legacy of Edouard Nignon, an extraordinary French chef often overshadowed by contemporaries like Auguste Escoffier. Known as a true visionary, Nignon’s dedication to French cuisine and his adventurous approach to flavors marked him as one of the unsung culinary masters of his time. From humble beginnings as a young kitchen apprentice, Nignon rose to prominence in Paris’s elite restaurants before embarking on an illustrious international career that took him across Europe and beyond.

Listeners are taken on a journey through Nignon's career highlights, including his work with royalty and nobility in Austria, Russia, and England. Not only did he create dishes that delighted the palates of emperors and high society, but he also earned a reputation for combining French techniques with bold and unique flavors. His time spent at prestigious establishments, including Claridge’s in London and the Hermitage in Moscow, illustrates how he helped spread French culinary traditions across borders while embracing other cultures’ flavors.

Nignon’s life was also marked by personal challenges and resilience. The episode explores his return to France, where he continued his influence by writing celebrated cookbooks and founding a culinary institute. Despite health struggles, his commitment to sharing his culinary knowledge never wavered, and he left a lasting impact on French cuisine through his writing and mentorship of future culinary icons.

Finally, we learn of Nignon’s contributions to modern cooking and his emphasis on clear broths, subtle seasoning, and inventive techniques that inspired Nouvelle Cuisine. This episode offers listeners a glimpse into the life of a chef who, despite not being widely known today, paved the way for modern French culinary innovation.

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baba au Rhum: A Boozy French Delight with Royal Roots

In this episode of Fabulously Delicious, The French Food Podcast, we’re exploring the delightful and decadent world of the Baba au Rhum. This classic French dessert, a soft, syrup-soaked cake, has become a favorite across France—and beyond! But there’s much more to this boozy treat than meets the eye. With its roots in Central and Eastern Europe, and a name that means 'grandmother' in Slavic languages, Baba au Rhum has an unexpectedly international past.

We’ll trace the Baba’s journey to France, thanks to an exiled Polish king with a sweet tooth and a clever pastry chef who transformed a dry cake into a dessert legend. This little cake was reimagined with a touch of French elegance, a dose of rum, and plenty of whipped cream, eventually finding a home in Paris at the famous Stohrer Pâtisserie, where it still delights dessert lovers today.

Baba au Rhum has even found fame in Italy, especially in Naples, where it has become a local specialty. Italian pastry chefs took this dessert and added their own spin, creating the ‘babà’ and later inspiring the ring-shaped Savarin cake in France. Both cakes highlight the versatility of the Baba’s basic recipe, showing how one small cake can inspire so many delicious interpretations.

Join us as we uncover the fascinating tale of the Baba au Rhum, from its royal beginnings to its modern-day charm. You’ll discover the secrets behind its perfect texture, the best way to enjoy it, and why this little cake soaked in rum has captured the hearts—and taste buds—of dessert lovers around the world!

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Story of Raymond Oliver

In this episode of Fabulously Delicious The French Food Podcast, we delve into the life and legacy of the legendary French chef, Raymond Oliver. Known as a pioneer in French gastronomy, Raymond Oliver transformed the culinary scene with his artistry, innovation, and passion for French cuisine. From his early days in Aquitaine, learning the art of cooking from his family, to his rise as the celebrated chef-owner of Le Grand Véfour in Paris, Oliver's journey was one of dedication, creativity, and resilience. This episode uncovers the fascinating story of how he revolutionized traditional French cooking, blending old-world elegance with a modern twist that captivated diners from all over the world.

Raymond Oliver's impact on French cuisine extended beyond the kitchen. As the charismatic host of Art et magie de la cuisine, France’s first-ever televised cooking show, he brought French cooking into the homes of millions, making classic recipes accessible and inspiring a new generation of chefs. From his signature dishes, such as the Prince Rainier Pigeon, to his bold exploration of international flavors, Oliver embraced both tradition and innovation, becoming a beloved figure on French television. Listeners will discover how his influence changed the landscape of French culinary media and why his legacy endures in the world of cooking shows today.

Join us as we celebrate the life of Raymond Oliver—chef, TV personality, and ambassador of French cuisine. His remarkable contributions to culinary arts and French culture continue to resonate today, influencing chefs worldwide. This episode dives deep into his achievements, unique cooking philosophy, and the legendary dishes that defined his career. Whether you're a French food enthusiast or just curious about one of France's most influential chefs, this episode offers an inspiring and flavorful journey through the life of Raymond Oliver.

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chocolate in France: A Rich History 

Join us on Fabulously Delicious The French Food Podcast for an irresistible dive into the world of French chocolate. With the Salon du Chocolat—the largest chocolate expo in Europe—kicking off in Paris, we’re exploring the fascinating journey of chocolate in France. From the arrival of cocoa beans in the 17th century to today’s artisanal chocolate creations, this episode unveils how France’s chocolate obsession took root and grew into a symbol of luxury, passion, and fine craftsmanship.

We’ll journey through the centuries, uncovering how French chocolatiers transformed chocolate from an exotic drink reserved for royalty into the beloved confections we know today. Discover the stories of chocolate pioneers like David Chaillou, who opened the first Parisian chocolate shop, and Sulpice Debauve, whose creations delighted French royalty and influenced modern chocolate-making. This episode is filled with rich history and stories of chocolatiers whose innovations brought us iconic treats like truffles, ganache, and chocolate bars.

Listen in as we trace the origins of chocolate back to ancient Central America and its eventual rise in France, where it became a culinary art form and an integral part of French culture. From its health benefits celebrated by royals to the unique flavors developed by master chocolatiers, French chocolate has captivated taste buds and inspired gourmands for generations.

Perfect for chocolate lovers and Francophiles alike, this episode reveals why French chocolate holds a special place in the culinary world. Whether you’re a fan of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or simply love to learn about food history, this episode is sure to satisfy your craving for knowledge—and maybe inspire your next chocolate indulgence!

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abbaye de Belloc - Cheeses of France Series

Discover the unique story behind Abbaye de Belloc, a cherished semi-hard cheese from the French Pyrenees, crafted from the rare, rich milk of red-nosed Manech cows native to the Basque region. Regulated under France’s prestigious AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) laws, Abbaye de Belloc is a part of the Ossau Iraty family of cheeses, renowned for its nutty, caramelized flavors and dense, creamy texture. Each wheel represents a centuries-old tradition and the dedication of the Benedictine monks who perfected this cheese.

In this episode, we journey to the Abbaye Notre Dame de Belloc, near the picturesque village of La Bastide Clairence, a gem of Basque heritage. Learn how the monks’ devotion to labor and prayer inspired their cheesemaking methods, creating a cheese deeply tied to its place of origin. From WWII resilience to agricultural development in the 1960s, Abbaye de Belloc's production reflects a remarkable legacy preserved through local partnerships and modern support.

Abbaye de Belloc’s production uniquely blends regional history with culinary artistry. After the monks turned cheesemaking over to a nearby creamery in the 1990s, Habitat et Humanisme, a French nonprofit, stepped in to ensure the abbey remained a hub for cheesemaking and community service. Today, young interns continue the work, crafting and aging each wheel under the abbey’s roof, honoring an ancient method while supporting affordable housing initiatives.

Indulge in the flavors of Abbaye de Belloc as we explore its exquisite pairing options, from robust wines like Pinot Noir to earthy Shiraz, which enhance the cheese's caramelized richness and nutty character. Join us in celebrating the taste, tradition, and cultural legacy of Abbaye de Belloc—a true taste of Pays Basque’s heritage.

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Piment d'Espelette: A Taste of the Basque Tradition – Fabulously Delicious Bonus Episode

As the vibrant Piment d'Espelette Festival kicks off in the heart of the Basque region, we’re celebrating on Fabulously Delicious The French Food Podcast with a special bonus episode! Join host Andrew Pryor for a flavorful dive into the world of Piment d'Espelette, a unique French pepper with a fascinating history and a rich, spicy profile cherished in French cooking. Discover how this Basque staple arrived in France from Mexico and grew to become a hallmark of the local culture.

In this snippet from the A to Z of French Herbs series, you’ll explore Piment d'Espelette’s journey from medicinal plant to culinary essential and learn about the strict AOC and PDO protections ensuring its authenticity and quality. From dried peppers adorning Basque homes to the intricate cultivation process required for the finest powdered Piment d'Espelette, uncover the traditional practices that make this pepper so exceptional.

Whether you're a fan of French cuisine or simply curious about regional ingredients, this episode brings the spirit of the Basque country right to you. Dive in, and let Piment d'Espelette add a touch of Basque heat to your French food knowledge!

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Champagne

Today, on Champagne Day, we’re diving deep into the fascinating history and artistry behind the world’s most luxurious bubbly. Champagne is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of celebration, elegance, and French heritage. In this episode, we’ll explore how Champagne evolved from the still wines of ancient Rome to the sparkling effervescence loved worldwide. We’ll look at the terroir of the Champagne region—its chalky soil, climate, and unique geography—which creates the ideal environment for cultivating grapes like Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.

We’ll also examine the story of the "accidental bubbles," once seen as a flaw but now the hallmark of Champagne’s magic. The pioneering contributions of figures like Dom Pérignon, who refined the wine-making process, and Madame Clicquot, the Widow Clicquot who revolutionized Champagne production with the riddling method, are explored in detail. Their work, along with advancements in glassmaking and secondary fermentation methods, helped transform Champagne into a coveted product across European royal courts and beyond.

The journey doesn’t stop there—Champagne's rise as a global symbol of sophistication is also a testament to strategic marketing by houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. Through clever branding and partnerships with high society, these producers embedded Champagne into the fabric of elite celebrations. Today, top houses still carry on this legacy, crafting blends that represent tradition, innovation, and impeccable quality, whether in sweet rosés or ultra-brut bottles.

Finally, we touch on the worldwide impact of Champagne, from its stringent appellation laws to its presence in international markets, where it’s synonymous with celebration and luxury. With more than 300 million bottles produced annually, Champagne’s reach is global, and yet it remains distinctly French. Join us as we toast to Champagne’s enduring allure and discover what truly makes it a sparkling masterpiece worthy of celebration.

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.

For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.

Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.

You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/

Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!

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