Food for Thought in a New History of French Cuisine

Food for Thought in a New History of French Cuisine

Not everyone sees it as cuisine; some people just consider it food. But whether you’re devoted to the simple cooking of your childhood or the elevated gastronomy of kings and socialites, you understand that what we cook and what we eat shapes more than just our bodies; it also shapes our culture and our view of the world.

In a Zoom virtual talk on Monday, Nov. 2, at 5 p.m., Bard College at Simon’s Rock professor Maryann Tebben will talk about her new book, “Savoir-Faire: A History of Food in France,” which is a deep dive into the ways our meals intersect with art, literature and history. 

Tebben teaches French and is the head of the Center for Food Studies at Simon’s Rock, which is in Great Barrington, Mass.

She explains in the introduction to her book that, “The story of French food is formed from a thousand smaller stories woven together; telling the tale is part of the consumption of French food. 

“This book asserts that the way French cuisine has become perhaps the most recognizable cuisine on the planet is because we know those stories by heart: Charles de Gaulle and 258 (or maybe 325 or maybe 246) cheeses, Dom Pérignon and sparkling wine, Marie Antoinette and cake, Parmentier and potatoes, Marie Harel and camembert, Proust and his madeleine.”

Tebben will share these and other stories of the history of French cuisine in her free talk, which can be accessed on Zoom (Meeting ID: 976 3089 8977, Passcode: h4BPqB) on Monday, Nov. 2, at 5 p.m. 

Latest News

Governor Hochul implements temporary statewide burn ban

The LED sign in front of Amenia's Town Hall on Route 22 warns passing motorists of the current temporary burn ban, in effect from Oct. 2 to Oct. 15.

Photo by Nathan Miller

A statewide burn ban is in effect as of Thursday, Oct. 2, the New York State Governor's office announced in a press release.

The temporary ban is in effect until at least Oct. 15, and the statement released by the governor's office said the restrictions will be re-evaluated prior to the Oct. 15 deadline.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 76 Sharon Rd., Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less
Horses heal: Time Out Foundation partners with Healing Hoofbeats in Lakeville

Corinne Kalser, MD, left, talks about the benefits of animals as therapy partners, as Renee Bouffard, LCSW, of Healing Hoofbeats of CT, on right, watches Harry Potter, a young horse at Time Out.In the background, Finnegan, lead horse at Time Out comes to see what’s going on.

L. Tomaino
“Horses and other livestock maintain their wild instincts. They sense what we are feeling and that makes them amazing therapy partners.”
— Renee Bouffard, LCSW

In 2008, Time Out Foundation became an official rescue and therapeutic riding facility, fulfilling a lifelong dream of founder, Corinne Kalser, M.D.With her husband, David McArthur, LCSW, and the rest of their staff, they offer a haven for children and adults through gentle, relaxed therapies centered around animals — rescued horses, dogs, cats, and goats — on their 35-acre farm in Lakeville.

To ensure the foundation continues, Kalser is partnering with Healing Hoofbeats of CT, an organization with a similar philosophy of care.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spooky season and beyond: A roundup of local fall fun

Millerton’s Willow Brook Farm is once again hosting its annual corn maze just north of the Village of Millerton.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The leaves are falling, Irving Farm is serving its seasonal Maple Pumpkin Chai and corn mazes are “cropping” up across the area. Fall fanatics can enjoy a variety of events and outings throughout eastern Dutchess County to celebrate the start of “Spooky Season.”

Here’s a sampling to get you started:

Keep ReadingShow less