Here is something inspiring—for foodies—to start the New Year. It’s piece written by Tim Adams in the Observer, and it’s about Richard Olney, a cook, food writer, editor, and artist who lived in Provence. Olney died in 1999, but his home, “on a hill, and built into solid rock” has been kept as a sort of food “shrine.” In his piece, Adams describes the home and the countryside as well as writing about Olney.
Through humble stew, Olney cooked his way into the good life, first in Paris and then in Provence, where he found his place. What he discovered, of course, along with the beautiful countryside of southern France, was that good food and the sharing of it, was the center of a good life.
Adams piece is beautifully written, and he includes quotations from Olney’s work—also beautifully written. Taken together, both provide a sort of guideline for cooks everywhere. Maybe we will never write as well or cook as well as Olney (or Adams), but maybe we don’t need to do so. Maybe the devotion to home-cooked food using fresh ingredients (when available!) is enough.
I like to think it is, anyway.
Notes From the Hinterland 
I think it is, as well.
I think each meal is both an end in itself and a step in a journey. The path described by this journey throughout our lives won’t be visible until the journey is well along. I’ll bet Olney’s journey had different looks at different steps. I believe the more meals, the deeper the relationships and the greater the openess to new possibilities equals greater chances for beautiful journeys.
You share a truly lovely journey through your blog. Thanks ;0)
Yes, indeed, and a lovely way of putting it! I haven’t read any of Olney’s books, but I soon plan to do so. And it will be interesting to track his journey at different stages in his life.