‘French Lessons’ by Peter Mayle

  Long before "Under the Tuscan Sun," Peter Mayle took us on a journey to an unknown world. Mayle sold his London advertising agency and purchased a villa in Provence. Since his first detailed account of his trials and tribulations in "A Year in Provence," Mayle continues to update us on his experiences and adventures.
  In most of his books, Mayle stays close to home in Provence. In "French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew," Mayle decides to tour the country to attend as many of the unusual French food festivals and events that he can. As he’s discovered over the years, the French have a relationship with their food unparalleled by any other culture. And, Mayle presents that relationship with great affection.
  Whether he visits the snail festival or the cheese festival, the chicken festival or the truffle Mass, you can be sure there is an overabundance of food and wine. In fact, Mayle feels the need to visit a spa at the end of the book, just to recoup.
  Should you be so inclined, Mayle includes a list of contact information for all of the places he visits. Regardless, you’ll certainly be inclined to venture out of your comfort zone to test a new recipe or vintage.
  Bon appetit!