french lessons

Alix-charming, savvy, and down-to-earth-has grown up in the world of fine food and restaurants. She first tried oysters at Union Square Cafe at age 2 and often "helped" her mother at cooking demonstrations as a young girl, quietly bartering servings of foie gras for candy.

The pair relish their time together preparing the gastronomic specialties of Gascony. Alix's lessons include not just how to bake a tart, but they are also parables for getting on with daily life and enjoying its simple pleasures. "Anything you do together makes you learn together. It is so enriching," Ariane says.

Recipes are at the end of this story