Menu from the Midi: A Gastronomic Journey through the South of France
Thank you for sharing your interests and talents
I have just finished reading your Menu From the Midi which I picked up on a three-week tour via rail across the Midi in June 2023. I was absolutely delighted with this region and taking your gastronomic journey has felt like I am still there, immersed! Wonderful. Thank you for sharing your interests and talents with those of us who would like a bit more Midi in our lives.
Dianne Martin, 29 November 2024
I have just finished reading your Menu From the Midi which I picked up on a three-week tour via rail across the Midi in June 2023. I was absolutely delighted with this region and taking your gastronomic journey has felt like I am still there, immersed! Wonderful. Thank you for sharing your interests and talents with those of us who would like a bit more Midi in our lives.
Dianne Martin, 29 November 2024
I have to say I absolutely loved it!
I met you this last July at La Cascade [and] you were kind enough to autograph both books for me! I just finished reading the Menu of the Midi, and I have to say I absolutely loved it! I like your style of narration, I LOVE hearing about food, and the background behind it all! I look forward to starting your other book! Thank you again!
Barbie McCormick, 29 September 2024
I met you this last July at La Cascade [and] you were kind enough to autograph both books for me! I just finished reading the Menu of the Midi, and I have to say I absolutely loved it! I like your style of narration, I LOVE hearing about food, and the background behind it all! I look forward to starting your other book! Thank you again!
Barbie McCormick, 29 September 2024
Your passion for the South of France truly shines through in every page
I recently had the pleasure of discovering your works, and I must say that your passion for the South of France truly shines through in every page. Your ability to weave together the region’s rich history, culture, and gastronomy is nothing short of captivating. As someone who shares a deep appreciation for the intricacies of food and history, I found Menu from the Midi: A Gastronomic Journey through the South of France to be a particularly delightful read.
Your exploration of the Midi’s culinary traditions, from the legendary cassoulet to the cheese from the caves of Roquefort, not only educates but also transports readers to the heart of France. The way you celebrate the dedicated individuals behind these culinary treasures adds a unique and personal touch that resonates with readers.
Murad Hossain Omit, 9 September 2024
I recently had the pleasure of discovering your works, and I must say that your passion for the South of France truly shines through in every page. Your ability to weave together the region’s rich history, culture, and gastronomy is nothing short of captivating. As someone who shares a deep appreciation for the intricacies of food and history, I found Menu from the Midi: A Gastronomic Journey through the South of France to be a particularly delightful read.
Your exploration of the Midi’s culinary traditions, from the legendary cassoulet to the cheese from the caves of Roquefort, not only educates but also transports readers to the heart of France. The way you celebrate the dedicated individuals behind these culinary treasures adds a unique and personal touch that resonates with readers.
Murad Hossain Omit, 9 September 2024
So cleverly arranged and presented
I’ve now finished both of your books, and they were fantastic. You are a captivating storyteller. I read Menu from the Midi first, and it was so cleverly arranged and presented. I’m grateful to have read it while in France, because I’ve been on a mission to try to taste the menu. I’m probably skipping the pigeons, and I think I’ll have to bake the mesturets myself using your recipe. There are many reasons I want to move to France and I’m adding lucques olives to the list. Now that I’ve tasted them, all other olives seem inferior. The blanquette de Limoux was surprisingly hard to track down; I couldn’t find it at any wine shop I visited in Montpellier, then finally I saw it at a Monoprix, which probably did not offer the best version. A bottle of Armagnac is tucked in my suitcase, and I empathized with the woman who was obsessed with the floc de gascogne. I’ve wished for another bottle of that since 2018.
If you write additional books, I’ll be an eager reader.
Sharon Flesher, 10 November 2023
I’ve now finished both of your books, and they were fantastic. You are a captivating storyteller. I read Menu from the Midi first, and it was so cleverly arranged and presented. I’m grateful to have read it while in France, because I’ve been on a mission to try to taste the menu. I’m probably skipping the pigeons, and I think I’ll have to bake the mesturets myself using your recipe. There are many reasons I want to move to France and I’m adding lucques olives to the list. Now that I’ve tasted them, all other olives seem inferior. The blanquette de Limoux was surprisingly hard to track down; I couldn’t find it at any wine shop I visited in Montpellier, then finally I saw it at a Monoprix, which probably did not offer the best version. A bottle of Armagnac is tucked in my suitcase, and I empathized with the woman who was obsessed with the floc de gascogne. I’ve wished for another bottle of that since 2018.
If you write additional books, I’ll be an eager reader.
Sharon Flesher, 10 November 2023
I promise you'll enjoy it every bit as much as I did!
As a travel writer, foodie and Francophile, I can't recommend this book by Colin Duncan Taylor enough. It's a beautifully written gastronomic journey through the South of France, focusing on the Occitanie/Pyrenees region where Colin has lived for more than twenty years and is proud to call his home. Treat yourself and/or buy it as a gift, I promise you'll enjoy it every bit as much as I did!
Steve Turnbull, Midi Magic, 5 October 2023
As a travel writer, foodie and Francophile, I can't recommend this book by Colin Duncan Taylor enough. It's a beautifully written gastronomic journey through the South of France, focusing on the Occitanie/Pyrenees region where Colin has lived for more than twenty years and is proud to call his home. Treat yourself and/or buy it as a gift, I promise you'll enjoy it every bit as much as I did!
Steve Turnbull, Midi Magic, 5 October 2023
I enjoyed it more than just a cookbook
I enjoyed your book Menu from the Midi. It was not what I expected but I enjoyed it more than just a cookbook.
Muriel Teusink, 4 January 2023
I enjoyed your book Menu from the Midi. It was not what I expected but I enjoyed it more than just a cookbook.
Muriel Teusink, 4 January 2023
Brimful of little-known historical and modern fact
I have just turned the final page of Menu du Midi which I bought at your book launch in October, so you can see to what extent I approached its reading as a gastronomic experience in itself. Well done on another fine book - originally structured and brimful of little-known historical and modern fact as well as some very interesting reflections on food and nourishment in general. In terms of real impacts, we have already locally sourced some high-protein pasta and followed your recipe to the letter. Delicious! And we have walked the hills around Lautrec and returned with a bunch of Red Label pink garlic, ready to make soup.
Jeremy Mell, 15 March 2022
I have just turned the final page of Menu du Midi which I bought at your book launch in October, so you can see to what extent I approached its reading as a gastronomic experience in itself. Well done on another fine book - originally structured and brimful of little-known historical and modern fact as well as some very interesting reflections on food and nourishment in general. In terms of real impacts, we have already locally sourced some high-protein pasta and followed your recipe to the letter. Delicious! And we have walked the hills around Lautrec and returned with a bunch of Red Label pink garlic, ready to make soup.
Jeremy Mell, 15 March 2022
Fascinating narrative to delight foodies and French history buffs alike
Menu from the Midi is a heartfelt tribute to the brightest culinary stars of southwest France. Colin Taylor’s admirable research—including in-depth interviews—reveals the history, legend, and cultural influences that most impact each gastronomic delight. For example, there’s a meaningful variation between Blanquette de Limoux—perhaps the oldest sparkling wine in the world—and Crémant de Limoux. (Both the grape composition and process are different.) An authentic Cassoulet de Castelnaudary—the ultra rich white-bean dish—must be cooked in a special casserole and prepared with a specific white bean, Le Haricot de Castelnaudary. And then there’s the decadent pungent king of cheeses, Roquefort. Its milk comes from only one breed of sheep—the Lacaune—which must be raised within a certain area around the town of Roquefort, roam free for a certain part of the year, and eat hay and cereal produced in a certain locale. And let’s not forget the 14-day ripening period—in a subterranean cellar! That’s what it takes to earn a Roquefort label in these parts.
Foodies and French history buffs alike will appreciate this narrative filled with fascinating facts and entertaining insights related with precision, as well as flair. In describing the Fête du Cassoulet, the author writes, “...and nowadays the festivities last for five days and five nights during which the town bubbles and lets off steam like a piping-hot cassoulet fresh from the oven.”
Colin Taylor has lived in southwest France for two decades and his affection for his adopted region rubs off on you from the get-go. After reading the last page, you can’t help but have a vastly increased appreciation for French food from the Midi, and you will be inspired to visit the area to sample as many of the entries on this menu as you can.
In the meantime, thankfully, there are the tempting recipes included at the end of each chapter. But if you’re not a cook, there’s a solution. You can always transport yourself to this rich culinary zone by popping the cork on a bottle of fizz—Blanquette de Limoux, of course.
Gayle, Amazon review (5-star), 14 March 2022
Menu from the Midi is a heartfelt tribute to the brightest culinary stars of southwest France. Colin Taylor’s admirable research—including in-depth interviews—reveals the history, legend, and cultural influences that most impact each gastronomic delight. For example, there’s a meaningful variation between Blanquette de Limoux—perhaps the oldest sparkling wine in the world—and Crémant de Limoux. (Both the grape composition and process are different.) An authentic Cassoulet de Castelnaudary—the ultra rich white-bean dish—must be cooked in a special casserole and prepared with a specific white bean, Le Haricot de Castelnaudary. And then there’s the decadent pungent king of cheeses, Roquefort. Its milk comes from only one breed of sheep—the Lacaune—which must be raised within a certain area around the town of Roquefort, roam free for a certain part of the year, and eat hay and cereal produced in a certain locale. And let’s not forget the 14-day ripening period—in a subterranean cellar! That’s what it takes to earn a Roquefort label in these parts.
Foodies and French history buffs alike will appreciate this narrative filled with fascinating facts and entertaining insights related with precision, as well as flair. In describing the Fête du Cassoulet, the author writes, “...and nowadays the festivities last for five days and five nights during which the town bubbles and lets off steam like a piping-hot cassoulet fresh from the oven.”
Colin Taylor has lived in southwest France for two decades and his affection for his adopted region rubs off on you from the get-go. After reading the last page, you can’t help but have a vastly increased appreciation for French food from the Midi, and you will be inspired to visit the area to sample as many of the entries on this menu as you can.
In the meantime, thankfully, there are the tempting recipes included at the end of each chapter. But if you’re not a cook, there’s a solution. You can always transport yourself to this rich culinary zone by popping the cork on a bottle of fizz—Blanquette de Limoux, of course.
Gayle, Amazon review (5-star), 14 March 2022
A thoroughly interesting and enjoyable read
The author's passion for his writing and for his food and drink is clear from start to finish, which captivates you as the reader and takes you along on the journey in the book. Whether your are a fan of France, food or history, the combination of the three works perfectly in both a fun and informative way.
The only con is that it will certainly leave you feeling hungry, though thankfully there are some great recipes at the end of each chapter!
James O, Troubador Books review, 12 February 2022
The author's passion for his writing and for his food and drink is clear from start to finish, which captivates you as the reader and takes you along on the journey in the book. Whether your are a fan of France, food or history, the combination of the three works perfectly in both a fun and informative way.
The only con is that it will certainly leave you feeling hungry, though thankfully there are some great recipes at the end of each chapter!
James O, Troubador Books review, 12 February 2022
I want to congratulate you on two inspired and inspiring books
Having just finished both Menu from the Midi and Lauragais, I want to congratulate you on two inspired and inspiring books. I am an American, married to an Englishman. We live in the UK for six months of the year; the other six months find us in the Pyrenees Orientales near Vernet-les-Bains. Each year as we drive down the péage, we have passed by the signposts of many of the villages you have mentioned in your books. As I have said to my husband, "Next time we need to take at least 2 weeks through the Midi!" "Why?", he asks. "Just read Menu from the Midi and Lauragais!" Many, many thanks!!!
Gail Duncan, 24 January 2022
Having just finished both Menu from the Midi and Lauragais, I want to congratulate you on two inspired and inspiring books. I am an American, married to an Englishman. We live in the UK for six months of the year; the other six months find us in the Pyrenees Orientales near Vernet-les-Bains. Each year as we drive down the péage, we have passed by the signposts of many of the villages you have mentioned in your books. As I have said to my husband, "Next time we need to take at least 2 weeks through the Midi!" "Why?", he asks. "Just read Menu from the Midi and Lauragais!" Many, many thanks!!!
Gail Duncan, 24 January 2022
A delicious romp through the foods, wines and recipes of southern France
I thought I knew a lot about French food – until I read this book and then I realised there’s much more to learn. Luckily, Colin Duncan Taylor is happy to impart his considerable knowledge on the topic. I had no idea that it was Catherine de Medici who introduced sorbets to France when she married the future King Henri II in 1533. That’s just one of the scintillating little factoids that the author uncovers in his quest to find out about mushroom hunters, pink garlic, Black Gascon pigs and more. The book is full of quotes and anecdotes. I loved an Englishman’s view of garlic published in 1594: “Garlic makes a man wink, drink and stink.” Winking at that time meaning to inflame lust!
Frequently fascinated and surprised by what he finds, the author delves deep into the history and production of the traditional foods of the south of France. And takes the reader on the tasty journey with him. His serious research includes meeting cooks, producers and fellow diners.
If you love history, are a Francophile, or curious about the origins of French food, this book will take you on a delicious and intriguing journey. Great read.
Amazon review (5 star), 21 December 2021
I thought I knew a lot about French food – until I read this book and then I realised there’s much more to learn. Luckily, Colin Duncan Taylor is happy to impart his considerable knowledge on the topic. I had no idea that it was Catherine de Medici who introduced sorbets to France when she married the future King Henri II in 1533. That’s just one of the scintillating little factoids that the author uncovers in his quest to find out about mushroom hunters, pink garlic, Black Gascon pigs and more. The book is full of quotes and anecdotes. I loved an Englishman’s view of garlic published in 1594: “Garlic makes a man wink, drink and stink.” Winking at that time meaning to inflame lust!
Frequently fascinated and surprised by what he finds, the author delves deep into the history and production of the traditional foods of the south of France. And takes the reader on the tasty journey with him. His serious research includes meeting cooks, producers and fellow diners.
If you love history, are a Francophile, or curious about the origins of French food, this book will take you on a delicious and intriguing journey. Great read.
Amazon review (5 star), 21 December 2021
A great read if you want to appreciate food
An excellent guide to the culinary culture of the south-west-middle of France. Structured around a long and plentiful midday meal, Menu from the Midi reads like an over-the-table conversation with a group of farmers, vintners and local historians. A great read if you want to appreciate food more than just by eating it.
S Warrior, Goodreads review (5 star), 2 December 2021
An excellent guide to the culinary culture of the south-west-middle of France. Structured around a long and plentiful midday meal, Menu from the Midi reads like an over-the-table conversation with a group of farmers, vintners and local historians. A great read if you want to appreciate food more than just by eating it.
S Warrior, Goodreads review (5 star), 2 December 2021
Another great read
Congratulations on another interesting and informative book. I thoroughly enjoyed this gastronomic journey from beginning to end, wishing I could be there to sample the menu along the way. Colin's knowledge and passion is truly evident in his writing and I admire the amount of time and research put into this well written and cleverly structured book.
Beverley Owens, 2 December 2021
Congratulations on another interesting and informative book. I thoroughly enjoyed this gastronomic journey from beginning to end, wishing I could be there to sample the menu along the way. Colin's knowledge and passion is truly evident in his writing and I admire the amount of time and research put into this well written and cleverly structured book.
Beverley Owens, 2 December 2021
A delightful read, thoughtful, evocative and timely
This is a thoroughly delightful book which will appeal to foodies, historians and francophiles as well as the general reader. I enjoyed immensely the ambience, the history, the research, the recipes and the reflections it encompassed. Carried along by the author, I felt I was back in the Midi, more fully appreciating what I already knew, and yet discovering new aspects and details, as well as the challenges faced by those who love their land and its produce, and the challenges yet to come.
This is the thinking persons 'foodie' book. It is to be savoured, reflected upon, and re-read many times over. I will be buying it for friends and family as well. Highly recommend.
birdaoirt, Amazon review (5 star), 26 October 2021
This is a thoroughly delightful book which will appeal to foodies, historians and francophiles as well as the general reader. I enjoyed immensely the ambience, the history, the research, the recipes and the reflections it encompassed. Carried along by the author, I felt I was back in the Midi, more fully appreciating what I already knew, and yet discovering new aspects and details, as well as the challenges faced by those who love their land and its produce, and the challenges yet to come.
This is the thinking persons 'foodie' book. It is to be savoured, reflected upon, and re-read many times over. I will be buying it for friends and family as well. Highly recommend.
birdaoirt, Amazon review (5 star), 26 October 2021
I loved every page
I am replete! Despite not having been able to visit France for the past two years or sample its culinary delights, I have eaten and drunk to the full in Colin's marvellous new book "Menu from the Midi". I know this corner of the world well and it was such a joy to taste again the flavours of rhe Occitan: Crémant de Limoux, Luques, purple Lautrec garlic, cassoulet, Château Guilhem organic rosé, Roquefort - I savoured them all on this gastronomic journey also learning a thing or two on the way! So great for these local producers to be acknowledged. Such a well researched book - I loved every page. Thank you Colin/Merci mille fois!
Estella Archibald, 24 October 2021
I am replete! Despite not having been able to visit France for the past two years or sample its culinary delights, I have eaten and drunk to the full in Colin's marvellous new book "Menu from the Midi". I know this corner of the world well and it was such a joy to taste again the flavours of rhe Occitan: Crémant de Limoux, Luques, purple Lautrec garlic, cassoulet, Château Guilhem organic rosé, Roquefort - I savoured them all on this gastronomic journey also learning a thing or two on the way! So great for these local producers to be acknowledged. Such a well researched book - I loved every page. Thank you Colin/Merci mille fois!
Estella Archibald, 24 October 2021
Enjoyed all the bit about beans and pregnancy
Loved your piece on Cassoulet in your new book. One of my absolute favourite dishes. Enjoyed all the bit about beans and pregnancy from when medical knowledge was some what more, shall we say, hit and miss. Anyway thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jonathan White, 22 October 2021
Loved your piece on Cassoulet in your new book. One of my absolute favourite dishes. Enjoyed all the bit about beans and pregnancy from when medical knowledge was some what more, shall we say, hit and miss. Anyway thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jonathan White, 22 October 2021
I am under its spell!
I have just closed the account of your beautiful gastronomic journey through the South of France in search of the most authentic specialties, and I am under its spell!
Yesterday evening, I watched a television programme which showed the landscapes of the Midi-Toulousain seen from the air, and I felt as if I were reliving the encounters described by you in ‘Menu from the Midi.’
Each chapter of your menu tackles a very different subject and reawakens old memories while addressing the present and the future of our existence in Occitanie, and even evoking the problem of feeding the world’s growing population.
It is with great emotion that I close this book, telling myself that my English may not have enabled me to capture the full depth and details of ‘Menu from the Midi.’ I must reread it, I must return to the dining room table and listen again to everything that the people you have met communicate to us. Thanks to you, they guide us through this journey to the very heart of gastronomic traditions with precision, dedication and even lyricism. Thank you, Colin!
Ginette Durand-Gorry, 14 October 2021
I have just closed the account of your beautiful gastronomic journey through the South of France in search of the most authentic specialties, and I am under its spell!
Yesterday evening, I watched a television programme which showed the landscapes of the Midi-Toulousain seen from the air, and I felt as if I were reliving the encounters described by you in ‘Menu from the Midi.’
Each chapter of your menu tackles a very different subject and reawakens old memories while addressing the present and the future of our existence in Occitanie, and even evoking the problem of feeding the world’s growing population.
It is with great emotion that I close this book, telling myself that my English may not have enabled me to capture the full depth and details of ‘Menu from the Midi.’ I must reread it, I must return to the dining room table and listen again to everything that the people you have met communicate to us. Thanks to you, they guide us through this journey to the very heart of gastronomic traditions with precision, dedication and even lyricism. Thank you, Colin!
Ginette Durand-Gorry, 14 October 2021
Delicious meal served up with whimsical commentary and good taste
For francophile anglophonic gastronomes, this is the book. Ideal Christmas present to give you ideas to decorate your table.
Following his more geo-political "Lauragais", Colin Taylor turns to the food of south-west France for inspiration, and a profound look at its history, development and current state. From an aperitif to the final digestif, the book will have you drooling - and who wouldn't salivate, with the startling pink garlic soup, a main course of roast pigeon and a roquefort cheese for those who like a bite.
Tony Milne, Amazon five-star review, 14 October 2021
For francophile anglophonic gastronomes, this is the book. Ideal Christmas present to give you ideas to decorate your table.
Following his more geo-political "Lauragais", Colin Taylor turns to the food of south-west France for inspiration, and a profound look at its history, development and current state. From an aperitif to the final digestif, the book will have you drooling - and who wouldn't salivate, with the startling pink garlic soup, a main course of roast pigeon and a roquefort cheese for those who like a bite.
Tony Milne, Amazon five-star review, 14 October 2021
