|
Menu from the Midi A Gastronomic Journey through the South of France |
|
Lauragais Steeped in History, Soaked in Blood |
|
|
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 |
I am trying to not read it too quickly as I don’t want it to end!
I have tried reading several books about ‘French life in the past - the Cathars’ etc, but found them very hard going and boring. But then I stumble across your book Lauragais on FB. Well, what a real treasure it is! So beautifully written. I love that you keep the stories so light and interesting but include so much of the history of our area. It’s wonderful reading about places that we know and have visited. It brings real meaning to the area! And after just reading the chapters on the Black Prince, it has to be said….no wonder the French aren’t too keen on us English! I am trying to not read it too quickly as I don’t want it to end! Thank you so, so much! I’m sure it will end up a best seller. I will certainly be recommending it to everyone. Juliet Fielding, 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 I have read your fabulous book
Hi Colin. I have read your fabulous book Lauragais. It is a great read and really helped us find out about the history of the area when we moved here! A friend just messaged me about your new book on food and cassoulet. Peter Bullivant, 26 November 2021 I admire the extreme effort, knowledge, research and quality of the author
I originally purchased and read your publication 'Lauragais' a few years ago. Having arrived at my house in France after 18 months of Covid restrictions I used the opportunity to re read the book. I have to congratulate you on your dedication and effort in producing this informative and well constructed book, in particular given the complex subject. I admire the extreme effort, knowledge, research and quality of the author that is required for such a publication. It is only through the dedication of people like you that the history survives before it is lost forever. Thank you for your efforts. Robin Gilmore, 20 September 2021 Thanks for sharing your adventures and passion!
I just finished reading your book Lauragais. I just have to say what a wonderful experience it was reading about someone else wandering the world with a sense of wonder, daydreaming about the past. Thanks for sharing your adventures and passion! Michael Rizzo, 28 August 2021 I couldn’t put it down
I saw your post on the Facebook page ‘Occitanie everything & anything' and bought your book immediately. I started it yesterday and have just finished it - I couldn’t put it down. Thank you for introducing me to the Lauragais. We live in the north of Tarn and although I’ve read a lot of books about the Occitan area, I think yours has been one of the best. I thoroughly enjoyed it especially the chapter about the pastel. Once again thank you for a thoroughly good read. Catherine Foster, 29 June 2021 An enjoyable and interesting journey
The Lauragais is a region in France between Toulouse and Carcassone bordered by Castres in the north and Pamiers in the south. The author has lived in the region for twenty years and has developed a deep affection for it. Interspersed with his personal commentaries we learn of the region’s rich history over the centuries. An enjoyable and interesting journey which touches on the Cathars in the 13th century, the troubadours, fortunes made from pastel in Toulouse, the building of the Canal du Midi and finally the French resistance in the area during WWII. Diane James, Goodreads review, 24 February 2021 Beautifully written and cleverly structured
I have just finished reading « Lauragais » and was as sorry to put it down as you were to finish researching it! It is beautifully written and cleverly structured. A real pleasure to read. I particularly appreciated shuttling between the big historical events and the smaller histories of our region, as well as your personal encounters. As a Lauragais resident of forty years, I have been using the book as a template for family excursions to visit familiar places with so much more understanding of their history and connections to each other. Jeremy Mell, 8 February 2021 Extraordinarily well written
As someone who has been visiting this area for more than 30 years I have found this book incredibly interesting! It reveals facts previously unknown to me about places I know very well and it is extraordinarily well written! Thank you! Phil Bailey, Troubador Books review, 18 December 2020 A special place in the heart
An excellent read and a great insight into an area I am very familiar with! At present we live in England but when in France I can walk to Montgey in half an hour! As you have obviously found once visited it is a region that holds a special place in the heart. mouzens81, 3 October 2020 Thanks for writing it
Finished reading your book the other day. Loved it!! Thanks for writing it. Claire Bridgman, 28 July 2020 A fabulous read
If you have any interest in gathering history of south west France this is a perfect read! I’ve enjoyed every word. Claire B, Amazon review (5 star), 22 July 2020 Something good to read
I loved your book. I spent parts of my childhood near Lautrec (in the 60s and 70s) and have always wanted something good to read on the area - thanks! Mia Fuller, 8 July 2020 Brilliant book, thank you
I am enjoying your book tremendously... brilliantly written and brimming with information about the history of this part of France. John Hale, 7 July 2020 Thank you for a great read
I have just finished reading your book and found it fascinating and compelling. I have visited the region on a couple of occasions and understand your passion for it; to learn more of its history has been a joy. Thank you for a great read; are there any more in the pipeline? Jayne Findlay, 16 June 2020 What a great approach to the history of an amazing area
Hi Colin, I finished your book and it was extremely interesting and entertaining, except for all those wars and death. What a great approach to the history of an amazing area. My house is in […], between Narbonne and Carcassonne. You should write a history of this area, bet you get tired of hearing about what you should do, right?...Keep safe, and keep up the good work. Roger Allen Polson, 13 April 2020 Well done!
Enjoyed #lauragais very much. Great history on our area and well researched and written. Well done! Sadie King on Twitter, 3 April 2020 Colin Taylor tells his story of discovery as a guest of countless French hosts
Fascinating story of part of France that has escaped the attentions of historians but not of invaders, businessmen, crooks, soldiers and wily farmers. Colin Taylor tells his story of discovery as a guest of countless French hosts who opened their doors to show him the deepest corners of their cellars and the darkest secrets of their past. It is a tribute to Colin's nature, which shines through in his writing, that a foreigner evinced such openness and reveals not just the official history but the very personal stories of those who witnessed it, and those who dug it up again many years later. S Warrior, Goodreads review (5 star), 3 March 2020 I was hooked by the introduction
I bought the Kindle version yesterday and can't stop reading it! I was hooked by the introduction, as Puylaurens is just down the road from where I live. I'd highly recommend it to anyone! Gary Davey, 24 February 2020 A wonderfully written story of discovery of the Lauragais region of France
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - a deep dive into the sometimes turbulent history of this part of France. The book is a wonderful blend of the author's story of discovery and the story of the region's history. Ralph H Padgett, Amazon review (5 star), 20 February 2020 Excellent cross-reference book
I am reading this book very slowly and selectively with a lot of cross referencing with maps and Google Earth. So far it has not disappointed. I know the area well and it supports my expanding knowledge of this fascinating part of France. I couple it with The Discovery of France by Graham Robb. Dr L, Amazon review (5 star), 15 January 2020 Thanks for a good read
I received your signed book as a Christmas present (my wife and daughter bought it from you at the Cracker Fair at Abbaye de Valmagne). I just want to say that I am really enjoying it and offer my congratulations. It encourages me to learn more of the local history here in Beziers where we have lived since moving from the UK in the spring of 2019. Thanks for a good read, and all the best for 2020. Alan Kiltie, 3 January 2020 What a great read. I loved it!
Merci mille fois for having written such an accessible and wry book about the history of the Lauragais. SUCH an approachable tome. I have tried many a time to find a book which would explain Catharism etc without being too dry and your approach is impeccable. I initially bought it for my daughter-in-law who asked "Well what was the importance of this region, because it is obvious that it was important at one time?" But she will get a second copy as I want to keep this! We have had a little house in Molleville, near Mas Stes Puelles for 17 years, and like you, adore this relatively neglected corner of France. I shall certainly investigate more some of the places you mention. What a great read. I loved it! Thank you. Estella Archibald, 20 December 2019 So good I had to buy the book twice
The Lauragais is a region that has always intrigued me. Probably because i have a house there. That said once you begin i would defy anyone not to become hooked. Not only is it a beautiful, but full of surprises. The author describes the area with equal passion and knowledge and despite spending a great deal of time there i have learnt so much more. This book goes beyond a "history" book - they can be quite dry and of course full of facts. This however offers all the facts in an enticing way that makes you want to book a flight right away. My initial purchase for this book was on my kindle. I also had to buy a hard copy so that i could use it as a reference guide with easy access. I am eagerly awaiting the authors next book. LD, Amazon review (5 stars), 4 November 2019 Your book has given me so much more to look forward to
I have just finished your book (Kindle version) and have had to buy a hardback too (so that I can keep referring back to it). We have a house in Castelnaudary and loved the region from the start. Your book has given me so much more to look forward to on our visits and filled in a whole load of gaps in history that I had. Sometimes history books like this are quite dry and difficult to read. This however was lovely and I couldn't wait for my next commute journey so that I could get on with the next instalment. Thank you. Lesley Davies, 24 October 2019 I enjoyed it very much and it answered such a lot of questions
Colin, I really enjoyed your book and, as we are living on a barge on the Canal du Midi, I can and will visit a lot of the places that you mention. Nigel Charman, 21 September 2019 ...a unique and refreshing style...
A brilliant book that captures the history of an area of France that I'm sure most of us would never have considered being so significant in shaping modern day life. The book is thoroughly detailed yet never overwhelmingly technical and is written in a unique and refreshing style that makes it hard to put down. Anyone with an interest in history, France or simply a good, well-written book must read Lauragais. James Owens, Troubador Books review, 1 September 2019 A marvelous addition to my holiday
Having just (July 2019) traveled through Lauragais and visited a number of key historical sites, I was delighted to find a book that tied these separate experiences together over time and space. Colin's book brought the area to life in a comfortable way, providing both personal color and depth of detail around specific events as well as creating the link with the current inhabitants. As an experienced traveler with intense interest in history, I found Colin's book a marvelous addition to my holiday. Jeffrey Brown, 2 August 2019 Thanks for a ripping read
I've just finished your book and thoroughly enjoyed every page, subject and moment of history within the Lauragais. When moving to France and this area I knew it would have plenty of history but nothing prepared me for so much within a stone's throw of our house. Jayne is itching to read it now after many comments whilst I was reading it like" you'd never guess what happened up the road in..." etc... Thanks for a ripping read. Steve Simmons, 28 July 2019 'Lauragais' makes a terrific guide
The countryside of the Lauragais straddles the Canal du Midi and the Montagne Noire south east of Toulouse. Colin is a keen cyclist and a sociable soul, and has walked, ridden and interviewed his way into a past speckled with pastel (that’s woad to us Brits), cassoulet, windmills and pigeonniers, and knee-deep in gore – Cathars, crusaders, Protestants and Catholics killing and dying in the Albigensian Crusades and the French wars of religion. As a style of history-telling, Colin’s conversations with locals in the know caught me out at first, but his enthusiasm and the voices of his interviewees lighten the scholarship, and you want to know what he finds out next. It’s a treat to learn more about events you thought you knew, those battles and campaigns and the peaceful industry of the area. Places too. I was particularly taken with Colin’s climb to a belvedere. I am familiar with the valley over which it looks, but I had no idea that such a watchful guardian stood there. And why not see for yourself? Come on, Lauragais makes a terrific guide. Head from Toulouse into the Tarn or the Aude. Find a field of wheat rippling in the breeze and imagine the awfulness of the day on which thousands of men of one religious persuasion ambushed and slaughtered thousands of a marginally different one. The narcissism of small differences doesn’t quite cover it. David Matthews on www.davidmathewsstories.com 15 July 2019 I am entranced
I am half way through "Lauragais" and I am entranced. You must have had so much fun researching and writing. Many of the places mentioned are familiar to me - not least through cycling. Chris Lawton, 23 July 2019 I nearly swooned when I spotted a copy of your book
My wife and I are Americans who are considering the acquisition of a part-time residence in Southwest France…we have been particularly drawn to the Lauragais…in part because of my fascination with topics like the Albigensian Crusades and the pastel trade, and in part because it's just such a lovely area. So I nearly swooned when I spotted a copy of your book at the gift shop of the Abbaye-Ecole de Sorèze. I'm only partway through it, but it addresses exactly the kinds of questions I have had about the area, and it has definitely heightened our enthusiasm for the Lauragais. Thanks very much for a job well done. Jim Cumbie, 10 July 2019 A fascinating read
A very well written and enjoyable book that I could not put down. Colin writes in a way that really engages the reader. I particularly liked the way he wrote about his travels to the historic sites in the present to tell the history of that area. Having visited some of this part of France I cannot wait to return. B Owens, Amazon review (5 stars), 6 May 2019 I'm really enjoying your book
Just to let you know I'm really enjoying your book. The region that I already love so far has even grown in depth by your book. Gerlof Bosma, 26 April 2019 Took me back to the many happy hours I spent discovering the Lauragais
I have just finished your book given to me by E__M__. As a one-time owner of Vigouroux, in Soreze, and currently living near Cordes-sur-Ciel, it immediately took me back to the many happy hours I spent discovering the Lauragais. I really enjoyed reading about places I know from visits I made to a lot of the places you describe, but to have their history filled in with such depth was extremely interesting. Carolyn Eaton, 23 April 2019 Wonderful!
Just to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. We've lived in the beautiful Lauragais since 2004 and know many of the places that you've described, but not the underlying history. I love the way you have woven the past and present into a very readable account. Wonderful! Julie Locke, 22 April 2019 A perfect book for your bookshelf
Fascinating story of part of France that has escaped the attentions of historians but not of invaders, businessmen, crooks, soldiers and wily farmers. Colin Taylor tells his story of discovery as a guest of countless French hosts who opened their doors to show him the deepest corners of their cellars and the darkest secrets of their past. It is a tribute to Colin's nature, which shines through in his writing, that a foreigner evinced such openness and reveals not just the official history but the very personal stories of those who witnessed it, and those who dug it up again many years later. Tony Milne, Amazon review (5 stars), 3 March 2019 Once you start reading the book, you will not be able to put it down
‘Lauragais’ - steeped in history, soaked in blood - well indeed it is, who knew there was so much history to learn about the sleepy, beautiful countryside in the South West of France? This beautifully written book is appealing to all in the easy manner it unfolds, beginning with the plight of the Cathars in 1211 to the great fire of Toulouse in 1463 and the beginning of the noteworthy ‘Pastel’, to the twentieth century wars. Mr Taylor uses clear, friendly and informative language to persuade the reader to be a part of the major events that unfurl in his historical research into the localities of the Lauragais. His passionate involvement in the area give a real and personal insight into how it all unfolds and thereby making the book ‘a darn good read’. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all who have the slightest interest in South West France, because once you start reading the book, you will not be able to put it down. Suzie Garner, Amazon review (5 stars), 4 February 2019 I have enjoyed a lot your book
As a student in English class at the Université du Temps Libre in Toulouse, I have performed a presentation of your book to the students which was well received. You will find attached the slide show! Jean Caprais, 17 January 2019 A must for anyone connected to the area
A well written and researched book that encourages you to follow the author on his adventures (both real and sometimes imagined) through the centuries of modern day "Lauragais". He adopts a very lucid style, helpful for the non native English speaker. Keith John Taylor, Troubador Books review, 28 December 2018 Highly recommend to history readers or anyone interested in Europe
The subject was very interesting. This book tells the story of a region of France whose history is really the history of Europe. The author, whose work was new to me, writes in an extremely engaging way. I really enjoyed this and was very glad I took a chance on it. Highly recommend to history readers or anyone interested in Europe. Thomas Lambe, NetGalley review, 6 November 2018 A stylish history of a delightful French region
All too often descriptions of little known parts of France are dry, skimped works that tell you more about the writer than the place itself. Not this one. I know this region well, but this book reveals much that will enhance my appreciation of the people who live here and the culture they treasure as only the French can! If you live here, or plan to visit the Lauragais, this is for you. If you are one of millions who speed through at maximum revs . . . take the first turning off the motorway once you leave Toulouse and treat yourself to the real France. Jonathan Veale, Amazon review (5 stars), 20 October 2018 |