Conception

Baguettes in Tours

Welcome to Epicurious!

I'm Mim..Critical Care nurse by day.. Renegade foodie by night (and sometimes the other way around!) Through Epicurious, I  will endeavor to share my odyssey through the diverse world of French cuisine.

My induction into the world of cooking began at an early age.. I was a constant prescence in my grandmother's kitchen and was cooking family meals for our family of nine by the time I was eleven years old...yes, a large Mediterranean family from one of Melbourne's inner city suburbs.

Macaroons in Bordeaux

My favourite  pastime was to head to the markets with my Dad and do the weekly shop. I was able to gain a real appreciation for seasonal cooking, adjusting the menu according to what was in season.

As time went by, my skills increased. So too did my curiosity and it  continues to this day, which is how this blog got its name! I've always wanted to know more, to learn more... From food production to different cooking styles, genres and techniques. Cooking became my "raison d'être"..my reason for being. Most people watch TV or listen to music to unwind.  I do both these things whilst I'm in the kitchen cooking!  It is my form of relaxation.  When I'm in the kitchen, I enter an abyss...  I am unaware of the passage of time.

Boucherie in Toulouse

 
As a young teen, my inspiration came from watching and reading the work of chefs such as Gabriel Gate, Joel Robuchon, Jacques Reymond and Guillaume Brahimi. Their beautiful creations filled me with awe. The one thing all my favourite chefs had in common was their nationality... They were all French! And so, a love for French food was born, one that grew exponentially after travelling throughout France.

Fromagerie in Nice

I was initially hesitant about starting a blog.. I mean, who wants to read about me and what I get up to in my kitchen? I was in the habit of posting up pictures of my culinary achievements on Facebook  and so was often asked for a recipe or technique and received many positive affirmations. It was then suggested by a few friends  that I start a blog. 

Berry Stall at Market in Toulouse

And so I have..I look at this undertaking as an opportunity to document my efforts, share lessons learnt and hopefully inspire some of you along the way!

À bientôt!

Mim xx

Spice Market in Paris