A small crowd is gathering. It’s 10 minutes past the posted opening time, yet no one seems fussed. In Paris, things happen when they happen, which is to say a beat or two late. C’est la vie. Once inside we… Read More ›
Expat life
Thanksgiving and the Rest of the Story
The Callahans are convening in Charlottesville this year. A local French chef is preparing our Thanksgiving dinner. A baker in town is making the pies. My sweating and swearing days in the kitchen are—thankfully—over. As a family, we will gather… Read More ›
A story about wine—and life
This story begins in late August of this year at the restaurant Parc on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. My son Ryan, Pat and I had all ordered the steak frites. My job was to choose the wine; I wanted a… Read More ›
Summer vacation
Summer vacation. August 2022: We are heading north on I-81 in Virginia, the Subaru stuffed full with every potential vacation accoutrement: folding chairs, bottles of wine, citronella candles. Pat is driving. Every 25 miles, he asks me how excited I… Read More ›
Dead Poets Society and Me
Gather ye Rose-buds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying:And this same flower that smiles to day, Tomorrow will be dying. Robert Herrick I’ve been quite ill. The sort of illness where you can’t get out of bed. Can’t… Read More ›
The World In Between 