I know that I usually reserve this space for Paris-based expats - but today I'm trying something a little different. Zoe, a French/American food stylist, reached out to me via Instagram to tell me about her new recipe book "Healthy and Beautiful". I'd been a @joybyzoe follower since her San Francisco days and therefore accepted her lunch invitation without a second thought!
The book not only looks great - thanks to Zoe's appreciable food styling and Blaise's photographic skills - it also provides helpful info and inspiring recipes for those looking to inject some nutrients and vitamins into their diet! Within this pastel delight, you will find ideas for nourishing main dishes, nutritious drinks and natural beauty remedies (my personal favourite).
After graduating from fashion school, Zoe settled in California where she discovered her passion for food styling. After immersing herself for several years in the clean eating food scene on the West Coast, she returned to Paris and trained at the prestigious culinary school Ferrandi. "Healthy and Beautiful" is Zoe's love note to her favourite healthy ingredients. Get to know a little more about her below : )
Hi Zoe, could you explain your Paris / San Francisco relationship?
Born and raised in Paris, I moved to San Francisco when I was 19 years old and just moved backed, 8 years later.
I'm actually half American, so I always felt like I needed to experience living in the US. As a fashion student at Studio Berçot in Paris, I had the opportunity to move to San Fran to pursue my studies - I pretty much fell in love immediately with the laid back Californian life!
Now that you’ve returned to Paris, how do you spend your days here?
As a food stylist and food writer, I spend most of my days either looking for gorgeous fruits and veggies at local markets, going on a treasure hunt for props (from concept store Merci to random flea markets) or cooking and shooting at my studio with Blaise (zoeandblaise.com).
Your favourite U.S. experience when living there?
The fact that they serve breakfast all day long!
Something you missed from Paris when in San Fran?
The bistrots & terrasse cafés - you don't find them anywhere else in the world!
One thing on your bucket list?
A trip to Israël.
Your favourite Parisian neighbourhood?
The 11th.
Editor's note: this is also one of my favorite neighbourhoods. It's home to one of my favorite wine bars (Septime La Cave), the modern Opera House (Bastille) and apéro spots (Bisou, Bespoke, Pas de Loup). Take a coffee at Café Charlot (super Parisian) as you do some people-watching, before taking a stroll around the Marché des Enfants Rouges and satisfying your sweet tooth with a sablé from Bontemps Pâtisserie!
About to be stranded on a desert island, you have the choice to take with you:
- your favourite book/magazine: all Bon Appétit issues.
- your favourite piece of music: The Spotify app on my iPhone.
- your favourite design/craft item: A cashmere blanket.
Quick fire questions
Favourite patisserie? The Mont Blanc from Sébastien Gaudard
Favourite metro line? Line 6
Rive Gauche ou Rive Droite? Rive Droite with a touch of Rive Gauche ;)
Red, white or rosé? Red in winter, white or rosé in summer
Favourite Parisian café? La Fontaine de Belleville