My favorite wine is Bordeaux. My favorite dish for breakfast or brunch is quiche Lorraine. My favorite cheese is Brie. My favorite architectural icon is the Eiffel Tower. Was I born French? No. Where did all this come from?

At best I believe I am not alone. If you examine the contributions the French have made to the culinary arts and winemaking, well, need I say more? I'm sharing a few resources to help you bring a little French elegance into your life, if you so desire.

If you wish to experiment with some recipes such as Pate de Lapin (rabbit pate) visit The French Food and Cook. For less complicated recipes consider Haricots verts a la provencale - green beans with tomatos. Tour the wine regions of France from Alsace to Vallee du Rhone at French Wines & Food. This informative voyage will help you understand varieties and the effects of soil and climate on the annual wine production.

A must read is Cheryl MacLachlan's Bringing Home France. Cheryl has written several books on European culture and traditions and Bringing Home France is my favorite. You will really enjoy the chapter on designing a kitchen with "no secrets" - sous la main - in plain view and right at the fingertips. This can all be accomplished with beauty and simplistic design. Bon appetit!

Remember GourmetStation's collection of Parisian style cuisine for your next dinner party or for a gourmet food gift for someone special.