Where Global Travels + Culinary Adventures Intersect

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." Ernest Hemingway'

I am a the third-generation francophone author grew up in Paris in the 1950s and 1960s.

Good food and exceptional wines have left an indelible imprint on me—a legacy I embrace with gratitude. This deep-seated connection to culinary excellence reflects the heritage of a third-generation Francophone author who came of age in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Paris during the 1950s and 1960s.

The story begins in the late 1920s, with the author's father and grandparents living an opulent life in the 16th arrondissement, their grand residence overlooking the iconic Bois de Boulogne. Picture Paris at its most glamorous—a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce capturing the essence of a sophisticated era. These early experiences tied the author irrevocably to France's people, culture, and way of life, with cuisine at the very heart of it all. This heritage is woven into the author's DNA, a legacy that continually shapes his life and works.

In his debut book, A Long Look Back: A Sentimental Journey of an American Growing up in France, the author explores the themes closest to his heart. He revisits boyhood memories in Neuilly-sur-Seine and life in Paris, the luminous city of lights. Summers spent at the family’s historic home in Brittany, against the backdrop of its rugged coastline and shimmering blue-green waters, left an enduring impression of beauty and nostalgia. This evocative scenery serves as an inexhaustible source of inspiration for his writing, rich with vivid descriptions and heartfelt sentiment. 

With his second book, A Foreign Port of Entry: A Collection of Travel Stories From Asia to the Heart of Africa, released in August 2023, the author takes readers on a distinctly international journey. His upbringing spanned France, Belgium, and the heart of Africa—then the Belgian Congo—a country caught in the throes of political upheaval, external interference, and a struggle for control of its abundant natural resources. For the young author, those formative years in the Congo were profoundly influential. His later travels—spanning over 26 countries and 75 visits across five continents in just seven years—infused his storytelling with a rich global perspective.

The author’s fascination with the cultural and historical vibrancy of cities such as Hanoi, Cape Town, Istanbul, and Cairo shines through in his writing. Culinary exploration, a recurring theme in his books, is celebrated through recipes and tales of local cuisines. His stories seamlessly blend mystery, humor, and cultural insight, all interwoven with his passion for gastronomy.

In his third book, Memories & Footprints: Adventures in Good Taste, the author embarks on a culinary journey through Paris, Antwerp, and Brussels, reflecting his deep love and knowledge of French and Belgian cultures, people, and foods. He dives into regional history, shares amusing personal anecdotes—such as his father’s covert life as a CIA operative—and showcases bistro-style recipes paired with carefully chosen wines. This gastronomic adventure delights readers, offering a feast for both the mind and palate.

The author’s latest work, Whispers of the Americas: Tales of Food and Culture Across Two Continents, released in Fall 2024, ventures into new territory. Here, he explores the culinary and cultural landscapes of the United States, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Brazil. Each story is infused with his trademark blend of wit, intrigue, and deep appreciation for food, further solidifying his reputation as a storyteller who masterfully brings cultures to life through their culinary traditions.

Through each of his books, the author crafts a narrative that celebrates the art of travel, the richness of diverse cuisines, and the universal human connection found at the table. His storytelling is a heartfelt ode to the flavors, experiences, and memories that have shaped his extraordinary life.

Rhrogers-author.com
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