“Dishing it out” is a Southernism that means serving up food, putting dinner on the table, or simply ‘dishing out’ on everyday life.  It is here that you will get a French perspective mixed with a bit of a Kentucky girl transplanted to North Carolina point of view

Mary James Lawrence, cookbook writer and travelers’ guru, and Xavier Hoffalt, veteran French chef, have teamed up to ‘dish out’ the art of living. This is their website where you can sit among the olive trees, have a glass of rosé, and savor l’art de vivre à la francaise with Mary-James and Xavier. Their tours, their travels, their recipes and their knowledge of food and wine, as well as many of Mary-James’ favorites from the American South are included.

Bon Voyage et Bonne Dégustation

Around and about with Mary-James and Xavier

Mary James and Xavier are passionate about what they do and love sharing their extensive knowledge of local French customs and culture.

Sometimes a client says it best….this is his so-called ‘canned description’ to his friends who ask about the trip…

“Basically you are with them for a week. They pick you up at the airport or the train station and you never touch the wheel of a car, read a map, worry about directions or closing times or parking places or where to eat for the rest of the trip. Each couple has a private bedroom with bath en suite. After a French breakfast, you launch about 9AM and start your day. You might sightsee, hit the beach, hike – we played golf one day – shop. Whatever you want to do.  You eat lunch in a GREAT restaurant somewhere that you are expected then resume touring or whatever. You return to the house around 5. MJ makes these unbelievable hors d’oeuvres which you eat sitting around the pool or on the porch with drinks while Xavier prepares a gourmet Provencale dinner.  I can’t do it justice. It’s the only overseas trip in my life where I came home relaxed”.