Ann Mah's newsletter / June 2018
June 2018 newsletter
Bonjour!
Hello friends,
It's almost here!! The Lost Vintage will be available next Tuesday, June 19, wherever books are sold! I am so excited to share this tale of a hidden cellar, a lost diary, and secrets kept since World War II. The book has received lovely and starred pre-pub reviews and I'm honored that it's a July Indie Next Great Read, selected by independent booksellers. I can't wait for you to read it! In the coming weeks, I'll be posting updates about book giveaways (including one with some amazing French products) – so follow me on Instagram and stay tuned!
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I'm excited about many things this month, including upcoming travels to New York and Paris. It will feel so good to be back in two cities that feel like home!
Here's what else I've been up to...
Events
I would love to celebrate The Lost Vintage with you! All my events will feature wine and cheese – and at least one will have Champagne! If you find yourself in the cities below, please join me.
Everywhere (via Facebook Live)
No matter where you are, join me and Cara Black (author of the Aimée Leduc Paris mystery series) for a Facebook Live chat about our new novels, and a huge giveaway of old and new titles.
Tune in here
June 19, 12-12:30pm (EDT)
Washington DC
Politics & Prose – Union Market
In conversation with Washington Post food and dining editor, Joe Yonan. With a Burgundy wine tasting from Cordial Wine, and snacks from the Comté cheese association.
June 19, 7-8pm
New York City
Sézane l'appartement
In conversation with novelist and memoirist Danielle Trussoni (Angelology). With the support of Atout France and the Comté cheese association.
RSVP required (free)
June 21, 6-8pm
Paris
La Cuisine Paris
Literary wine tasting with Christian Holthausen of AR Lenoble, at famed cooking school, La Cuisine Paris.
RSVP required
July 8, 4-6pm
What I've been eating
Strawberry rhubarb pie
We went strawberry picking a few weeks ago, which was extremely fun (although for some reason I was convinced the berry patch was going to be terribly muddy, and so I wore galoshes... on a 90ºF day? I very nearly passed out from heat stroke). We came home with 8lbs of mediocre strawberries, tiny and tart, which I have been making into pies. I like this recipe from Smitten Kitchen (minus the lemon juice) crossed with this one from the New York Times. I still have fruit for one more pie, which I'd like to be a galette like this one. Stay tuned!
Smashed white beans toasts with roasted asparagus
I recently received a copy of Dinner: Changing the Game by Melissa Clark and I have been cooking from it nonstop. I love this book so much I feel like it's my soulmate. The recipes are healthy, unfussy, unusual, easy – and generally exactly what I want to be eating. Take, for example, these simple toasts – made from white beans cooked in the Instant Pot, perfumed with lemon zest, and garlic, and topped with quick roasted asparagus, they were a delightful spring meal. I recommend pairing them with Mark Greenside's hilarious new memoir about life as an American in Brittany, (Not Quite) Mastering the Art of French Living, which reminds me of Stephen Clarke's books with its astute observations, wit, and affection for France.
Cold peanut noodles with peppery celery salad
Another winning recipe from the aforementioned Dinner: Changing the Game, these Asian peanut noodles come together quickly and the accompanying celery salad was a sensational combination of crunch and flowery, peppery heat. I actually made this for dinner (kid approved!) and ate the leftovers for lunch while reading a new YA novel, The Game of Hope, about Napoléon's step-daughter, Hortense de Beauharnais. I loved author Sandra Gulland's trilogy about Josephine Bonaparte, so it was a treat to reenter the Napoleonic era with her as my guide. Hortense's compelling story plays out against timeless teen emotions – and a backdrop of political menace. This is an intelligent, well-crafted story perfect for Francophiles and teen history lovers.
What I've been reading
–Part of me always sort of wants to be in Italy. The next best thing is Elizabeth Minchilli's new book, Eating My Way Through Italy, a generous, multi-faceted look at the country she loves. From Venice, to Milan, to Puglia (and beyond!) every chapter is filled with funny anecdotes, gorgeous photos, and insider's tips on getting the most out of your trip to Italy. And there are recipes! I particularly loved the white bean soup, which calls for only eight ingredients and, although actually vegan (!), is deeply rich and flavorful. This book will be a staple of my cookbook/travel bookshelf for years to come.
–As you may remember, I recently wrote about my trip to North Carolina, where I had an unforgettable meal of fried chicken at Mama Dip's. I was sad to learn that Mildred "Mama Dip" Council passed away last month. She was a remarkable cook, businesswoman, and role model, as detailed in this article from NPR.
–I enjoyed this video from Sotheby's about renowned art forger "Han" van Meegeren, whose flawless creations in the style of master artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer not only fooled the era's sharpest experts, but also Nazi art lover Hermann Goering.
–I adore cookbook writer Mallika Basu, whose new book, Masala, comes out in the States on July 31. (I got an early copy and it is FABULOUS.) If you can't wait that long, check out Mallika's recipe for simple chicken curry. It's a staple in our house – even my kid likes it!
–I'm honored to be featured in the legendary newsletter of La Cuisine Paris, in which I share my favorite places to eat and shop in Paris!
–I wrote a love letter to all libraries and to one very special library in particular.
–I cannot wait for Dorie Greenspan's new cookbook, Everyday Dorie, which publishes in October. Until then, Dorie has launched a mini website, with a sneak peek of recipes. The ricotta spoonable is fantastic! Check it out here.
–When I first started researching a book about World War II, I was expecting to find horrors that took place during the Nazi occupation. Instead, I discovered that for many women, the Liberation brought the beginning of another nightmare. Read more in my essay for Time magazine.
–FINALLY – The Lost Vintage comes out next Tuesday, but it's still not too late to pre-order a copy – and in return I will send you a signed book plate! Just hit reply to this email and include a copy of your receipt. Thank you!
A bientôt!
Next week I am visiting New York City for a few book events and at the end of June, I'll be flying to Paris for the whole summer! We are so looking forward to light that stretches to 10pm, baguettes slathered with good butter, and visiting family and friends. I can't wait to be there and of course I'll be sharing photos with you.
Have a lovely month – don't forget to add The Lost Vintage to your to-read shelf on Goodreads – and I'll see you in July from Paris!
Amitiés,
Ann