La Tartine Gourmade Book
I was so happy to learn that La Tartine Gourmade blogger Béatrice Peltre has a book out since February under the same name, La Tartine Gourmande, and though I don't have a copy I'm sure it's truly inspiring and delicious in every way. How could it not be? Béa is superfab. One look at her photos below and if you don't already know her you will definitely want to...
If you're not familiar with Béa, she works out of her home studio as a blogger and freelance food writer, food stylist and photographer in Boston. I wish I had known about her before I moved away from Boston in 2009 as I would have enjoyed meeting up with Béa. I'm always keen on meeting stylists as I find their creative perspectives rich and interesting. Her work has been covered in a slew of great publications including The New York Times Dining Journal, Food and Wine, the Washington Post, Saveur, The Chicago Tribune and the Boston Globe along with a bevy of blogs. Just look at her work -- my goodness, no wonder she's so well known.
What I admire about Béa is how organic and artistic her work looks and feels. It seems to come very naturally to arrange her handmade creations onto pretty plates set against floral textiles with a sprig tossed here, a cracked shell there, a piece of crusty bread off to the side... I love the perfect little imperfections in her styling as that is very close to my own work and heart and what I admire more than the perfectly perfect styling that I see in lots of magazines where nothing feels casual and you know a ton of work, conversations and equipment went into a single image - and the photo almost feels watered down and uptight as a result. This isn't the case here with Béa. Her photos do not feel labored over (though I'm guessing they are!) and that is a beautiful, delicate art - and to me, what makes a good stylist amazing, inspiring and one to follow.
Again, this isn't a book review as I don't have the book (yet!) but if you are looking for gorgeous food, stories and recipes then visit La Tartine Gourmade, the book or the blog - and her blog just-so-happens to be the decor8 blog of the week so definitely check it out!
Nom nom!
(images: Béatrice Peltre)