One of the questions we hear most often is, “Do you have recommendations for Umbria?” The answer is always yes. Over the years, we’ve spent countless days exploring the hill towns, restaurants, markets, wineries, and hidden corners of Umbria. Much of that time has been spent in Spello, the place that has truly captured our…
Posts Written ByKelly
Simple & Delicious Greek Spaghetti: An Easy Weeknight Dinner
This easy weeknight Greek spaghetti dinner recipe was shared by my friend Heidi after she made it for our book club supper over 10 years ago. It quickly became a family favorite at our house and a meal we love making for friends. The use of allspice, cinnamon, and browned butter make it an instant…
Let’s Travel! Now Offering Carefully Curated European Vacations.
Join us in Umbria for a curated cultural food & wine tour. Our second annual small group culinary and wine tour of Umbria will be October 4-10 2026. Our inaugural tour with Le Bon Chaperon was in 2025 and we look forward to returning in 2026 with you! The “green heart” of Italy is known…
Paris Restaurant & Bakery Recommendations
Our family loves offering suggestions of where to eat in Paris. After all, it is our favorite thing to do while in Paris. We hope you will find these suggestions helpful if you find yourself in Paris. Bon Appétit! Pâtisseries in Paris Of course this list could go on and on! My husband makes fun…
Chicken and Rice Soup Inspired by Panera Bread
Since she was a very little girl my daughter, Charlotte, has loved the chicken and rice soup at Panera Bread. I’ve found a way to replicate it and make something even better! As someone who prides myself on making dinner each night for my family I was on a mission to make the best chicken…
Family Photos for Charlotte’s First Trip to Paris
Taking Charlotte to Paris was an absolute dream and a vacation we will always remember. I’m so glad our photographer Sasha Lannier was able to capture Charlotte’s first trip and our family photos in Paris. If you find yourself in Paris please reach out to Sasha. She is wonderful! If you remember from a previous…
Professional Photos of John & Wendy in Paris
Our parents and business partners, John and Wendy, just returned from a restful, food and wine filled, much needed vacation in Paris. For Christmas we gifted them with professional photos in Paris during their trip. While they protested a little bit, we knew the end result would be worth it! And it was! We worked…
Roasted Garlic, Cauliflower & Bacon Soup
Happy New Year! We hope that the holidays have been good to you and your family and you’ve begun this new year with full and happy hearts. Our family has decided to follow a Paleo diet this year after a four year hiatus. Yes. Four years! While we will not follow it 100% (I still…
A Personal Note on Business and Family
Nearly a year has passed since my family closed the doors to our family business, The Colonial Bar & Grille. The bar has been our family business for 51 years. The decision was of course difficult, but ultimately the best decision for our family. The bar was a labor of love for my Grandparents and we’ve…
Kelly and Drew in Paris Part I
My husband and I recently spent our birthdays (yes, we have the same birthday, one year apart…I like to say I was his first birthday present) in Paris. I lived in Paris in 2006 while spending my junior year abroad in college and have wanted to take Drew back for many years but the time…