About Us
Hop along to our Blog to discover more about life in La Charité.
You can also join the mailing list below to follow all the updates from Minette et Moi, or find us on instagram as @maisondesmots.
(Almost) All About Moi et Minette
Moi, Barbara-jo. I am a woman who has longed for adventure and challenge all of the years I have lived. Coming to France was an easy decision as I have always loved France and yearned to live in another culture, learn another language, and discover more ideas with regards to observing folk, especially around the table.
When it was more than obvious that the wisest decision, after 20 glorious years, was to close my beloved bookshop in Vancouver, Canada, I spread my shattered wings and came to France. Hallelujah ! ( sang the chorus of eager artisans )
I have devoted my life to hospitality. I began selling seafood to restaurants, then spent years working in a very special Italian restaurant. I then joined the management team in the Mandarin Hotel, from its inception in Vancouver until they shuttered. The next chapter found me with a partner, Fox McIntosh we called ourselves. Together we specialized in curating unique events, combined with a catering business. I imagined a restaurant for myself, et voila, Barbara-Jo’s Elegant Home Cooking. When it closed, the next dream realized was the Culinary Book Shop, Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks. Now, Madame M’s Maison des Mots.
I have written three books, one of them twice. Tin Fish Gourmet, Great Chefs Cook at Barbara-Jo’s, Cooking for Me and Sometimes You, and Tin Fish Gourmet, New & Revised. You might still find Tin Fish Gourmet at your local bookstore - or if not they will be able to order you in a copy.
During the Covid Confinement, with the help of local folk, I also wrote a livret: The Double Alphabet of Maison des Mots.
So, here we be, Moi living the French life, and French Minette living her best life. Je adore this house and garden, so much a part of me now. Minette especially loves the Summer months when everything is blooming, and she has plenty of places to hide. But whatever the season be, the garden is a delight. The perfect place to enjoy cooling refreshment in the Summer, et Chocolat Chaud avec Cognac in the Winter.
Minette is my best friend. This furry one came into my life soon after I purchased this house and our relationship began in the garden when she would come to visit me. After 8 months or so, when I officially moved in, she decided to move in too. I was very happy to welcome her into my home. Minette likes to write too, her story about us two is on my blog.
Minette loves people, but she is very aware that not all people like cats, so she keeps her distance if she instincts your concern. If you have a severe allergy to cats, we would not like you to be uncomfortable. If you have a light allergy, we are sure you will be content with the odd wisp of fur here and there.
Minette et Moi long to have you visit, or connect with us, one way or another. This dream has begun with many more challenges than I could ever have imagined, but with determination, we can overcome what does not kill us. So here we be, in good spirits, willing and ready to welcome you to this delightful French town, La Charité sur Loire, A UNESCO Heritage Site, in the pastoral centre of France.