Fishwives of Paris

Caroline Fazeli & Emily Monaco

Flipping the table on French food mythology and serving the real stories behind your favorite cuisine, with culinary journalist Emily Monaco and wine expert Caroline Fazeli.

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Yesterday · 23 min
Everything Is Changing at Fishwives of Paris
Season 2 is almost here, and we're making some big changes. In this bonus episode, we explain why we're moving to weekly episodes, introducing new formats, becoming more responsive to food news, inviting more guests, and building a closer relationship with our listeners. We also look back at our first year, share some behind-the-scenes stories—including filming the entire season while Caroline was pregnant—and explain the mission behind everything we do at Fishwives of Paris. Podcast Show Notes In this episode: Why Fishwives is moving to weekly episodes Why we're introducing webcam episodes alongside studio episodes Our philosophy on admitting mistakes and publishing corrections How listener feedback will shape future episodes Why we're expanding our guest lineup Behind the scenes of filming Season 1 Caroline's IVF, pregnancy and maternity leave during production Emily's journalism career and constant travel Why living in France changed our approach to work The Fishwives mission How you can help shape Season 2 Key Takeaways Fishwives is becoming a weekly podcast. The show will combine studio and webcam episodes. Listener corrections will become part of future episodes. Audience participation will play a much bigger role. More international guests are coming. The show's editorial mission remains the same while the format evolves.
July 21 · 41 min
How Provence Rosé Took Over the World
Provençal rosé is one of the world's most recognizable wines, but its rise was anything but inevitable. This episode explores how rosé evolved from a low-status byproduct into a global luxury phenomenon. Caroline and Emily trace the history of pink wine from Antiquity to modern Provence, uncover the innovations that created today's pale rosé style, and examine how branding, celebrity culture, and lifestyle marketing transformed an inexpensive regional wine into an international success story. Podcast Show Notes In this episode: Why rosé was once considered a cheap byproduct How rosé was made in Ancient Greece The difference between traditional rosé and Provençal rosé The impact of phylloxera on French wine Marcel Ott's role in refining the modern style Why Provence became synonymous with rosé The rise of Whispering Angel Brad Pitt, Miraval, and celebrity wine brands The history of rosé piscine Why ice in rosé is more French than many people realize Key Takeaways Rosé was historically a low-status wine. Modern Provence rosé is a relatively recent innovation. Marcel Ott helped transform rosé from a byproduct into a premium category. Celebrity culture played a major role in rosé's global success. Whispering Angel helped establish rosé as a luxury lifestyle product. Rosé piscine has deeper roots than many wine drinkers realize. Branding often contributes as much to rosé's value as winemaking.
July 7 · 23 min
Tarte Tropézienne: From Polish Immigrant to French Icon
The Tarte Tropézienne is one of the most famous desserts on the French Riviera, but it wasn't invented by a French pastry chef. In this episode, Emily and Caroline uncover the surprising story behind Saint-Tropez's signature pastry. From Polish immigrant baker Alexandre Micka to Brigitte Bardot's unexpected role in naming the dessert, they explore how a family recipe became a French icon. Along the way, they dive into the history of brioche, French pastry cream, celebrity influence, trademarks, and the transformation of Saint-Tropez from a fishing village into a global luxury destination. Podcast Show Notes In this episode: Why the Tarte Tropézienne isn't actually a tart The Polish origins of Saint-Tropez's most famous dessert How Brigitte Bardot helped create the brand The movie that transformed Saint-Tropez forever Alexandre Micka's original bakery story Why the dessert became a trademarked product The history of brioche in France The different creams used in a Tarte Tropézienne How modern pastry chefs reinvent the classic recipe Why France often embraces foods with foreign origins Key Takeaways The Tarte Tropézienne was invented by Polish immigrant Alexandre Micka. Brigitte Bardot gave the pastry its famous name during the filming of And God Created Woman. Saint-Tropez was a relatively unknown fishing village before the 1950s, and now has been ruined by rich Americans. The dessert is actually a brioche filled with cream, not a tart. American buttercream sucks. The name "Tarte Tropézienne" is trademarked, but the dessert itself is widely recreated. The pastry's success mirrors the rise of Saint-Tropez as an international luxury destination. Modern pastry chefs continue to reinterpret the dessert with new flavors and techniques.
June 23 · 34 min
Why Rotting Grapes Make Some of the World's Most Expensive Wines
Did you know some of the world's most sought-after wines are made with mold? In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli explore the fascinating world of Botrytis cinerea, the fungus known as "noble rot." While this mold can devastate vineyards when conditions are wrong, under the right circumstances it transforms grapes into some of the world's most celebrated sweet wines. Join us as we uncover the science behind noble rot, the centuries-old legends surrounding its discovery, and the unique conditions required to produce wines like Sauternes, Tokaji, and noble rot Rieslings. Along the way, we'll discuss the challenges of harvesting these wines, the flavors that make them so distinctive, and why bottles from producers like Château d'Yquem command such extraordinary prices. From Bordeaux to Hungary, from fungal genetics to food pairings, this episode reveals how one of nature's most destructive forces became one of winemaking's greatest gifts. Wines Discussed Sauternes (Bordeaux, France) The most famous French wine made with noble rot. Produced in Bordeaux's Sauternes region, where morning fog and afternoon sunshine create ideal conditions for Botrytis cinerea. Château d'Yquem Widely regarded as the most prestigious producer of Sauternes and one of the greatest sweet wines in the world. The hosts examine a bottle of 2013 Château d'Yquem during the episode. Tokaji Aszú (Hungary) One of the world's oldest and most celebrated sweet wines. The episode explores the legend that noble rot winemaking originated in Hungary during the 17th century after a delayed harvest caused by the Ottoman-Turkish wars. Noble Rot Riesling (Germany) Certain German Rieslings benefit from noble rot, producing intensely aromatic sweet wines with remarkable balance between sweetness and acidity. Chenin Blanc Dessert Wines (Loire Valley, France) Chenin Blanc is highlighted as one of the grape varieties particularly well suited to noble rot production. Ice Wine (Eiswein) Discussed as an alternative method of producing sweet wine, using grapes that freeze naturally on the vine before harvest. Vin de Paille A traditional sweet wine made from grapes dried on straw mats before pressing, another technique used to concentrate sugars without noble rot. Grape Varieties Discussed Sémillon (the principal grape of Sauternes) Chenin Blanc Riesling Food Pairings Mentioned Roquefort and other blue cheeses Foie gras Fruit-based desserts, particularly peach and apple desserts Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
June 9 · 26 min
The Croque Monsieur: Was it Really Named After Human Meat?
The croque monsieur may look like nothing more than a fancy grilled ham and cheese, but Paris' favorite café sandwich has a surprisingly strange history. This week, Emily and Caroline trace the origins of the croque monsieur from Belle Époque cafés and the bustling markets of Les Halles to modern Parisian versions topped with truffle, caviar, and artisanal cheeses. Along the way, they unpack the bizarre cannibal rumor that may have inspired its name, debate whether the croque madame is actually superior, and ask an important question: is the classic croque monsieur genuinely delicious, or are we all just nostalgic for melted cheese? Expect Paris ham, Emmental slander, Marcel Proust, Prince de Paris, and plenty of opinions about what makes a truly great crunchy mister. Fishwives of Paris is a French gastronomy podcast. We tell the real story behind the culture the world is obsessed with. Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
May 26 · 30 min
The Surprising History of the Restaurant
Did the French Revolution create restaurants? Not exactly. In this episode, we explore the true origins of the modern restaurant with gastronomy expert Allison Zinder. Together, we uncover how medieval taverns evolved into the first restaurants, why the earliest restaurant served restorative broth, how menus and private tables transformed dining, and why many French restaurant customs still exist today. If you've ever wondered where restaurants came from, or why dining in France hits different, this episode is for you. Podcast Show Notes In this episode: The myth linking restaurants to the French Revolution What dining looked like before restaurants existed The story of Boulanger and the first Paris restaurant Why "restaurant" originally referred to broth How menus, prices, and private tables changed dining forever The lawsuit that helped launch the restaurant industry Why bouillons became Paris's original fast food French restaurant culture and the importance of taking your time Why substitutions are often discouraged in France What makes French dining unique today Guest: Allison Zinder — gastronomy guide, culinary historian, and French food expert. Learn more about Allison here, you can even take a Paris food tour with her! https://allisonzinder.com/ Key Takeaways Restaurants existed before the French Revolution. The first restaurant opened in Paris in 1765. "Restaurant" originally referred to a restorative broth. Private tables were one of the most radical innovations in dining history. Menus with prices were a major breakthrough. Restaurants made it possible to dine alone. Bouillons were early affordable restaurants for working people. Many modern French dining customs trace directly back to the origins of the restaurant. French restaurants prioritize experience and hospitality over speed. The chef's vision remains central to French restaurant culture. • • • • • • • • • • Fishwives of Paris is the podcast that dives into the surprising stories, myths, and realities behind French food, wine, and culture. Hosted by Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli. Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Fishwives of Paris! You can watch the podcast in 4k on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fishwivesofparis Website: https://www.fishwivesofparis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/fishwivesofparis Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@fishwivesofparis
May 12 · 30 min
How Asparagus Nearly Caused a Diplomatic Incident
Can a vegetable create an international incident? In this episode, Caroline and Emily explore the surprising story of how French president François Hollande's dislike of asparagus nearly became a diplomatic controversy during a state visit to Germany. Along the way, they examine why France pays such close attention to what political leaders eat, how asparagus became one of the country's most beloved seasonal ingredients, and why French food culture places such importance on seasonality, terroir, and waiting for the right moment to enjoy a product. From Louis XIV's obsession with year-round asparagus to modern asparagus festivals, this episode reveals how one vegetable can tell a much bigger story about France. Podcast Show Notes A French president who hated asparagus. A German chancellor serving asparagus during asparagus season. A diplomatic misunderstanding that almost became political gossip. This episode begins with a strange story from a state dinner but quickly becomes an exploration of something much bigger: the relationship between food, identity, and power in France. Caroline and Emily discuss: Why French leaders are often judged by what they eat The François Hollande asparagus controversy Marie Antoinette food myths Louis XIV's obsession with asparagus Why France embraces seasonality The difference between green, white, and purple asparagus French asparagus festivals and traditions Protected geographical status for asparagus Why asparagus season only lasts a few weeks Caroline's unexpected asparagus origin story Key Takeaways Food choices can become political statements in France. François Hollande's dislike of asparagus nearly created a diplomatic controversy during a visit to Germany. Louis XIV pushed gardeners to make asparagus available year-round. White, green, and purple asparagus are not different species. France strongly values seasonality and eating products at their peak. White asparagus is particularly prized in parts of France and Germany. Some French asparagus regions have protected geographical status. Many French people see waiting for seasonal products as part of what makes them special. • • • • • • • • • • Fishwives of Paris is the podcast that dives into the surprising stories, myths, and realities behind French food, wine, and culture. Hosted by Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli. Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Fishwives of Paris! You can watch the podcast in 4k on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fishwivesofparis Website: https://www.fishwivesofparis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/fishwivesofparis Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@fishwivesofparis
April 28 · 36 min
Why French People Don't Eat Charcuterie Like Americans
The modern charcuterie board may be beautiful, but it isn't particularly French. This week, Caroline and Emily unpack the world of French charcuterie, from saucisson and jambon to pâté, rillettes, and pâté croûte. They explain why cheese and charcuterie were traditionally served separately, how regional pork traditions shaped French cuisine, and why the Instagram charcuterie board would surprise many French diners. Podcast Show Notes Why French people object to the term "charcuterie board" What charcuterie actually means France's major charcuterie traditions Jambon blanc, saucisson, and dry-cured ham The Three F's of identifying quality saucisson How French food culture values specialists and sourcing AOP, AOC, and IGP protections Basque, Auvergne, and Corsican charcuterie Why Americans are uncomfortable with pâté The history of pâté croûte Pâté vs terrine vs rillette Why cheese traditionally comes after the meal How wine bars helped create the modern cheese-and-charcuterie board The rise of the apéro dînatoire Key Takeaways Traditional French charcuterie is much broader than cured meats alone. Cheese and charcuterie were historically served at different points in the meal. The modern mixed charcuterie-and-cheese board is relatively recent. Regional identity is central to French charcuterie culture. Pâté, terrine, rillette, and pâté croûte are distinct products. French food culture emphasizes sourcing and curation as much as cooking. • • • • • • • • • • Fishwives of Paris is the podcast that dives into the surprising stories, myths, and realities behind French food, wine, and culture. Hosted by Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli. Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Fishwives of Paris! You can watch the podcast in 4k on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fishwivesofparis Website: https://www.fishwivesofparis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/fishwivesofparis Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@fishwivesofparis
April 14 · 31 min
What Even Is a Bistro?
What actually is a bistro, and why does Paris seem to have a different word for every type of restaurant? In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in French food culture. From cafés to brasseries to bouillons, the lines between these establishments used to be clear, but today, they are anything but. Along the way, they debunk the persistent myth that bistros were invented by Russian soldiers yelling “bystro,” and instead trace their real origins to waves of migration from the Auvergne into Paris. The result is a story that has less to do with tablecloths and steak frites, and more to do with community, labor, and the evolution of French comfort food. Follow us on socials for more content on our top bistro picks in Paris. What You’ll Learn What a bistro actually is, and why most people use the word incorrectly The difference between a bistro, café, brasserie, bouillon, and restaurant Why the Russian “bystro” origin story is a myth How migration from the Auvergne shaped Parisian food culture What “bistronomy” is, and how it changed the modern bistro Why many “bistros” today are no longer cheap or working-class What to look for when choosing a true bistro in Paris French Dining, Explained Bistro Small, casual, cozy Historically no reservations Focus on community and quick service Now often a mix of tradition and reinterpretation Brasserie Originally Alsatian, beer-focused Open all day (continuous service) Larger, often more formal setting Can range from beautiful to very average Bouillon 19th-century working-class establishments Early “chain restaurants” in Paris Cheap, fast, efficient meals Often with shared tables and paper tablecloths Café Primarily for drinks (coffee, wine) Social and cultural institutions Historically key “third spaces” in Paris Restaurant More formal dining Fixed service times (lunch and dinner) Higher-end than the categories above How to Spot a Bistro (Visual + Cultural Clues) While not definitive, classic signs include: red and white checkered tablecloths chalkboard menus with daily specials small wine glasses zinc or wooden bar tiled floors close, convivial seating But remember: today, these are aesthetic signals, not guarantees Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
March 31 · 33 min
Lies, Pastry, and Power: The Real Carême
In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, Emily and Caroline unpack the real story of Marie-Antoine Carême, the ambitious pastry chef who rose to cook for diplomats, emperors, and tsars, and helped shape modern French cuisine. Beyond the dramatized version, Carême was a master of image and storytelling, even spreading myths about his own life. While he was not a spy, he was deeply connected to power, using food as a tool to impress and influence Europe’s elite. We explore how Carême’s work helped define French cuisine as we know it today, from early sauce classification to his belief that pastry was a form of architecture. He played a role in shaping iconic desserts like the croquembouche, eclairs, and the modern Charlotte, and helped elevate pastry into an art form built on structure, precision, and spectacle. The episode also looks at his more modern ideas, including seasonality, balance, and a shift away from heavy spices toward fresh herbs, as well as his role in defining the image of the professional chef, including the creation of the chef’s hat. In this episode: Why Carême lied about being an orphan What the Apple TV series gets wrong How he categorized sauces before Escoffier Why he believed pastry was a form of architecture The origins of desserts like the croquembouche, eclairs, and Charlotte What did Carême actually create and influence? Codifying French cuisine One of the first to organize recipes at scale Early system of “mother sauces” before Escoffier (Velouté, Espagnole, Béchamel, Allemande) Wrote influential cookbooks and his own carefully curated life story Elevating pastry Treated pastry as architecture, building elaborate edible structures Created dramatic dessert displays using choux, marzipan, and spun sugar Helped bring spectacle into fine dining Iconic pastries Popularized the croquembouche Expanded the use of choux pastry, including éclairs Shaped ladyfingers (biscuits à la cuillère) for dipping and desserts Transformed the Charlotte into the cold dessert we know today Created early versions of vol-au-vent Chef identity and kitchens Invented the chef’s hat (toque) Evolved from pastry chef to full culinary authority (officier de bouche) Helped define the role of the modern chef Modern food philosophy Advocated for seasonality and peak ingredients Focused on balance and how food makes people feel Shifted French cuisine from heavy spices to fresh herbs Luxury and ingredients Helped introduce chocolate into pastry beyond drinks Cooked with luxury ingredients like champagne Worked during the rise of sugar use in France Dining and presentation Worked during the shift from display-style dining to courses Created grand banquet experiences for political elites Helped define food as both visual spectacle and social power Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
March 17 · 25 min
The Great (Fake) Potato Heist
Potatoes are one of the most iconic ingredients in French cuisine today. But for centuries, the French refused to eat them. In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli uncover the strange and fascinating story of how the humble potato went from feared outsider to beloved staple of French cooking. Once thought to cause leprosy and plague, potatoes were even banned in France for a period of time before a determined pharmacist named Antoine-Augustin Parmentier began campaigning to change public opinion. Through a mix of clever marketing, royal influence, and a staged "potato heist" at Versailles, Parmentier helped transform how the French viewed this Peruvian import. Along the way, Emily and Caroline explore how potatoes traveled from South America to Europe, why the French were so suspicious of them, and how they eventually became the foundation of classic dishes like pommes puree, gratin dauphinois, and hachis Parmentier. This episode reveals how culinary myths are created, how food traditions evolve, and how one clever campaign helped change the course of French cuisine. Places Mentioned in This Episode: Père Lachaise Cemetery (Paris) This famous Paris cemetery is the final resting place of Antoine-Augustin Parmentier. Visitors sometimes leave potatoes on his grave as a playful tribute to the man who helped introduce them to French cuisine. Versailles (Chateau de Versailles) Parmentier famously planted potato fields near Versailles and staged a fake theft of the crop to spark curiosity and convince the public that potatoes were valuable. Dishes Mentioned pommes puree (buttery mashed potatoes) gratin dauphinois hachis Parmentier (French-style shepherd's pie) French fries (possibly introduced to American diplomats at one of Parmentier's potato banquets) 🎧 Fishwives of Paris Hosted by Caroline Fazeli and Emily Monaco 📲 Instagram: @fishwivesofparis 🍷 Goguette affiliates: https://bit.ly/goguette_FWOP 💌 Press & partnerships: bonjour@fishwivesofparis.com Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
March 3 · 27 min
More Than Street Tacos
Mexican food in France is often treated as cheap street food, but chef Carla Kirsch is challenging that narrative. In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, we sit down with the Mexican-born, French-trained chef behind Alebrije in Lyon to talk about bringing Mexican cuisine into the French fine dining world. We dig into why French diners expect Mexican food to be inexpensive, why spice still scares people in France, and how many core French ingredients originally came from Mexico and the Americas. Carla also shares what it takes to source Mexican ingredients in France, from dried chilies and tomatillos to masa made from French corn, and what it’s like to open a restaurant in France as a foreign woman. Places & Institutions Mentioned in This Episode Alebrije (Lyon) – Carla Kirsch’s fine dining Mexican restaurant Milpa (Lyon) – Carla Kirsch’s more casual taco shop Institut Paul Bocuse (now Institut Lyfe), Lyon – where Carla trained in classical French cuisine 🎧 Fishwives of Paris Hosted by Caroline Fazeli and Emily Monaco 📲 Instagram: @fishwivesofparis 🍷 Goguette affiliates: https://bit.ly/goguette_FWOP 💌 Press & partnerships: bonjour@fishwivesofparis.com Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
February 17 · 21 min
My Grandfather Made this Beef Bourguignon in a Barn
Is beef bourguignon really a rustic Burgundian peasant dish? Or is it one of France’s greatest culinary PR successes? In this episode, Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli dig into the surprisingly modern (and non-Burgundian) origins of beef bourguignon, how it became a symbol of “traditional” French home cooking, and why the version most of us recognize today owes a lot to Parisian restaurants, Escoffier, and Julia Child. They unpack how French beef has historically been used (working animals first, dinner later), why slow-cooked stews became central to French cuisine, and how the romantic idea of French “peasant food” often hides a much more complicated and urban reality. Along the way, they break down what actually matters when cooking this dish at home, and which rules are worth ignoring. In This Episode: Why beef bourguignon is not actually from Burgundy How a Parisian fast food chain helped shape the dish What “à la bourguignonne” really means Why French beef is different from American beef How Julia Child helped codify the modern version of the recipe Caroline’s no-fuss tips for making beef bourguignon at home What the Fishwives Recommend: Wine to cook with (for the stew): You do not need Burgundy wine. “Bourguignon” refers to a red-wine style of preparation, not the Burgundy region. Use an affordable, drinkable red wine. Do not waste expensive Burgundy on cooking. Cut of beef to use: In the U.S.: Chuck (or any hardworking, collagen-rich stew cut) The goal is a tough cut that benefits from long, slow cooking Wine to drink with boeuf bourguignon: Skip Burgundy here, too. The dish is rich and beefy, so it pairs better with a fuller-bodied red: Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Northern Rhône (like Saint-Joseph) Extra Bits You’ll Hear: Why marinating the beef is optional (and often unnecessary) Why French home cooks don’t obsess over pearl onions How this dish reflects how French people actually entertain (low-stress, make-ahead, lots of leftovers) What to do with leftover sauce If you’ve ever been confused about whether you’re “doing it wrong” with beef bourguignon, this episode is your permission slip to relax, save your good wine for drinking, and stop taking French food myths so seriously. Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
February 3 · 33 min
Respect the Crêpe
Crêpes Are Not Street Food (Mostly) Crêpes may be one of France’s most iconic foods, but chances are you have been eating them wrong, or at least misunderstanding what they are. In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, Emily and Caroline break down the myths surrounding crêpes, explain why treating them as street food is mostly a tourist habit, and unpack the deep regional identity behind Brittany’s buckwheat galettes. From linguistic nitpicking (crêpes vs galettes vs krampouezh) to the surprising agricultural history of buckwheat, this episode explores how geography, language, and industrialization shaped one of France’s most misunderstood dishes. In this episode: Why crêpes are not traditionally street food in their region of origin The difference between sweet wheat crêpes and savory buckwheat galettes Brittany’s cultural independence, from language to infrastructure to food Truly too many things about buckwheat for one bullet point Candlemas (La Chandeleur), why France eats crêpes on February 2 Where to eat galettes in Paris We mention Breizh Café as our favorite spot in Paris and Lyon for traditional buckwheat galettes. You will also find many classic crêperies serving plated galettes around the Montparnasse area, historically where trains from Brittany arrived. One important note: traditional galette restaurants serve cider, not wine, in keeping with Breton custom. Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
January 20 · 19 min
Tartiflette: Humble Beginnings or Brilliant Marketing?
Tartiflette May Look Like an Old-School Dish, But It’s a Marketing Coup in Disguise The French are masters of après-ski delicacies like cheesy raclette, fondue, and tartiflette – hearty dishes with loads of melty cheese to help you warm up after a day on the slopes. But while tartiflette may look like a time-tested creation with deep Savoyard roots, the reality is that this casserole of potatoes, bacon, onions, and melted Reblochon cheese is a baby by French food standards, invented in the ‘80s by a clever ski resort owner looking to make good on a dairy glut. But this is no simple case of terroir-washing, as Emily and Caroline are here to share. Tune in to discover: The story of how tax evasion led to the invention of the stinky, washed-rind marvel known as Reblochon Why the roots of tartiflette run deeper than you'd think How to recreate this French specialty at home – even if you can't get your hands on raw milk French cheese In this episode we mention Oma cheese from the Von Trapp family in Vermont. Hosted by Lyon-based sommelier Caroline Fazeli & Paris-based food journalist Emily Monaco. Follow us on Instagram: @fishwivesofparis We are currently seeking partnerships. If that’s you, get in touch: bonjour@fishwivesofparis.com Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
January 6 · 23 min
The Secret Lives of French Mushrooms
Mushrooms Are Fun Guys – As Long as They Don’t Kill Ya If you see Paris mushrooms on a French menu, don't go assuming they've been grown in the French capital – these days, about 70% are actually grown in China. Their name is a reference, not to their provenance, but to their roots: Paris mushrooms first gained acclaim in the gardens of the palace of Versailles before their culture moved to the underground caverns of the Catacombs. In this episode, you’ll learn: The role French pharmacies play in foraging for mushrooms Why the French word for mushrooms might make you pause Why foraging in France is treated as sacred — and tightly guarded The unsuspecting relationship between mushrooms and the catacombs of Paris How the Loire Valley incorporates tourism into mushroom production Why French shoppers fiercely prioritize hyper-local produce How the French prepare mushrooms, including our favorite spot to enjoy them stuffed with snails, garlic, and butter Places, people & references mentioned: La Cave des Roches – A historic mushroom farm in the Loire Valley that now relies on tourism to survive economically challenging times Bruno Zamblera – A grower who still cultivates mushrooms underground, continuing a nearly lost tradition Café de Musée – Where Escargots à la Bourguignonne are reimagined using mushroom caps instead of snails (Emily’s favorite) Mushroom dishes & recipes discussed: Duxelles – Finely chopped mushrooms cooked down with shallots and herbs Sauce à la Forestière – A classic mushroom-forward French sauce This episode is a journey through tunnels, traditions, and taboos — revealing how something as humble as a mushroom can tell the story of Paris, French food culture, and what it means to eat locally in a globalized world. Hosted by Lyon-based sommelier Caroline Fazeli & Paris-based food journalist Emily Monaco. Follow us on Instagram: @fishwivesofparis We are currently seeking partnerships. If that’s you, get in touch: bonjour@fishwivesofparis.com Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
Dec 23, 2025 · 25 min
Lowkey, Christmas is Pagan AF
The Bûche de Noël and French Christmas Episode It’s no surprise, in structure-loving France, that the menu for Christmas dinner is pretty much set in stone – or should we say, petrified in wood? After a veritable eating frenzy of oysters, foie gras, roasted capon, and more truffle-studded cheese than any accountant (or cardiologist) would recommend, on December 24th, most French people feast on a cake shaped into a log, complete with meringue mushrooms and chocolate bark. And before you go trying to link the Yule log to a manger, know that the bûche de Noël has got nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Tune in to discover: How and why France co-opted a pagan tradition to turn it into a pastry marvel Why we have the English to thank for making bûche de Noël an approachable home bake Just some of the most out-there bûches on offer from celebrity pastry chefs Why most French people deviate from tradition with a newer version of a bûche that’s easier, cheaper, and a whole lot lighter Check out our Instagram to see photos of Caroline's Caga Tio creation from the episode @fishwivesofparis We collaborated with Lucy Vanel of PLUM Lyon for a gorgeous meringue mushroom recipe which you can find on our episode webpage: https://www.fishwivesofparis.com/episodes/s1/the-buche-de-noel-episode/ Hosted by Lyon-based sommelier Caroline Fazeli & Paris-based food journalist Emily Monaco. Follow us on Instagram: @fishwivesofparis We are currently seeking partnerships. If that’s you, get in touch: bonjour@fishwivesofparis.com We are now proud partners of Goget Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
Dec 9, 2025 · 29 min
Sh*tting All Over Champagne
The Episode Where we Party Poop on Champagne Dom Pérignon’s French Wikipedia page claims he invented Champagne – but the truth is way cooler than that. The world’s best-known sparkling wine has roots in English cider-making and has a host of intrepid local widows to thank for its deliciousness, not to mention its renown. Tune in to learn: How Champagne accidentally became one of the most lauded wines in the world Which glassware to choose and why What the heck Dom Pérignon actually did to give him such a reputation Hosted by Lyon-based sommelier Caroline Fazeli & Paris-based food journalist Emily Monaco. Follow us on Instagram: @fishwivesofparis We are currently seeking partnerships. If that’s you, get in touch: bonjour@realfishwivesofparis.com Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
Nov 25, 2025 · 40 min
Bread is Life
CEO Apollonia Poilâne on how Poilâne defied baguette trends, inspired Dalí, and threads a century of history into each loaf Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.
Nov 11, 2025 · 27 min
Hot Air Balloons & Regret: Beaujolais Nouveau Has Arrived
Every third Thursday of November, French bartenders across the hexagon pull millions of corks, unleashing aromas of banana Runts and regret: it’s time for Beaujolais Nouveau, a wine whose release date is literally written into law, and whose marketing has included everything from Japanese Beaujolais baths to hot-air-balloon deliveries. Beaujolais Nouveau has a surprisingly deep history, rooted in the 14th-century banishment of the Gamay grape from bougier Burgundy. Once dismissed as a gimmick, this glou-glou (gluggable) red has evolved and Caroline and Emily are here to defend its honor. 🎙️ Tune in to learn: • The story of the man who made Beaujolais Nouveau a 1970s global phenomenon • The winemaking technique that makes Beaujolais uniquely drinkable young • Why you might be wrong about not aging Beaujolais Nouveau • And whether pairing it with Thanksgiving dinner is genius… or just a marketing myth 🎧 Fishwives of Paris — where French food myths go to die. Hosted by Lyon-based sommelier Caroline Fazeli and Paris-based food journalist Emily Monaco. Follow us on Instagram: @fishwivesofparis We are now proud Goguette affiliates. 💌Want to partner with us? We’d love to talk to you about press and sponsorship opportunities here: bonjour@fishwivesofparis.com Watch full episodes in 4k on Youtube Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our Facebook group.