Stories by Marguerite Lavigne
20 stories
Spring at the Bistro: Pan-Roasted Lamb with Blistered Apricots
Swap the heavy demi-glace for sun-kissed California stone fruit and a vibrant gremolata. This lamb dish is my love letter to a Parisian spring spent in Big Sur.
May 23, 2026
Golden Pan-Roasted Chicken & Baby Artichokes with Meyer Lemon Pan Sauce
A simple, sun-drenched skillet of crispy chicken and tender baby artichokes, finished with a glossy, effortless Meyer lemon pan sauce.
May 21, 2026
Pan-Seared Steelhead Trout Amandine with Blood Orange & Marcona Almonds
A vibrant California twist on a French bistro classic, trading heavy sauces for bright blood orange, meaty trout, and buttery Marcona almonds.
May 19, 2026
Charred Tomato & Rosé Mussels with Avocado Rouille
Swap the heavy cream for California sunshine with this vibrant, sunset-hued take on classic moules marinières featuring an unexpected avocado rouille.
May 17, 2026
A Sunny Californian Spin on Salade Lyonnaise
We are trading heavy bistro naps for patio sunshine with this Salade Frisée Californienne, crowned with a warm Meyer lemon emulsion and creamy avocado.
May 15, 2026
A California Kiss on a Parisian Classic: Jambon & Spring Radish Tartine
Swap the heavy butter for a bright avocado-Dijon whip in this sunny, West Coast take on the classic Parisian jambon tartine.
May 13, 2026
Caramelized Shallot & Early Cherry Tarte Tatin
A classic French tarte tatin gets a California twist with sticky caramelized shallots, the season's first sweet cherries, and a bright Meyer lemon chèvre.
May 11, 2026
Sun-Kissed Artichoke & Meyer Lemon Oeufs en Cocotte
Swap the heavy cream for bright citrus in this California-meets-Paris morning classic. Grab some crusty sourdough and a glass of morning pét-nat!
May 9, 2026
Chicken Paillard: Paris by Way of Big Sur
Chicken breast doesn't have to be boring. Pounded thin, basted in unapologetic butter, and topped with blistered haricots verts and avocado, it is a quick bistro classic that tastes like pure sunshine.
May 7, 2026
California Sunshine & Seared Scallops: A West Coast Take on a French Classic
Swap the heavy cream for ripe avocado and bright Meyer lemon in this sun-drenched take on a French bistro classic. Dry-packed scallops and a screaming hot pan are all you need.
May 5, 2026
Spring in a Bowl: Warm French Lentil & Shaved Radish Salad
Earthy French lentils meet sunny California Meyer lemons in this bistro classic reimagined for a bright West Coast afternoon.
May 3, 2026
Niçoise, but Make It West Coast: My Quick-Seared Ahi Tuna Niçoise Californienne
Traditionalists might clutch their pearls, but I am swapping heavy potatoes for crisp spring snap peas and creamy California avocado in this sunny take on a French classic.
May 1, 2026
Spring Terrace Salade de Crabe: A West Coast Love Letter to Paris
Grab a chilled glass of Chenin Blanc. We are marrying sweet lump crab with California avocado and a bright grapefruit vinaigrette.
April 29, 2026
Unveiling Spring: Pacific Cod & Baby Artichoke en Papillote
Forget the fussy restaurant rumors. Cooking en papillote is just a French hug for your favorite spring ingredients, and this cod is pure California sunshine in a parchment pouch.
April 27, 2026
Spring Asparagus & Jammy Shallot Quiche with Meyer Lemon Custard
A Parisian bistro classic lightened up for a California weekend with sweet jammy shallots, vibrant spring asparagus, and a bright Meyer lemon custard.
April 25, 2026
Sunset-Steamed Mussels in Orange Wine with Green Garlic & Meyer Lemon Butter
Swap the heavy cream for a glossy Meyer lemon butter in this reimagined French classic, steamed in funky orange wine right at golden hour.
April 23, 2026
A Sunny Take on Poulet à la Moutarde: Dijon Chicken with Fennel & Peas
I'm trading the heavy cream of a classic Parisian poulet à la moutarde for Meyer lemon and fresh spring peas in this shatteringly crisp, West Coast-inspired braise.
April 21, 2026
A Sunday Morning Brouillade: French Technique, California Soul
A brouillade is essentially a scramble that went to French finishing school. Paired with sweet melted leeks and buttery California avocado, it is my ultimate lazy weekend breakfast.
April 19, 2026
Blood Orange & Cardamom Baked Brioche Perdu
I refuse to stand at the stove flipping French toast while my friends drink Chenin Blanc without me. Meet my lazy weekend pain perdu.
April 17, 2026
Spring Morel & Meyer Lemon Socca with Sunny Eggs
Swap the formal French brunch for this breezy, crispy chickpea flatbread topped with butter-basted spring morels, a sunny egg, and a bright hit of Meyer lemon.
April 15, 2026