It’s Gascony Week, and here’s what that means...

Hi there,



It’s Lily from D’Artagnan!

I started working at D’Artagnan nearly 20 years ago, as Ariane’s assistant and general right hand for events and marketing. 

I was attracted to D’Artagnan because I wanted to get involved with honest food raised the right way. That was a time of great awakening for me, and for many Americans who were realizing how broken our food system is, thanks to the work of people like Michael Pollan, Joel Salatin, Alice Waters, and Carlo Petrini, among others.  

Ariane inspired me because she did a lot to help that revolution take hold in the restaurant industry.  

Her life in Southwest France revolved around growing and raising food in the best way to honor the land, the animals, and the table. And of course, cooking, eating, and sharing food with joyful exuberance. 

Ariane uses the word “convivial” a lot to describe the lifestyle in Gascony. Merriam-Webster defines that as: relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company.  

She meant that, but also lively, cheerful, festive, and sociable.  

Working closely with her, I was able to see how that conviviality unfolded  in everyday life; it might be as simple as a charcuterie board and a glass of wine for guests at a business meeting in our conference room.

I saw it in the way she developed relationships with chefs and farmers, and how she celebrated with community—from the Cassoulet War to our outrageous anniversary parties, often attended by a French contingent in costumes singing songs at full volume.  

This sense of conviviality is at the heart of all we do at D’Artagnan. We hope you will share that when you serve our food to your family and friends.

Lily
Marketing
D’Artagnan

P.S. – We’re offering free shipping on orders of $225+ until July 3, so now is a great time to stock up for your 4th of July or Bastille Day celebrations!