Margo is joined by middle-aged Minnesotan, Author, creative, and Tax Preparer Steve Hoffman. Steve who has always been in love with France, both the country and the idea of it as a place where he can be a better version of himself moved together with his family to the small village of Autignac in southern France, where he quickly realized life there was far from his romanticized expectations. Through cooking what the local grocer suggested and learning winemaking from a neighbor, he discovered the true beauty of a culture deeply connected with its landscape. Steve is a Minnesota tax preparer and award-winning food writer, with his work published in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune. His memoir, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France, will be published in July 2024. He shares one acre on Turtle Lake, in Shoreview, Minnesota, with his wife, Mary Jo, their elderly puggle, 80,000 honeybees, and a pair of sandhill cranes
Margo and Steve discuss:
- Steve’s creative journey and the inspiration that found him
- The transformative aspects of his family’s extended stay in the Languedoc Region of Southern France
- Impact of working in the vines and a village winery on perspective towards wine and winemaking
- Changes in travel philosophy after the experience in France
- The challenges and rewards of parenting both abroad and at home
- How he inspires and encourages his kids in their creativity
- Sneak peek of upcoming appearance on The Splendid Table on July 18
- Where to find Steve’s work, follow his journey, and purchase his new memoir
Connect with Steve:
https://www.instagram.com/sjrhoffman
People inspiring Steve:
His wife, Mary Jo Hoffman
https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman
