About Come to the Table

Come to the Table is Louise Luiggi’s autobiography with recipes – it’s a story of two passions; love and food.

This is a deliciously romantic love story. Stéphane Luiggi, a brooding and darkly handsome Corsican meets fragile, blonde English girl, Louise, in the pink-bricked city of Toulouse – La Ville Rose. The couple discovers not only a passion for each other but they also begin to nurture a passion for food as Stéphane patiently tutors Louise in France’s culinary secrets. Food becomes the unusual yet evocative means of expressing the emotions that run through their story, as Louise and Stéphane’s life-experiences mirror the way it is depicted.

There are recipes, tips and advice, but Come to the Table is not a cookery book. It is an inspirational story that casts a whole new perspective on the importance of food in our lives, how it can affect relationships, nurture creativity and confidence – and make your mouth water. This highly original memoir also provides a wonderful insight into the little known world of the islanders of Corsica, unraveling their culture, their island and of course their cuisine. The story enchants with spectacular descriptions of the wild, untamed landscapes of Corsica contrasting with the formal elegance of Paris, carefree student days in Toulouse, and the gritty realism of life in Nottingham as the story evolves from the early 1980’s to the present day. Click here to read an extract.

French Living restaurant (click to enlarge)

French Living shop inside (click to enlarge)

French Living Corsican produce (click here to enlarge)

This fascinating book exposes the origins of Nottingham’s popular Gallic haven, French Living. This eclectic mix of French shop, café and restaurant in Nottingham was opened back in 1994, in an attempt to keep Louise’s homesick Corsican husband firmly on English soil. It’s a place bursting with French specialties, capturing the essence, scents and sounds of Paris, Toulouse and Corsica. But will this ever be enough to keep her Mediterranean man happy? Can this high-risk marriage of subtle cultural differences ever work?

“I suppose the appeal of French Living to the Nottingham people has not really changed now they know the love story behind our business” says Louise “I think it has in some ways become even more human and a thrilling contrast to the chains of impersonal shops and restaurants that litter our high-streets. Customers continue to come in to eat, to feel part of the family, to witness first hand the Luiggi saga. It’s rather like visiting a film set for them now.”

What people say

“A seductive tale, deliciously told … unputdownable” Daily Mail

“The recipes could mean you’ll be torn between heading for the kitchen and finishing the book” Decanter Magazine
“A moreish memoir of a life in love with France and French cooking.” Sunday Express
“A beautifully written book” Nottingham Evening Post

Where to buy the Book

Come to the Table is available in both hard-back £12.99 and paperback £7.99 and can be bought direct from the publisher.
Visit www.piatkus.co.uk

Buy your book from French Living and have your book signed by Louise. www.frenchliving.co.uk

Alternatively Come to the Table is available at all major bookstores, including Waterstones.

Quick links

Buy "Come to the Table" from our online shop >
Read extracts from the book >
Read about the author, Louise Luiggi >
Louise is available for public speaking >
Louise's weekly column in the Nottingham
Evening Post >