Our History
Bonjour! I’m Hana—Your Guide to Simple, Joyful Cooking
Cooking has always been my love language. It’s how I express care, tell stories, and bring people together. If you’re here, it means you share that same passion—or maybe you’re just curious about making delicious food feel a little less intimidating. Either way, welcome! Let me introduce myself.
A Childhood Among Lavender Fields & Olive Groves
I was born and raised in the lush countryside near Aix-en-Provence, where life moved at the pace of the seasons. My earliest memories are filled with the scent of lavender wafting through the air, olive trees swaying gently in the breeze, and the comforting aroma of something bubbling away on the stove.
My grandmother was my first teacher in the kitchen. Too small to reach the counter, I’d sit on a wooden stool watching her knead dough for fougasse or stir a pot of ratatouille with slow, deliberate movements. She taught me that food isn’t just nourishment—it’s storytelling. Every dish carries a piece of history, tradition, and joy shared around a table.
From Literature to Whisks: How I Found My Path
After studying literature in Lyon, I thought I’d spend my days crafting stories on paper. But no matter how many books I read or essays I wrote, I kept finding myself drawn back to the kitchen. There was something magical about transforming raw ingredients into something beautiful—and then sharing it with others.
I realized that while I loved words, I loved even more the stories we tell through a plate of food. So, I traded my pen for a whisk and enrolled in a small culinary school in Avignon. There, I honed my skills but never lost sight of what mattered most: creating dishes that were simple, heartfelt, and accessible.
Life Today: Cozy Kitchens & Clémentine the Cat
Now, I live in a cozy apartment in the United States with my rescue cat, Clémentine, who loves nothing more than lounging on the counter (when she thinks I’m not looking). My kitchen is the heart of my home—a place where mistakes happen, laughter fills the air, and every meal tells a story.
I specialize in simple, rustic French food with a modern twist —dishes you can cook with love and serve with pride, even on a busy weeknight. I believe anyone can cook, and the best meals aren’t the most complicated ones. They’re the ones that bring people together.
Why Hana Eats?
Hana Eats is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s an invitation to embrace cooking as a joyful, creative act. Here, you’ll find:
Easy Meals for Real Life : Recipes designed for real kitchens, real schedules, and real people. No perfection required.
French-Inspired Simplicity : Classic techniques and flavors made approachable for everyday cooks.
Stories Behind the Dishes : Because every recipe has a memory, a lesson, or a laugh tied to it.
I also believe in learning alongside you. Yes, I’ve burned tarts, over-salted stews, and set off the smoke alarm more times than I’d like to admit. But every mistake has made me a better cook—and hopefully, a more generous one too. I’m here not just to share what I know but to grow with you.
Let’s Cook Together
So pull up a chair, tie on an apron, and let’s get started. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or experimenting with something new, remember this: cooking doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.
Thank you for being here—for trusting me to guide you, inspire you, and maybe even make you smile along the way. Here’s to good food, great company, and all the messy, beautiful moments in between.
