If you love good food, good company, good times and something really, really good to drink, then you’re probably a bon vivant. In fact, if you love two out of the four, then you are most likely a bon vivant. “Bon vivant” means “good liver” or someone who lives well in French.

One of my favorite examples of a bon vivant is a friend who enjoys conversation over a glass of wine, and a plate of fruit and cheese. She washes down a plate of chitterlings (chitlins) on New Year’s Day with the best champagne. And she gives the best parties with an amazing group of mixed nuts (eclectic group of people) who get along well.

Another bon vivant that I love is a 5 year old  foodie with a refined palate. When she is fully energized and in a good mood, she is the life of the party and an incredible hostess.   She is great company who loves hot dogs and hamburgers, edamame and a smashed pea soup. The child will eat things most adults would turn their noses up at. She also has a hearty laugh and loves to be entertained.

We all know at least one bon vivant. And this is how they make our worlds better:

• They bring the lightness of life with joy, laughter and gaiety.
• They introduce us to experiences and foods that we would not otherwise have an interest in.
• They help us keep the goodness of life in perspective. And we all need goodness, right?

Best, Miss Lola

© 2011, Miss Lola. All rights reserved.