Were there an English term for it, I’d have used it. A bon vivant is someone who relishes parties, social occasions, and life’s luxuries – especially as they pertain to food and drink. And while it’s true we live in a home that’s positively buzzing, whether it’s friends dropping in unannounced to see what’s cooking, or a movie night, my version of luxury may be different than how other generations view it.
To me, luxury is a group of close friends coming together and laughing over big plates of pasta. Living in a walkable neighborhood where I can grab a chai or take a yoga class. I choose world travel over pricy antiques. Boat rides and road trips over sparkling jewels. I’d forfeit the most resplendent hotel room if it could afford me a couple of extra Greek islands.
And while I do love parties and social occasions, I’m an introvert. Most writers are. I like to retreat and write even more than I enjoy hosting.
How it started…
Though I got my start in high school writing for Young DC, my writing career took off in Los Angeles. I wrote, directed and starred in the controversial comedy Polygamy, (pictured below). It played to sold out audiences, and ignited my passion for writing. I moved on to become a food critic, film critic, blogger, and I write opinion editorials for magazines and websites.
I also worked as a media executive, writing copy and collaborating with studios, such as Warner Brothers and Lionsgate. I became a judge on the traveling Top Chef show, and was named an official Tastemaker for the Taste Awards.
How it’s going…
I have since moved to Richmond, Virginia. I’ve worked in local radio and television, and moonlight as a freelance writer for The Richmond Times-Dispatch, among other publications. I’m the lifestyle expert and blogger for Ladles and Linens, where I cover dinner parties (both thrown and attended) offer entertaining trips, recipes, and travel stories around food.
I’m also the columnist for Diversions, a lifestyle column in North of the James magazine, where I write opinion pieces on life in Richmond, share road trip stories, offer tips on the best new restaurants – I even explore historical sites that are rumored to be haunted.
This site is meant to be a one-stop shop for everything I’m up to, free from editors. I don’t update it as often as I’d like, but in some ways, that’s a wonderful problem to have. I’m glad you’re here.
Fayeruz Regan 