Elissa… former elementary teacher (10 years) turned historian. Graduate degree in European History to be completed Summer 2012. Loves to travel…especially to France, good cuisine, laughter and happy endings 
Elissa’s passion for history began as a small child. Many family vacations were spent traipsing across the vasts of Texas in search of abandoned forts, Indian artifacts, Spanish missions and the illusive Marfa Lights. It was through those many excursions that her inquisitive nature into the past was formed. Growing up as Daughter of the Republic of Texas, she naturally became aware of the importance of history in relation to the modern world.
In 2008, Elissa and her husband took a much anticipated trip to France, where they discovered their passions in life. For Elissa, it was the history of the French–through their Kings, Queens and all in between. It was the majestic and intriguing Versailles that captured her heart and curiosity. Wanting to learn all she could about it’s history, she filled her personal collection of history books on the inhabitants who once called the guilded palace their home. She embarked on an educational quest to obtain a graduate degree in European History. Her passion for the history of France is evidenced by her depth of knowledge on the subject and excitement in which she can retell the stories of her favorite French characters–From Napoleon to Marie Antoinette and many other glittering individuals! In the summer of 2011 Elissa was fortunate enough to have spent 4 months surrounded by the history that captivates her heart.
Matthew… an extremely talented Chef with an incredible amount of optimism and zest for life.
Update! Reinstated in the US Coast Guard as a Chef–FS3!
Chef Matt’s culinary roots go back to his mother’s country kitchen. Learning to prepare soulful dishes began before he could even see over the counter. In a house of 3 growing boys, the Chef’s mother would prepare “stick to your bones” kind of meals–all made with fresh ingredients. He learned the importance of sustainable living by growing produce, raising animals and hunting for wild game. It was in his mother’s kitchen he discovered the art of making the Czecholovakian Kolache, a talent he is noted for!
In 2001 Matthew embarked on his first phase in the culinary world by attending the Culinary Institute LeNotre, in Houston Texas. After graduation, he combined his passion with his mother’s love of baking to open a charming cafe in Corpus Christi, Texas called Holly Road Cafe. Together they mixed French bistro styled food with her many baked and candied delights; Holly Road Cafe was an instant success with connoisseurs of quality cuisine.
In 2011 Matt headed for Paris, France to continue his professional career as a chef. It was there he gained the experience of working under the guidance of a Michelin star chef, discovered the beauty and richness of the fresh markets and witnessed a culture that has a true love affair with food. He now combines his French training and passion for sustainable products to create unique culinary experiences. Matt is now on a quest to continually challenge himself and never stop experimenting with a variety of flavors and ingredients. It’s a tradition he learned in his mother’s country kitchen!
So Totally Awesome!!!! I can’t believe I’m reading about my son and daughter-in-law. I am sooooooo proud of the two of you!!! All My Love….
Looks good guys, cant wait to read more and see what chef matt has up his sleeves for recipes.
Creative,cute and newsy. You two should be in marketing! Set your goals, do your homework, stay focused on making things better in the world, work hard, pray lots, and make your dreams become realities!
Hi! I found you through the Couwgirl Chef site. My husband and I are moving to Paris in April. We’re foodies and my husband Mark is into photography. We’re actually flying out of Houston in April (my parents live in OKC) so we might have to try the restaurant you/your husband? is working at there.
Wow! We will need to meet up when we get to Paris in June. So I guess you will be staying overnight in Houston? You may need reservations for the restaurant, not sure though. Just check the website. My husband is doing an internship there for one of his culinary classes and might be done by April. What are you and your husband going to be doing in Paris? I just read your blog and it seems we are on the same track in life…except we aren’t bringing our little dog or our household contents. Maybe once we get there and settle we will ship them! Let’s keep in touch!
Now that I think about it, we probably won’t be able to visit the restaurant – it’s probably not dog-friendly (sooo looking forward to not having to worry about that!) We are going to get certified to teach English. My husband has left his law career, I “retired” 5 years ago from TV production, so this is a whole new world for us. Mark is an EU citizen – he’s originally from England, so we don’t have to worry about work visas (just finding jobs!) Mark is also an amateur photographer who would like to go professional and now he’ll have the time to pursue that. Send me your email so we can get together after you arrive!
What a terrific blog, I cannot wait to go have lunch at Phillipe’s and meet Matt of course I hear so much about both of you from Patty.
I am so proud of the two of you!! I can’t wait to log on to this site to see what you two have been up to!
Hi There, Just saw your link to your blog on the Survive France Network and see you’re into Paris – me too – welcome! ~ Sab
Hey! Yes, we are very much into the city. We will be there beginning in June. We should stay in contact and meet up!
So, Little Cousin Matthew Shaw & Bride with passports in hand?! C’est magnifique! Paris is undeniably a magical spot to discover and adventure! I enjoyed my time there immensely. My particular metro favorites are Renzo Piano’s post-modern, high-tech Centre Georges Pompidou (which houses the Musée National d’Art Moderne) {Place Georges Pompidou in the vicinity of Châtelet-Les-Halles, Hôtel de Ville , Le Marais} and the former glass and steel railway station (built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900) now repurposed as the Musée d’Orsay {62, rue de Lille}.
Congratulations on the very smart web presence! There will be much anticipation for the exchange and dialogue you two will share in this (virtual) tag-along.
My Very Best Wishes to You Both for an Unforgettable, Magnificent Journey!
Au revoir, bon voyage . . .
-CB-
(Thank you to Elizabeth, who passed along your calling card!)
Nice site! How are you able to work in Paris? Don’t you need visas and stuff? I want to move to Paris, too.
Yes, we have visas–that was a process in itself! I’m just accompanying my husband, so I have a long stay visa. My husband, who is a student, has the right to work. Moving to France was a decision that took us many many years–then getting everything ready to do it legally took another year!! To do it right takes time. You could move here as a student–that’s probably the easiest way.
I have finally found time to read your blog and it is truly enjoyable and inspirationable (is that a word?). I love your writing style, how come you never taught writing???? Looks like you and Chef have found your grove and are settling in nicely. Can’t wait to read more about your new surroundings and interesting takes on Paris.
I will miss your smiling face this year at school, that fourth grade pod will never be the same!!
Oh thank you Alice! I sure miss everyone…but Paris and France as a whole is a wonderful adventure, experience and adjustment. We have already learned so much and have come to appreciate our home more than ever. Being in a foreign country has its perks and drawbacks. I don’t regret one thing–however I realize now how good we really have it in the US. Who knows..we may be back come next May—we’re tossing up some different ideas about what we can do once we return.