2 Westfield Chefs To Feature In Show Premiering At Cranford Theater

CRANFORD, NJ — The two head chefs of a Westfield catering company will be featured in a new original series, "Maggie Cooks in Provence," which will debuts at Cranford Theater on Thursday.

The film follows Westfield residents Margaret Hodges and Jane Gross as they pursue "culinary excellence in France." The screening begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

Hodges grew up spending time at her family's farm in Provence, France and the show follows Hodges and Gross as they procure ingredients from a local market and use them to make a home-cooked meal.

“When I visited our farm as a teenager, I’d eat the most delicious fresh figs and apricots and cherries,” Hodges said. “I’d smell the lavender and thyme, and I’d drink from the fountain in the courtyard that the Romans built two thousand years ago, which still runs with fresh water. My parents did all these things before me, and now my children and their children do the same.”

The first episode of "Maggie Cooks in Provence" features a visit to the market in nearby Lourmarin. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, Lourmarin is nestled among picturesque vineyards, olive groves, and almond orchards.

“Beyond their passion for cooking, the engaging personalities of Maggie and Jane make each episode a delight," states Ralph Cochrane, CEO of Creative Grid, the series’ London-based producer. "Filmed entirely on location in France, Maggie Cooks in Provence has the appeal of French cuisine blended with authenticity and humor."

Maggie Cooks is a catering business in Westfield that was founded by the two chefs and specializes in French cuisine.

You can register for the event on EventBrite, as well as view a brief trailer.

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