About Manon
I grew up in Ontario, Canada, and graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in French and English Language and Literature. My husband, Larry, and I moved to Illinois when he got a job as a professor at the University of Illinois. We have 3 kids: Domenic, Nicolina, and Roman. Our two oldest kids are now in college, and the other will be going in a few years. So, this is a great time to make my dream of having a bakery come true. I am beyond excited that Six Red Chairs Bakery will be a vendor at the Urbana Farmers‘ Market this season. I’ll start sales on May 8th!
How long have you lived in Mahomet, what has your experience been like and why did you move here?
In 2005, we found the perfect house for us in the Pinetree neighborhood. We moved in only weeks after our youngest was born and just in time for our eldest to start kindergarten here. As someone who moved a lot during childhood, having our three kids have roots here has been just amazing. Our neighbors are simply the best, and this community has been a great place to raise our kids.
If you or a family member has been working from home, taking classes remotely, etc… what is the greatest benefit?
With five family members, we had a very full and busy calendar. Working/studying from home gave us all a sense of stillness that we hadn’t experienced in years. We’ve spent a lot of time together this past year, and we still all get along so well!
How did you cope with the freezing temperatures we had in February 2021?
We spent a lot of time by the fire, and we played a LOT of Skip Bo and Rummikub!
Did you or your family do any kind of winter activities, if yes what was it?
Our family loves to skate, but we didn’t get to do that this winter. Mostly, I spent a lot of the winter months developing and testing recipes. I baked a lot of croissants and cookies. I even enlisted groups of Mahomet residents to be my taste testers and critics, which was fun.
What are your thoughts on the pandemic after having experienced it for a year?
Like for many people, the sustained level of isolation has been very difficult. But I’m hoping that we’ll all be vaccinated soon and that life will return to normal. Mostly, I continue to pray for those who have been most affected.
What’s the most important thing you have learned from 2020?
I’ll never again take for granted the simple act of togetherness – with friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and community.
Do you have a bucket list? If yes, what are the top three items?
1) Even though it never seemed like a bucket list item before, I dream of the day we can go back to Canada and see our families again. It’s been 2 years since we last saw them.
2) I’d love to rent a house in France and live there for the summer.
3) I can’t wait to visit the Bourbon trail! I’ve wanted to do that for a very long time!
What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
Early morning coffee with my husband is pretty special, especially on days when I bake croissants. Making our house smell like a bakery is one of my favorite things! Happy hour with mocktails/cocktails is fun too!
What’s your favorite book/tv/movie?
I’m not a big tv watcher, but I love movies. My favorite movie is an Italian film called Cinema Paradiso.
What’s your definition/meaning of life?
Give, forgive, thanks give. It’s a teeny little mantra, but it houses a world of love and wisdom.
Bonus question! Feel free to share what makes you unique or your special talent!
While I’ve lived in this small community, I’ve been given the chance to share my passion for cooking and our table. I’ve cooked for friends, neighbors, and community members experiencing tough times, for many of the teachers and staff at our schools, made fundraising dinners for MAYC, and cooked for strangers who just needed a home-cooked meal or a pick-me-up. It has all truly been a gift to me. I hope to one day write a book or cookbook about how making a meal for someone has the power to bring joy and healing and comfort. I just love that.
