I am JeriLynne Clifford, the Hill Country Bon Vivant. A bon vivant is someone who enjoys an elevated, intentional and grateful way of living. I am blessed to live in the Hill Country of Texas. Put the two things together and that is how I became, The Hill Country Bon Vivant. 

I have loved food, entertaining, and the life of a gourmand for as long as I can remember. I catered my first wedding at sixteen for a friend of my mom. I continued to cater throughout my life from part-time when my children were small to full-time once they were all in school.

I am the proud mother of four grown children who are spread across the country. Teaching my children how to cook was born out of necessity. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had the need to make sure they knew how to cook. My legacy would be through food and their memories. Through the grace of God, I am still here 20 years later, but I am so happy to have passed on my love for the bon vivant lifestyle to my children. 

Julia Child is my inspiration. My use of the French language is my wink to Julia.  My love for Julia led me to audition for the TV show "The Chew" in 2012. I won the Julia Child cooking contest in honor of what would have been her 100th birthday, by making Beef Bourguignon along with Chef Michael Symon.

I live my life with the mantra of grace, grit & gratitude. I am excited to share my hospitality expertise and knowledge of being a tastemaker with you in hopes that you too, will embrace the life of a bon vivant.

My Story

My Accolades

My passion for food has led me to fall in love with CSA programs (Community Supported Agriculture) and farmer's markets. At my last two jobs, I have worked with my employer and local farmers to spread knowledge and love for local agriculture. I always love going to famers markets as I feel you get the real pulse of the community while visiting. Read more about my work with a local farm in this article in Purpose magazine and my work with a CSA in this article from the Berkshire Eagle.

I was also part of a competitive picnic league and had so much fun sharing food with friends with the music of the Boston Symphony Orchestra playing at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA. We would have a theme each week and anywhere from 4-10 couples/families would arrive with food and drinks to share. Voting for a winner was all in fun, but we had some wonderful prizes and incredibly memorable experiences. Read more about this unique experience in this article from the Berkshire Eagle.

Want to get a little taste of what I've put together? Check out my suggested itineraries on The Vind 

Recently, I won 1st place in Fredericksburg Farms' Recipe Contest! It was a fun recipe to make and a delight to win! You can find the recipe by clicking the image below!

or my soup recipe featured in Purpose magazine. 

Press: