The Price of Fame

Just how valuable is Patricia Wells’ time? If you want to hang out with the France-based restaurant critic of the International Herald Tribune and well-loved author of five food books, it will cost you $500 a day.

“In response to requests over the years, Patricia Wells will open her 18th-Century Provencal home this September to a small number of guests eager to share in the food, wine and culture of one of France’s most blessed regions,” writes her publicist.

The five-day program (yes, $2,500 per person) includes cooking classes, visits to local markets, wine tastings and most lunches and dinners. Wells’ groupies, of course, will have to pay for their own air fare and lodging. For more information write Wells at 18 Rue Daru, 75008 Paris, France or Fax: (331) 42.67.53.52.